The last World Cup qualifying game before a six month hiatus happened last night. Chile needed a win desperately, after its horrendous showing against Uruguay five days prior to Tuesday. The Chilean national team was scheduled to face the always difficult and very organized team of Paraguay. History showed that Chile perpetually has a hard time versus Paraguay when playing at home in Santiago. It had been ten years since Chile's last triumph over Paraguay, and they frantically needed to secure a victory so as not to fall back in the World Cup qualifying table.
So, once again, I was pacing back and forth at work with my mind on the game. This time, I was going to relinquish watching the first half because the game was scheduled to start at 6:30 PM. However, I was going to have enough time to race home and catch the second half. As if the stars had aligned, I was already in my car speeding home as the first half was going to end, and the result was in Chile's favor! Chile was up 1-0 with a spectacular header strike by defender Pablo Contreras at the 27th minute of the first half and was heading into halftime with the minimal lead.
I get home and it is packed. Friends and family are scattered around the living room and the patio area discussing how great Chile played in the first half. "One-hundred eighty degree turnaround from the Uruguay game," my brother boasts. A smile runs across my face, as I position myself to watch the second half. The Chilean team comes out of the tunnel with their mind set on securing the win, as the Paraguayan team needs to be more offensive to tie the game up. So, Chile plays a very smart and tactical second half and ices the game at the 80th minute with a strike by left winger, Matias Campos-Toro! We went wild. Screaming, jumping, as I rejoice the goal with my family and friends. We let out a "Viva Chile!" chant as we calm ourselves down to watch the final ten minutes of the game.
The ref blows the final whistle and the game finishes with a 2-0 win by Chile! The Chilean team was able to overcome adversity and regroup in just a couple of days to pull out this huge victory that brings the entire team and coach, peace of mind for six months before the next World Cup qualifying game. I can exhale and live the next six months a little more calmly because of this win. Although, I know come June of 2012, I will be a nervous wreck again, palpitating the next Chilean national team performance. But, I could not have it any other way. Viva Chile mierda!
YAY!!!
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