World Cup
Group B
Result: Chile 3-1 Australia
Date: 13 June 2014
Venue: Arena Pantanal
Alexis Sanchez scored and set up another as Chile secured a 3-1 win over Australia in their Group B opener at the Arena Pantanal.
The win sees the South Americans move into second spot in Group B, behind leaders, the Netherlands on goal difference.
Alexis Sanchez gave Chile the lead with the first chance of the game in the 11th minute with composed finish from close range.
Sanchez then turned provider two minutes later as he teed up Jorge Valdivia on the edge of the area, who rifled the ball into the roof of the net.
Australia were chasing shadows for large parts of the first half, but reduced the deficit in the 35th minute as Tim Cahill rose well, to head home Matthew Spiranovic's corner.
Cahill almost leveled matters a minute later but his effort from close range was palmed away by Claudio Bravo.
Bravo came to Chile's rescue 10 minutes after the halftime break as he pulled off a stunning save to keep out Bresciano's powerful effort from close range.
Wilkinson then stopped Chile from increasing their advantage in the 61st minute as he cleared Eduardo Vargas' shot off the line.
Cahill came close to leveling the score in the 70th minute, as got above his marker again but headed just over the crossbar.
The Socceroos pushed on for an equaliser but the Chilean defence stood firm in the closing stages.
Jean Beausejour sealed the win in stoppage with a fine low drive from 20-yards out, after Vargas' effort had been saved.
