2014 World Cup - day 02 - Group B - Chile vs Australia 3:1
Chile vs Australia 3:1
GOALS
Chile:
12′ Sánchez
14′ Valdívia
90′ Beausejour
Australia:
35′ Cahill
Alexis Sanchez scored twice as Chile started their World Cup campaign with a win over Australia. Barcelona forward Sanchez finished from close range in the 12th minute and then set up Jorge Valdivia to drive in from outside the area two minutes later.
They took the lead when Charles Aranguiz managed to get in behind the Socceroos defence for the first time after 11 minutes, and when Eduardo Vargas headed down from the midfielder's cross, Sanchez guided in at the near post.
The advantage was doubled when Barcelona forward Sanchez picked out Valdivia and the Palmeiras midfielder hit a dipping shot in off the underside of the bar from 25 yards.
But a slackness crept into their play and Cahill, renowned for his aerial ability in his time at Everton, rose above Medel to thump in from a Franjic cross.
The 34-year-old New York Red Bulls player was then denied by a low save from Bravo after he was found by Mathew Leckie on the edge of the area.
After the break, Cahill had an effort ruled out for offside before Tommy Oar's cross was met with a firm half-volley from Bresciano only for Bravo to push around the post.
Chile came close to a third when Sanchez threaded through for Vargas and the Valencia forward's poked effort was hacked off the line by Alex Wilkinson.
Cahill headed over from another Jason Davidson cross as Australia continued to threaten. But after Mauricio Panilla's shot was saved by Matthew Ryan, fellow substitute Beausejour found the corner with the rebound.