"Chile perhaps have a player or two amongst their ranks who have a lot of experience playing in tournaments, however I see us well equipped to deal with them". The striker got his first goal for Germany after he netted against Australia and he believes his teammates have what it takes to get another positive result.
Chile have come to Russian Federation with a different approach. Then came the 2015 Copa America on home soil, followed by the Copa Centenario in the US a year later. Whoever wins will be in pole position to qualify first heading into the final Group B fixture ahead of the semi-finals.
There is no doubt that this competition means more to Chile than it does to Germany, or perhaps any other side here.
Nevertheless, the score remained 1-1 at the full-time whistle, as both nations move to four points heading into the final group matches this weekend.
The two countries squared off to a 1-1 stalemate on Thursday with Sanchez' goal - the 38th of his global career - not enough to see Juan Antonio Pizzi's men to all three points.
Neither side could find a victor in a drab second half, with both teams seemingly settling for a point.
This strategy paid quick dividends against the Germans.
Chile took the lead in the sixth minute after Shkodran Mustafi gave the ball away deep in his own half.
"Alexis scored a very special goal because he is now the top scorer ever for Chile", Pizzi told reporters.
Rep. Steve Scalise Now in 'Fair' Condition
Congressman Steve Scalise underwent another operation Saturday and his condition has been upgraded to "serious" from "critical". Medstar Washington Hospital Center released the update on behalf of the Scalise family.
Chile's style of play can be as exhausting as it is bold.
Find out what time the game kicks off where you are in the world. We made a huge effort, especially in the first half.
Chile were determined to respond to the equaliser positively and did so as the game got underway after half-time, Alexis Sanchez bending a free-kick just over the bar.
The tone of the game changed after the interval.
"I m very happy to be Chile s top-scorer now, our dream is to win this tournament and we feel we have a chance", said Sanchez, who refused to be drawn about his Arsenal future.
In the match's earlier game Australia came from behind to grab a share of the spoils against Cameroon. The immediate question is that his side have not yet booked their semifinal place and so face a crunch game against Australia on Sunday.
The pair both sit on four points after two matches in Group B, but both can guarantee their progression to the knockout phase by avoiding defeat against Cameroon and Australia, respectively.
He said Australia were "100 per cent" still in the tournament, despite never progressing from their group at Federation Internationale de Football Association or AFC level when they've lost the opening game. Will his ageing team be able to last the full 90 minutes?
Comments