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RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL -- Who would have thought Chile stood a chance to win today's Battle at the Maracanã in Rio against the defending World Champs?!?? Well, tens of thousands of Chileans, that's who!
I flew into Rio this morning from Santiago with a plane-full of Chile fans, nearly all of them dressed for the game with tickets in hand. As the airplane was about to touch down in Rio, the ENTIRE plane broke out in song, starting with "Chi-Chi-Chi, Le-Le-Le, Vi-va Chi-Le!!" With their "fight song" following. A sea of red jerseys, zany mohawk whigs, and gladiator helmets.
The fans were really confident in their team, and the players didn't let them down! Holland's revenge blow-out last week really shattered
Spain's confidence all around, laying the groundwork for a successful, aggressive tactic by Chile. Its nearly midnight, and Chilean fans for many hours have continued to cover the streets and bars, outnumbering Brazil and Argentina soccer fans in Copacabana for the night.
Australia proved they could score against Holland, and nearly pulled out of the game with points. Will Chile be able to control the ball and dominate The Oranje? Lets see if Chile is the true dark horse, and more than a mere giant slayer...will they exceed the unexpected success achieved by Uruguay in 2010?
Now it's time to exit my hotel to share a few beers with the melting pot of World Cup revelers!
-Eric Foster
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