Netherlands 2-0 Chile: Five talking points

#3 Alexis Sanchez won the battle but lost the war

To break down a well-drilled Dutch defence, it was always going to take something special. In the absence of the rested Arturo Vidal, Chile were hoping that Alexis Sanchez would be their man.

The 25-year-old Barcelona winger certainly showed why the nation’s hopes were thrust on his slender shoulders. For every time he got on the ball, it looked like something was going to happen.

Playing on the right wing, the fact that he was fouled seven times by Dutch left back Daley Blind, shows just how much of a threat he was throughout the game. Whether it was putting in dangerous crosses, beating his man time and again or threatening the goal with a well worked shot, Sanchez should just why he is so highly regarded by the Chileans.

But, unfortunately for Chile, all of that came to nothing, as he couldn’t help his side score a goal. Although he beat his man at an alarming rate, it was still not enough as Chile were unable to create too many clear cut chances to threaten Cillessen’s goal, something he will surely want to improve in the Round of 16.