Saturday 14 June 2014 10:50, UK
Jorge Sampaoli admits Chile need to produce more 'complete' performances if they are to shine on the World Cup stage.
The South American dark horses made a winning start to their Group B campaign on Friday as they saw off Australia 3-1.
The contest was much closer that the final scoreline suggests, though, with a late effort from Jean Beausejour required to wrap up the points.
Prior to that, Chile had burst out of the blocks with two goals in the opening 14 minutes – through Alexis Sanchez and Jorge Valdivia – only to then be pegged back by Tim Cahill.
Sampaoli conceded afterwards that his players had produced a mixed bag, but saw enough to suggest that they will be competitive in meetings with Holland and Spain.
He said: “In short tournaments, you have to make decisions. Fortunately, we can count on the enthusiasm of the players and the fans. The support of the people helped to lift the team.
“But to take on our other rivals, we must make our matches more complete.
“The pressure that we put on in the first 30 minutes was good, we managed to subdue our opponents.
“Australia were able to overcome that, but I have a happy dressing room.
“There are things that we can do better, this isn’t us at our best. The players gave their all for the shirt and were very professional.”
Valdivia added: “It was important to start with a win and to do it in this manner.
“It doesn’t matter who the next opponents are, the key is to keep on playing good football.
“This is for all of the people who have travelled a long way to see us and support us.”
