A combination of South American flair and slack New Zealand defence saw Chile thump the All Whites 4-1 in the first of their two soccer internationals in Chile today (NZ time).
After the visitors took a shock lead in the 14th minute with a well-taken Shane Smeltz strike, New Zealand's
prospects of scoring an upset win against the world's 67th ranked side slid in the dewy conditions in Rangacuna, just south of the capital Santiago.
An own goal by defender Jeremy Christie after Chile prised open the All Whites; defence gave the hosts a 2-1 halftime lead and they never looked like relinquishing the advantage.
Following a lethargic first-half, which Chile dominated as New Zealand were content to sit back and not push too many players forward, the floodgates opened.
An unmarked Sebastian Roco climbed high to head a cross into the net with the All Whites left ball-watching.
Six minutes later, New Zealand lost possession and Eduardo Robin rifled a shot between goalkeeper Glen Moss' legs to effectively seal the match in the 67th minute.
Both teams were without their European professionals, but Chile, who reached a world high ranking of 6th in 1998, showed greater flair and control while New Zealand were left floundering in the second half in a scrappy match.
The hosts were allowed too much time on the ball and space opened up and Chile ended up taking potshots at the New Zealand goal. Only poor finishing prevented a bigger blowout.
New Zealand coach Ricki Herbert now has to rethink the strategies for his 122nd ranked side for their second match on Friday.
Today's match kicked off at 10pm local time, and Herbert will be considering to ply his defence with some stimulants. Chile, who also failed to qualify for the World Cup, quickened the pace after halftime.
Captain Danny Hay and his fellow defenders were constantly turned inside out as the speedy Chileans carved up the final line of defence.
Up front, the All Whites attack were guilty of holding on to the ball individually too long and proved easy pickings for Chile.
New Zealand's shining period came against the run of play when Moss cleared to Steven Old who flicked onto a flying Noah Hickey down the right hand side.
He then delivered a low cross which Smeltz met with a first timer, the ball sneaking inside the left post.
Though left stunned by the goal, the home side soon began to regain ascendency.
The All Whites defence found themselves scrambling against pint-sized striker Hunberto Suazo who caused headaches. Chile came close to equalising with a Jorge Valvida freekick clearing the defensive wall, but hitting the post.
In the 36th minute the constant pressure paid dividends for Chile when Matias Fernandez turned his marker then fired a pass into the box where Suazo slammed it under Moss.
Chile quickened the pace and with a series rapid short passes and backflicks, a Chilean attacker found himself clear and his cross met a retreating Christie who bundled it into his own net.
The second match on Friday kicks off at 11am (NZ time).
- NZPA
All Whites captain Danny Hay. File Picture / Simon Baker
A combination of South American flair and slack New Zealand defence saw Chile thump the All Whites 4-1 in the first of their two soccer internationals in Chile today (NZ time).
After the visitors took a shock lead in the 14th minute with a well-taken Shane Smeltz strike, New Zealand's
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