..::Football III::..

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Ochoa lauds Mexico rearguard

Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa has hailed his side's defence as they prepare for their last-16 World Cup clash with the Netherlands.

The Group A runners-up tackle the Dutch in Fortaleza on Sunday, with Louis van Gaal's men bang in-form after scoring 10 goals in three group wins.

El Tri only netted four times as they picked up seven points, but had not been beaten at the back for the opening 266 minutes of the tournament before Croatia's Ivan Perisic scored a consolation goal in their final group game.

And up against a potent Dutch attack featuring Robin van Persie, Arjen Robben and Wesley Sneijder, Ochoa said his defence must continue to be compact.
"I think the defensive line has been shown to be key," said Ochoa.

"In such a short tournament it is so important and essential to help you earn points, and to make a difference we must continue on a single line."The team has seen and has been playing well, has grown and hopefully in the next game will continue to grow."

Ochoa admitted that he fears the star-studded Dutch, but also warned the 2010 finalists to not be complacent against his side."It's a tough opponent, it will not be easy, we will give a good fight in all sectors and have to be very attentive and focused," he added.

"We've seen in the games they've played that they have players that make much difference, versatile, strong, but we also play, we have our strengths and how we have been following them, they will have to deal with us."

 

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Scolari: Brazil are at 80% ahead of Chile clash

Brazil boss Luiz Felipe Scolari says his side are at 80 per cent of the level they reached when they won the Confederations Cup on home soil this time last year.

Wins over Croatia and Cameroon and a draw with Mexico saw Brazil top Group A and set up a meeting with Chile in the last 16 of the World Cup on Saturday.

The hosts have not always looked convincing, however, and their patchy performances have brought intense scrutiny from the Brazilian media.

"We like to watch the games, but we don't listen to what the pundits and commentators say," Scolari told reporters at his side's pre-match press conference at the Estadio Mineirao on Friday. "We don't really want to know what is being said because some players don't take well to [public] criticism."

But he admitted: "The team at this time is at 80 per cent of the level we were at in the Confederations Cup. We have done a lot of work with our medical department, a lot of psychological work. The evolution has been noted and we are approaching the normal and ideal conditions we had last year."

Then, Brazil beat Spain 3-0 in the final to claim the trophy and make a significant statement ahead of this year's World Cup, but before they can think of similar success this time around the hosts face a tricky match against Chile on Saturday.

"Chile are a very good team," Scolari said. "They have adapted to the system of [coach Jorge] Sampaoli and they have a new dynamic since his arrival."

And he warned: "Their performances have improved and they can cause us problems, maybe even beat us. "That's not in our plans as we are preparing to win the game, but if we lose, life goes on."

 

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Wilmots: Winning trumps style

Belgium coach Marc Wilmots has defended his team's style of play after they edged South Korea 1-0 on Thursday.

Considered one of the outside favourites entering the World Cup, Belgium claimed three wins in Group H without being overly impressive, also beating Algeria and Russia to set up a date with the USA in the round of 16.

But the 45-year-old coach, whose team played the second half against South Korea with 10 men, said that the results were their own reward."Yet again our patient approach paid off," Wilmots said.

"I knew that the Koreans would leave us with a lot of space to play with. My young team had a tendency to push forwards too much at times, so I tried to get them to relax a little.

"It’s no easy task to finish the group stage with nine points. It’s a truly historic achievement for Belgium, and I’d like to congratulate the staff and all the players.
"We're here to win, not to play beautiful football, and we've accomplished our mission."

Defender Jan Vertonghen scored the match-winning goal in the 78th minute at the Arena Corinthians in Sao Paulo, despite midfielder Steven Defour's red card just before half-time for a reckless, studs-up challenge.The Tottenham centre-back was delighted, particularly with his side's ability to claim a win with only 10 men.

"After scoring, I wanted to share my indescribable joy with our supporters. We feel like they’re really behind us, and that’s important for the squad," Vertonghen said.

"Finishing top of the group and pulling off a late win with 10 men is also a real source of satisfaction."

 

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Netherlands team could be sent into space

A Dutch company has announced that they could send the Netherlands team into outer space should they win the World Cup.

The Space Expedition Corporation (SXC), a Dutch startup that intends to offer voyages into space for tourism and research, said that they were inspired by the furore surrounding Robin van Persie’s airborne header against Spain.

“As a company of Dutch origin, we are of course very proud of the achievements of the Oranje currently in Brazil,” said co-founder Michiel Mol to AD.

“Robin van Persie’s goal, and all the headlines about 'The Flying Dutchman' have brought us the idea to do something extra.

“The whole selection of 23 players and of course Louis van Gaal, we will try to literally lift them to a higher level; 103 kilometres [into space].”

SXC is expected to offer their first commercial journeys into space later in 2015, with the Oranje voyage not expected to take place until at least 2016.

 

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Neymar will reach Messi's level, says Thiago Silva

Brazil captain Thiago Silva says Neymar has what it takes to reach the level of his Barcelona team-mate Lionel Messi and claims the 22-year-old is "growing into a crescendo" at the World Cup.

Brazil face Chile in the last 16 at the Estadio Mineirao in Belo Horizonte on Saturday and the hosts' hopes will once again rest on the shoulders of Neymar.

Like Messi, the former Santos forward has already netted four goals in the competition and Thiago Silva says the Brazilian is well on the way to matching the Argentina skipper.

"Messi is one of the best strikers in the world, one of the very best players," the Paris Saint-Germain defender told reporters at a press conference ahead of his side's match against Chile. "But Neymar is growing into a crescendo and he will be soon considered one of the best in the world,

"Technically, he has all the skills. Messi is one of the best of all, but I’m sure Neymar will get to that level."

Asked the same question, Brazil boss Luiz Felipe Scolari agreed that Neymar is on the right track to be considered on a par with his Barcelona team-mate.

"Thiago just answered," he said. "Messi is one of the biggest and the best, but Neymar is following in that direction.

"I will only give my opinion [on which player is better] in 10 to 15 years," he revealed, but added: "Neymar doesn’t play to be the best, he plays for Brazil and stands by Brazil because he wants Brazil to be world champions."

 

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Raiola: Balotelli could still leave Milan

AC Milan forward Mario Balotelli could leave San Siro if he does not feel appreciated, according to the player’s agent Mino Raiola.

Balotelli still has four years on his contract with the Rossoneri but has been linked with a move to Arsenal – though manager Arsene Wenger has poured cold water on that speculation.

The striker also failed to impress as Italy crashed out of the World Cup and though he was defended by Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani, executive Barbara Berlusconi described him as “replaceable”.

Raiola demanded clarification on Berlusconi’s remarks and suggested that with offers in the pipeline, the player could be on his way should he no longer feel wanted at the club.

“Mario is sad, desperate,” he said to Gazzetta dello Sport.

“I appreciate Galliani's comments but now I want to respond to Barbara Berlusconi.

"If for her Mario is replaceable, she should set up a meeting in the club's headquarters and we will find a solution, just as I usually do.

"Mario had other important offers. He is at Milan because of his heart, I don’t know if it’s because of Berlusconi.”

Raiola, whose list of clients includes former Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, also hit out at criticism of Balotelli for Italy’s disappointing campaign in Brazil.

“Did anyone really think that Italy would win the World Cup?” he fumed.

“It is shameful to blame Balotelli alone. I am not surprised by Italy's failure. In Europe our clubs no longer win so how could the national team perform a miracle?"

The agent also had strong words for former Italy coach Cesare Prandelli, who resigned from his position immediately following the Azzurri’s elimination.

“I do not know Prandelli, but his idea was a losing tactic. How could you only play with one striker on the pitch? Even Costa Rica had three.”

 

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Martino: I was worn out from pressure to live up to Guardiola

Former Barcelona coach Gerardo Martino has revealed that he was worn out from the pressure to succeed at the Liga club.

Martino took over from Tito Vilanova at the start of the 2013-14 season, but departed his post at the end of the campaign having only managed to win the Supercopa.

It was in stark contrast to Barcelona’s 14-trophy haul under Pep Guardiola, and the 51-year-old argued that he could only take being held to such standards for so long.

"Pep's Barcelona was the best team in all history. That comparison was never positive,” he said to Marca.

“At Barcelona, winning wasn't enough. If you won, it was thanks to the players and if you lost, it was my fault. It was hard to continue.

“When the players back their coach in public it’s nice at the time but you soon grow weary.”

Martino also had a spell coaching in Argentina with Newell’s Old Boys, where he won the 2013 Clausura.

 

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Ronaldo sure of Brazil-Argentina final

Brazil legend Ronaldo believes his county will face Argentina in the World Cup final, but admits that he is not prepared to handle the team losing to their great rivals.

With both sides through to the knockout stages and on opposite sides of the draw, they could conceivably meet at the Maracana on June 13 should they both successfully navigate their remaining games.

“I’m pretty sure that the final will be Brazil-Argentina,” he said to reporters at a Fifa event.“It will be a dream if we win. But to lose would be a nightmare. So hopefully Argentina lose before then.”

Brazil must first turn their attentions to their round of 16 tie against Chile, and Ronaldo feels that Jorge Sampaoli’s men are the more worried outfit heading into Saturday’s encounter.“My opinion is that Chile are infinitely more concerned that the Brazil team, not only for the football but the [historical] record,” he said.

Ronaldo also took time to praise Neymar’s performances in the group stages, arguing that his compatriot has overshadowed Lionel Messi at the tournament.
“Neymar and Messi are being decisive,” he added.“Neymar is playing a lot. Messi is growing in the World Cup but Neymar, for me, is becoming the figure of this World Cup.”

Ronaldo is the joint all-time leading scorer in World Cup history with 15 goals, though fellow record-holder Miroslav Klose could yet eclipse his tally with Germany also through to the last 16.

 

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Kagawa: Japan lack quality

Japan star Shinji Kagawa has lamented a lack of individual quality after his team's exit from the World Cup.The Asian champions were considered to have a chance of making an impact in Brazil, but they collected just one point to finish bottom of Group C.

Alberto Zaccheroni resigned from his position as coach in the wake of Japan's 4-1 loss to Colombia on Tuesday.Kagawa reflected that his team still fell short of the elite and so were unable to produce at the big moments.

"We can play well as a team, but in terms of individual quality, we are not good enough to score or avoid conceding in the final moments, which is the difference between us and the best teams in the world," the Manchester United man said.

"We actually conceded when we had to try not to, and couldn't finish it when we needed to score against Greece. I think that made a very big difference.
"I would like to get it right so as to improve."

Asked about winning a place in the United starting line-up under Louis van Gaal, Kagawa said he was yet to think about it as he recovers from the disappointment of the World Cup."Firstly I have to reflect on this World Cup," he said.

"This is not the end of my career, so I want to make the best of this frustration and disappointment for the sake of my future career."Japan defender Yuto Nagatomo, 27, was inconsolable as he spoke about his team's performance.

"Honestly I couldn't sleep yesterday and was thinking of things such as my future international career and what I have to do now, but I have given everything for this World Cup," he said as tears filled his eyes.

 

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Guardiola: Leaving Barcelona hurt

Bayern Munich boss Pep Guardiola claims that stepping down as coach of Barcelona still weighs heavily on him.

The 43-year-old left his role at the Catalan club in 2012, taking a year-long sabbatical before assuming the reins at his current club.

Guardiola recalled that his exit from Barcelona did not come without some tribulations, though he maintains that the stress of the job made his departure inevitable.

“Leaving Barcelona always hurts, you don’t leave Barcelona without wounds,” he said to Marca.

“I left the club because I was tired. It wasn’t anyone’s fault. It was time.”

Guardiola admitted that his first year at Bayern took a bigger toll than winning three straight Liga crowns at Barcelona, revealing that his biggest task was keeping the egos of his squad in check.

The Catalan coach took over a side that had won the treble under Jupp Heynckes, managing to maintain their Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal titles but bowing out of the Champions League at the semi-final stage.

“The pressure is not to win, but to sustain it,” he said.

“[Vicente] Del Bosque said it best, we think of the players and they think of themselves. The team is like an orchestra where everyone has to accept a role. The ultimate challenge is to manage egos.

Guardiola also insisted that Del Bosque was still the man to lead Spain despite their first round World Cup exit – though he admitted that he had designs on an international management position in the future.

“Hopefully Del Bosque can continue. He might need to make some changes to his project though,” he said.

“But during these [World Cup] months, the world comes to a standstill. I would very much like to experience it myself. I hope that someone will want me.”

However, he had nothing but praise for Lionel Messi and Javier Mascherano, having coached the Argentine pair at the Blaugrana.

“I was fortunate to enjoy [being able to work with] Messi. Especially since guys like him are only born every so often,” he added.

“He does his talking on the pitch, he plays in a way that is greater than I can understand. In the latter stages of the Champions League, he always stepped up to win matches.

“Mascherano is also one of the smartest players that I have ever coached. He understands the game, always seeing things from his central position. He is more humble and smarter than I was.”

 

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Nani refuses to rule out Portugal return

Manchester United winger Nani has refused to rule out a return to his native Portugal after claiming clubs are chasing his services.

The 27-year-old penned a new five-year contract in September 2013 but has fallen out of favour at Old Trafford, making just 14 Premier League starts in the last two seasons.


And now Nani, who initially joined United from Sporting Lisbon in 2007, could be set to move on from the club with a return to his home country a possibility.

"I'm a United player but there has been some interest on my behalf," he is quoted as saying in The Guardian."I will evaluate it and decide what is the most advantageous [course of action] for me.

"A return to Portugal? Right now I don't know."In April, the player's agent had claimed he was "likely to leave Manchester", after responding to claims that there had been interest in his services from Italy and, notably, Fiorentina.

Nani started all three of Portugal's matches at this summer's World Cup, scoring in a 2-2 draw with the United States, but his team failed to make it through the group stages after finishing behind Germany and USA in Group G.

 

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Fred: Suarez's ban is too severe

Uruguay star Luis Suarez's nine-game, four-month ban for biting was "too severe", according to Brazil striker Fred.

Fifa handed Suarez a nine-match international suspension as well as a four-month ban from "any kind of football-related activity" after his bite on Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini.Fred, whose Brazil side face Chile in the last 16 at the World Cup, said Suarez made a mistake, but feels the punishment was heavy handed.

"You can't deny that he made a mistake, but myself as a player, as a human being, I understand that inside, players get goosebumps. There's tension, a fight for space," he said.

"I think that his punishment is a bit too severe, from my point of view. I debated this with a few people, and most people think that it was fair."In my point of view it can end an athlete's career, four months, nine games and everyone all over it, and criticising the mistake he made.

"I do think he needs to be punished, but I would really like to see Suarez playing at this World Cup here in Brazil."Meanwhile, Luiz Felipe Scolari appears set to use Fernandinho ahead of Paulinho in midfield for the clash against Chile on Saturday.

Fernandinho came on at half-time against Cameroon, scoring once and setting up another in a 4-1 win and Fred believes it would make little difference to his team's approach."They are all high-quality players, which have more or less the same characteristics because they are players that play well going forward. And for me this is the most important thing," he said.

"Someone that can get the ball up front to me and pass it to me. So I just don't think that the tactical play of the game is going to move that much."

 

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Chiellini: Suarez ban is excessive


Giorgio Chiellini has surprisingly voiced his support for Luis Suarez, claiming his four-month ban from football is "excessive."

The Azzurri defender criticised Suarez heavily for biting him during the 1-0 defeat to Uruguay which sent Cesare Prandelli's side crashing out at the group stages of the World Cup.

The Liverpool forward has been handed a nine-game suspension and has been banned from all football activity for four months by Fifa.

However, Chiellini revealed he is not angry at the striker and instead feels that the punishment world football's governing body has handed down could ultimately leave the player feeling alienated.

"Now inside me there's no feelings of joy, revenge or anger against Suarez for an incident that happened on the pitch and that's done," he said in a statement on his official website.

"There only remain the anger and the disappointment about the match.

"At the moment my only thought is for Luis and his family, because they will face a very difficult period.

"I always thought that official judgements are unquestionable, but on the other hand I believe that Suarez has been excessively punished.

"I sincerely hope that he will be allowed, at least, to stay close to his team mates during the games because such a ban is really alienating for a player."

 

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Swansea close to Gomis swoop

Swansea City chairman Huw Jenkins is confident that a deal to sign Bafetimbi Gomisis edging closer to being finalised. The France international striker is a free agent after reaching the end of four-year stint at Olympique Lyonnais and has made no secret of his desire to move to the Premier League.

Gomis has been heavily linked with Swansea in the past month and the 28-year-old has reportedly spent time at the club this week discussing terms and undergoing medical checks. "I think it's good to do things with caution," Jenkins told the Swansea Evening Post.

"He (Gomis) is still here and we are hoping to get things concluded soon."The 28-year-old, who had scored 94 goals in 243 appearances for Lyon including 14 in the league last season, also helped them to the Coupe de France in 2012.

Swansea, meanwhile, have announced that Javier Garcia has joined as goalkeeping coach from Sevilla, where he was part of the backroom staff that helped to inspire the club's UEFA Europa League success last season. The 34-year-old told Swansea's official website: "It was hard to leave Sevilla because it is such a good club with good people.

"But it's a great opportunity for me to work in such a positive environment where I can develop and grow with the club. It's an exciting challenge."

 

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‘I’m happy at Sevilla’ – Moreno quashes Liverpool talk

Alberto Moreno has reiterated his commitment to Sevilla as a move to Liverpool becomes increasingly unlikely.

The Spain international, who capped a Europa League-winning campaign with a place in Vicente del Bosque’s World Cup squad, was made a priority signing by Brendan Rodgers this summer.

But the Anfield outfit have struggled to agree a fee with the Liga side, and los Rojiblancos sporting director Ramon Rodriguez Verdejo has since revealed that a deal is all but dead.

And now Moreno has distanced himself from a transfer away from Sevilla, insisting he is happy to remain at the club and looking forward to reporting back to training at the start of July.

“I never said that I wanted to leave the team,” the 21-year-old told ABC de Sevilla.

“I am happy here, Sevilla is the club of my life. There are many rumours but I only know that on July 7 I report back for training again.

“I am enjoying my holidays. We had a hard year and if I spent the summer thinking about these things [transfer speculation] then I can't rest.

“I am calm and my father and my agent will take care of my future.”

Moreno made 29 league appearances for Sevilla and scored three times last season, locking down a place in the Spain squad, and featured on 12 occasions en route to Europa League glory.

 

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Herrera sings Van Gaal's praises after Manchester United switch


Ander Herrera has described coach Louis van Gaal as "one of the best managers in the world" following his transfer to Manchester United on Thursday.

The move for the midfielder was completed after a buy-out clause in Herrera's contract was triggered, enabling him to leave Atletic Bilbao after three seasons.

And the 24-year-old, who signed a four-year deal at Old Trafford with the option for a further year, is eagerly anticipating his debut under van Gaal, who will take over as manager after the World Cup.

"Louis van Gaal is one of the best managers in the world," Herrera told MUTV.

"I want to learn a lot of things and I can't wait to play for Manchester United."

Herrera also revealed fellow Spaniards Juan Mata and David de Gea had provided him with positive feedback on the club, having been heavily linked with the Premier League club 12 months ago.

Asked about the discussions he had with Mata and De Gea, Herrera added: "They told me this is the biggest club in the world."

 

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Suarez ban is correct, says Nesta

Luis Suarez’s four-month ban by FIFA was the right level of punishment, claims Alessandro Nesta. Suarez, who is appealing against the ruling, bit Italy’s Giorgio Chiellini on the shoulder during Uruguay’s World Cup victory in Group D.

Nesta, a Sony Team Ambassador at the World Cup, said he believes biting to be worse than spitting. “I used to believe that spitting at another opponent was the worst thing you can do, but biting someone goes beyond,” he said.

“You can think that something is definitely the worst, and then you discover there’s always something worse. I think it’s the right sanction for him.”

Nesta revealed he had also been the victim of a bite during his career. “Yes, during a game in Italy. It was an opposing player, the funniest thing is that we played together previously and we were good friends,” he said.

“But when you’re on the pitch, the adrenaline is pumping and there are no friends any more. I reacted by trying to punch him, luckily the referee didn’t see anything so we both stayed on pitch.”Nesta added that Italy, sent packing by the Uruguayans, should focus on their younger players. “In my opinion, right now, Italy faces a change between old and young players. It’s not an easy moment for Italian football,” he said.

“We have to look at the younger generation. Marco Verratti is the strongest one we have. Then Alessio Cerci, Lorenzo Insigne, Claudio Marchisio. They are the most talented and they are likely to make a strong contribution in the future. El Shaarawy is another.”

 

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Chelsea step up Pogba pursuit

Chelsea are stepping up their pursuit of Paul Pogba by preparing to offer him the most lucrative contract in their history, Goal understands.

The Londoners are putting together what sources say is a "staggering" package to entice the French sensation to Stamford Bridge this summer.

Cesc Fabregas joined Eden Hazard, Fernando Torres and John Terry in the top bracket of Chelsea earners on the playing staff when he transferred from Barcelona earlier this month for €35 million in a deal worth a basic €225,000 a week.

Owner Roman Abramovich is ready to sanction an even more lucrative offer for Pogba, who Jose Mourinho wants to pair in central midfield with Nemanja Matic next season.

With Fabregas earmarked for the No.10 playmaker role, Mourinho wants Pogba, who he believes will develop into one of the world’s finest midfielders, to be the driving force from a deeper position.

The 21-year-old, who started for France on Wednesday night in their 0-0 draw against Ecuador, has established himself at Juventus following his free transfer from Manchester United two years ago and was a key player in the club's Serie A triumph this season.

Goal understands that Juve are determined to keep hold of their prize asset but could be tempted into a sale were they to receive an offer that meets their €75m-plus valuation.

The Stamford Bridge club have already made discreet enquiries for Pogba and believe that he could be open to a return to the Premier League.

The midfielder has said that he wants to stay in Turin but his agent Mino Raiola has spoken of the possibility of him leaving the Italian champions.

The club will to have to offer Pogba a vastly improved contract to fend off interest from Chelsea and keep him in Italy next season.

His current deal has two years to run and Giuseppe Marotta, the general manager of the Serie A club, said last month: "We intend to extend Pogba's contract and we have already spoken with his agent. Paul is a smart guy and this is the perfect place for him to improve further. You cannot imagine him leaving Juventus."

The west Londoners have already been active in the transfer market this summer as Mourinho builds a team that he thinks can make an even stronger challenge next season for Premier League and Champions League glory.

Fabregas is expected to be followed through the entrance door by Atletico Madrid pair Diego Costa and Filipe Luis for a combined €70m. Costa has agreed to join Chelsea in a deal worth €43m and Luis is in advanced talks over a €26m switch.

However, David Luiz has agreed to join Paris Saint-Germain for an initial €50m and the Londoners have freed up space on their wage bill by releasing high earners Ashley Cole and Frank Lampard.

 

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Kaka: I'm still a Milan man

Kaka has played down reports of a move to Orlando City by confirming he will return to AC Milan for pre-season training in early July.

The Brazil international has been linked with a move away from San Siro over the summer, with the new Major League Soccer franchise openly revealing their negotiations with the player they expect to sign in January.“I have not left Milan yet,” Kaka said, speaking at a promotional event.

“Every year, at this time, there is great speculation about my future. The only thing that is certain and official is that on July 9, I have to present myself at Milan.”
Kaka’s declaration is unlikely to dampen suggestions that he will soon leave the club. While Orlando remain his most likely destination, he could return to former club Sao Paulo on a short-term deal to keep fit ahead of the MLS season.

Milan director Barbara Berlusconi has publicly acknowledged the possibility of Kaka leaving by opening the door to his exit in a recent interview.Speaking at the launch of a Milan Cruise, Berlusconi said: “I know Kaka is making an important decision, he has to make that decision with absolute calmness.

“We will be happy if Kaka stays, but we will accept if he wants to leave.”
The 32-year-old made 193 league appearances for Milan between 2003 and 2009 before leaving for Real Madrid.

He returned to San Siro at the beginning of the 2013/14 campaign and made 30 appearances, scoring seven goals.

 

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Alexis restricted at Barcelona - Sampaoli

Chile coach Jorge Sampaoli says Alexis Sanchez can be one of the world's best players - but believes he may be restricted by the likes of Lionel Messi and Neymar at Barcelona.

The 25-year-old has been Chile's shining star for a number of years now, but has struggled at times since moving to the Catalan club in 2011.

"With Chile, Alexis knows he is a decisive player," Sampaoli said ahead of his side's last-16 clash with Brazil on Saturday. "He is very highly thought of - a superlative player.

"But perhaps at Barcelona, with the team-mates he has and all the great players there, it is more difficult. But for me he has all the conditions to be one of the best players in the world: assists, goals, dribbles, everything...

"He can still get much better than he is at the moment and he'll be one of the key players in club and international football over the coming years."

Alexis made his Chile debut in 2006 and has scored 23 goals in 69 appearances for his country.