ROURKELA: Chile are ranked 11 rungs below Malaysia and playing in their first World Cup, but they showed some brilliant hockey in their 3-1 loss to New Zealand in Group C.
The Kiwis hit them hard for 20 minutes for three goals and Chile had to play catch-up for two quarters and they never gave up trying, making them a dangerous opponent for Malaysia on Monday.
The Diablos (Devils) qualified by finishing second in the 2022 Pan American Cup behind Argentina. In the group stage, Chile took a 2-0 lead over 2016 Rio de Janeiro gold medallists before losing 3-2.
Malaysia have only played Chile once before at the 2012 Dublin Olympic Qualifier, and won 5-1. The half-time score was 0-0 until Amin Rahim started scoring off penalty corners.
Interestingly, Faizal Saari also played in that match and scored one goal and hopefully he moves up from midfield to score his second against Chile at the Birsa Munda Stadium.
For Chile, the most dangerous player is 32 year-old striker Martin Rodriguez who has scored 76 goals in 169 matches.
Chile captain Fernando Renz said they don't play much hockey overseas, and so have only met Malaysia once.
"We played Malaysia in Dublin and only Martin is left from that squad. He has told us how tough that match was and gave us some insights. We have also been watching recent matches played by Malaysia and they are they are very fast with the ball.
"Chile has been training as a unit for several years now but did not get to play many international matches to prepare. But this team has grown together as after qualifying, we have been training together regularly," said Renz.
Chile's best bet is their overheads which are long and accurate. One such overhead resulted in that goal against New Zealand.
They also have a steady goalkeeper in Adrian Henriquez who is good with high balls, but easily beaten with grounders.
Chile are a low profile team, as in 2022, they only played against Argentina and Spain before heading for India.