Chilean fans cheer before the start of the group B World Cup soccer match between Chile and Australia in the Arena Pantanal in Cuiaba, Brazil, Friday, June 13, 2014. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth) (The Associated Press)
CUIABA, Brazil – Alexis Sanchez scored one goal and set up another to help Chile take a 2-1 lead at halftime of its opening Group B match against Australia in the World Cup on Friday.
A trademark headed goal by Tim Cahill in the 35th minute gave the Australians something to cling to after a first half Chile dominated at a muggy Arena Pantanal.
Justifying its tag as a dangerous outsider in the tournament, Chile went ahead in the 12th minute when Sanchez poked home a finish inside the near post after Australia captain Mile Jedinak failed to clear Charles Aranguiz's cross.
Australia's flimsy defense was opened up again barely a minute later, with Sanchez spinning his marker and laying the ball across for playmaker Jorge Valdivia to finish high into the net.
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