Chile’s Jean Beausejour tapped in a cross during the first half for the game’s only goal.
Dominating from the start, Chile nearly scored on several occasions, including a chance in the second minute on a free kick that just cleared the crossbar. Honduras’ scoring efforts were mostly from long range, with its best shot coming from a Ramon Nunes free kick in first-half injury time that was tipped over the net by keeper Claudio Bravo.
Player of the Game
Jean Beausejour, Chile
Beausejour was the lone scorer, leading the dominant Chilean offense to a long-awaited victory.
Scoring Breakdown
Beausejour’s goal came in the 34th minute.
Time of possession was lopsided, with Chile in control 64 percent of the time. Chile took 22 shots (five on goal), compared to Honduras’ seven shots (one on goal).
Notes
This year marks Chile’s first World Cup since 1998, when three draws sent it into the second round. …This was the first World Cup game played in Nelspruit’s Mbombela Stadium. Attendance totaled 32,664 of a 43,000 capacity. …South American teams are undefeated (3-0-2) through the first set of group stage games.
Next
Chile faces Switzerland on Monday, June 21, at 10 a.m. ET. Honduras takes on Spain at 2:30 p.m.
