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  Mon, July 23, 2007


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Chile departs on a high
By MIKE ZEISBERGER -- Sun Media






Looking back on the U-20 World Cup

Chile 'keeper Christopher Toselli makes a save in the first half against Austria yesterday. Chile won the third-place match 1-0.

Team Chile will fly home this week with more than just bumps and bruises.

With bronze medals dangling around their necks yesterday, the Chilean side had reason to smile for the first time since its controversial run-in with Toronto police outside the National Soccer Stadium on Thursday night.

While the Canadian Soccer Assocation's investigation of the incident likely won't determine who was at fault for some time, Chile's 1-0 victory over Austria ended their tumultuous tournament on a positive note.

"It was a psychological struggle," coach Jose Sulantay said when asked how difficult it was for his team to put Thursday's Brouhaha at BMO behind it. "But in my experience as a player and coach, I convinced them they could win.

"They'll never forget what happened (Thursday) but at least we showed the world we are winners. This was for Chile."

Defender Hans Martinez was the star of the game, scoring the only goal late in the first half on a brilliant mid-air volley.

He then stopped the potential tying goal in the game's waning minutes, blocking an Austrian shot just as the ball was about to cross the line.

"It was a very emotional goal," he said, adding that it likely was the biggest of his career.

"We had to put (the incident) behind us. It's sad because, other than that, we had a great time here.

"On the other hand, we are glad because we won for Chile."

Chile was missing several starters yesterday, including striker Alexis Sanchez, who allegedly was too banged up from Thursday's brawl with police to play.













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