It might still be that the Arsenal striker Alexis Sanchez and his Chile international teammates end up missing out on the World Cup being held next summer in Russia. They would only have themselves to blame, to be honest, after some poor performances and shock results along the qualifying road.
If they do make it to the tournament though, even if it has to be via the play-off route, the whole country will owe a huge debt of gratitude to Alexis, as it was the Gunner who saved their blushes last night after Ecuador scored a late equaliser with just five minutes left on the clock in Santiago.
Just two minutes later Sanchez scored the winner and with Argentina drawing and Colombia winning that puts Chile into third, but they are by no means certain to qualify as the final game is away to Brazil. Expect some more heroics from the Arsenal striker in that game, but can we expect the same when he comes back to club football?
We really need the Chilean to be at his best when he comes back because the Gunners need to stay in touch with the likes of Man City and United and we have to keep the pressure on in our next EPL game away to Watford, who are no mugs.
Will we see a sizzling or subdued Sanchez next weekend?
Bob.