World Cup: What’s in a name? Ask Loco

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Chilean Coach Marcelo Bielsa apparently came by his nickname honestly. Because the way his team played Friday, it’s obvious they don’t call him ‘Loco’ for nothing.

Needing only a tie against Spain to advance to the second round of the World Cup, Bielsa inexplicably threw caution to the wind and had Chile playing aggressively and attacking from the outset. And it very nearly backfired when Spain scored twice while Chile racked up three yellow cards and a red card in the first 37 minutes, leaving the Chileans facing a two-goal deficit while playing with just 10 men.

It all proved to be academic when Honduras held Switzerland to a scoreless tie in the final game of group play, qualifying Chile for the knockout round despite its 2-1 loss. With its win, Spain also advanced.

The coach behind Argentina’s stunning first-round exit eight years ago, Bielsa redeemed his reckless start Friday by making a pair of bold halftime substitutions -- with midfielder Rodrigo Millar scoring Chile’s only goal two minutes after coming on.

Although Chile is the fifth South American team to reach the second round in this tournament, it is the only one of the five that did not win its group. And Friday’s loss was the first in 15 games for South America. Another is sure to come Monday when Chile meets neighbor Brazil in the elimination round.

-- Kevin Baxter in Pretoria, South Africa