The Condors fall fighting against the United States and are still alive for the return

Chile couldn’t do it in the first leg. In heavy rain in the capital, Los Cóndores went out to seek the opener of the playoffs against a combative United States. And it was the nationals who had the mission to secure the key against the Americans in a match that opened the series. However, the national team was unable to participate in the first World Cup qualifier in France and lost 21-22 against their North American counterpart.

As for the atmosphere, despite the rain, it was lit at the Santa Laura stadium. With an audience of around 5,000, fans gave Los Cóndores great cheers, singing the anthem to the end and shouting at all times. The transmission was even able to pick up the presence of a bass drum, which marked the rhythm of the breath. All this, contrasted by the colorful umbrellas that tried to face the rain.

In the previous one, Los Cóndores wanted to put themselves to the test against Scotland, who are an institution in the discipline, with players so strong that they could bring together four selected players if they wished. And that the nationals felt, because Chile is still a team in formation. In fact, it was the first time that they faced a selection from the Cardo lineage and category. And the difference was big against the Europeans: 45-5.

As soon as in the fight against the United States, Chile started hard. The pressure from both teams was noticeable, on a pitch that from the start suffered from the ravages of the struggle and the weather. The lawn of Santa Laura was not in the best condition to receive the match .

A difficult match, since the Americans received three penalties before the first four minutes. Barely started the comparison, the visit wanted to be felt. Something that Chile suffered, as the United States converted to go 7-0 before six minutes. Los Cóndores’ anxiety was noticeable and they didn’t feel comfortable in Independencia’s ill-fated pasture .

Chile started to improve from 10 minutes. There, Los Cóndores found the first penalty in their favor in rival territory. A chance which Videla could not take advantage of, which the shot missed.

But the United States was firm. Among the Santa Laura puddles, the North Americans felt comfortable, hugging the Chileans and being smarter when making decisions. At times the game would become very erratic due to the condition of the pitch, and every time the players went to the ground water and mud would jump out. .

In that chaotic moment, Chile found respite with a penalty, which Santiago Videla was able to put in and thus the Chileans put it at 3-7 around minute 17. Five minutes later, Videla himself placed the 6-7, confirming that Los Cóndores had warmed up and were in the game. From then on, the match went back and forth without the score getting longer in the intense rain of Santiago. . Thus, the nationals closed the first half with a negative score.

In the second half, things didn’t start well for Chile. A lack of intelligence in Los Cóndores caused the North Americans to generate a try and so the visit extended to 6-12 points. But Chile did not stop there. At 54 minutes, Rodrigo Fernández ran more than everyone and, at a time when the nationals needed him, he made a try which put the score 11-12. A spectacular race to put the locals back in the game.

Later, Los Cóndores began to dominate more. A penalty converted by Videla put the nationals on the scoreboard for the first time, in the 57th minute, with 14-12.

So far so good. except because the light left the Independencia venue when 62′ was running, leaving the pitch and stands in complete darkness. Something that for a few seconds didn’t seem to matter to the match judge, Nic Berry, who watched the match seconds after the electricity went out. After the blackout, the teams went to the dressing rooms and, after 10 minutes, returned to the field .

After the cut, the match remained tense. MacGinty was able to score a shot and make it 14-15 for the United States. Complex meeting on a ground then in very poor condition. Then another USA try turned the game upside down in the 73rd minute for the Nationals, who trailed 14-22. And, almost at the end, closing the match, Videla placed the series closer, with 19-22.

Finally, another final point left things very tight at 20-21. Fundamental points to continue dreaming of the possibility of going to France. And with no time for more, the game is over .

Now, The Cóndores will have to travel to Denver, Colorado, to face the return match of this playoff. The duel is agreed for July 16. The team that achieves the biggest points difference between the two matches will win the bye for France.

Chile 21 : J. Carrasco, A. Bohme, M. Dittus, S. Pedrero, J. Eissmann, C. Saavedra, M. Sigren, R. Martínez, L. Carvallo, R. Fernández, J. Larenas, M. Garafulic, F Velarde, N. Garafulic and S. Videla. DT: P. Lemoine.

United States 22 : D. Ainu’ru, J. Taufete, P. Mullen, G. Peterson, N. Civetta, B. Bonasso, H. Germichuys, C. Dolan, R. De Haas, AJ. MacGinty, M. Iosefo, B. Campbell, T. Lopeti, C. Dyer and M. Brache. DT: G. Gold.

Points : 0-5, 3′, Dyer; 0-7, 5′, MacGinty; 3-7, 17′, Videla; 6-7, 22′, Videla; 6-12, 44′ Taufete; 11-12, 52′, Fernandez; 14-12, 57′, Videla; 14-15, 66′, MacGinty; 14-20, 74′, Lopeti; 14-22, 73′, MacGinty; 19-22, 80′, Videla; 21-22, 81′, Videla.

Arbitrator : Nick Berry

Stadium : Sainte-Laure.