Chile have appeared in seven World Cups to date, hosting the global showpiece in 1962, finishing in third place, which remains their best result at the tournament. 2010, however, will be their first appearance since 1998.

'LA Rojas' have had a troubled history at the World Cup, being banned from the 1990 and 1994 tournaments because of The Roberto Rojas Scandal (also known in Chile as the "Maracanazo").

When goalkeeper Rojas went down clutching his head during a qualifying match against Brazil in 1989, the Chile team blamed the injury on a firework thrown by a fan and refused to carry on, claiming it was dangerous to do so...

Footage later showed, however, that the firework had never come close to hitting Rojas. FIFA awarded Brazil a 2-0 win, Chile was banned from the next two tournaments, while Rojas was hit with a lifetime ban.

Chile booked their ticket for South Africa by finishing in second place behind five-time world champions Brazil and above Paraguay on goal difference in the South American qualifiers.

Coach: Marcelo Bielsa

Nicknamed 'the Madman', Bielsa has guided Chile to a number of historic firsts. Bielsa masterminded a 1-0 win over his native Argentina; it was Chile's first win over Argentina in a World Cup qualifier. Chile soundly bested hosts Peru 3-1 in Lima, a location where Chile had its last victory in 1985. Bielsa then led Chile to a 3-0 win over Paraguay at the Defensores del Chaco Stadium ? the first time in almost 30 years.

Captain: Claudio Bravo

After representing Chile at U17, U20 and U23 levels, The goalkeeper made his senior debut in 2004 and became the national captain after Marcelo Salas announced his retirement. Bravo signed Bravo signed a five-year contract with Real Sociedad, in a reported ?1.2 million deal in 2006.

Star players: Arturo Vidal (Bayer Leverkusen), Gonzalo Fierro (Flamengo) and Alexis Sanchez(Udinese).