Morning all! Sports Mole's World Cup build-up continues from Valparaiso as Chile welcome Northern Ireland. The home side start their Group B campaign against Australia on June 13 and will be keen to extend their unbeaten home run to 10 games in this particular fixture. For Northern Ireland, however, this match is all about pride, with Michael O'Neill's side failing to qualify for this summer's tournament.

Incredibly, Chile have won all nine matches on home soil since November 2012. They enter the match off the back of a 3-2 win over Egypt at the weekend, with Eduardo Vargas netting twice for the South American outfit. Seven players were cut from the initial squad following that particular match and this morning is the first time that the 23-man squad will play a competitive match. The team news is imminent...

Despite suffering four defeats in a row in the middle of their South American qualifying campaign for the World Cup, Chile managed to finish third in the section. The turnaround in form coincided with the appointment of Jorge Sampaoli, who replaced Claudio Borghi and has since brought a slick style to Chile's football. They won nine of their 16 qualification matches, losing six times in the process, with that run of results seeing them finish just four points behind first-placed Argentina.

TEAMS:

CHILE: Herrera; Medel, Silva, Rojas; Isla, Diaz, Carmona, Mena; Valdivia; Paredes; Orellana

N IRELAND: Carroll; McCullough, Hughes, C. McLaughlin; R. McLaughlin, Clingan, Norwood, Evans, Ferguson; Davis; McKay

So there we have it. No Alexis Sanchez or Vargas in the Chile XI this morning, but Gary Medel and Mauricio Isla both start. There are also spots in attack for Fabian Orellana and Esteban Paredes. Northern Ireland, meanwhile, hand a first start to Ryan McLaughlin. Former Manchester United goalkeeper Roy Carroll is selected in goal, while Oliver Norwood and Billy McKay also start for Michael O'Neill's team.

As mentioned above, Sampaoli has been in charge of Chile since December 2012, when the Argentine replaced Borghi. The 54-year-old had previously been in charge of Universidad de Chile, who he led to three league titles. The experienced boss has been praised for bringing back a high-pressing style of football to the nation, who thrived under the similar leadership of Marco Bielsa. Chile's world ranking of 13 suggests that Sampaoli will be expected to lead his side through the group stages this summer.

However, Chile have been drawn into arguably the strongest group alongside Spain, Netherlands and Australia. The South American outfit begin their Group B campaign against Australia on June 13, before facing European and world champions Spain on June 18. They round off their group with a match against Netherlands on June 23. It is expected that second position will come down to Chile and Netherlands, with Spain winning the section.

Northern Ireland, meanwhile, finished second from bottom in their qualification group for the World Cup. They won just one of their 10 Group F matches, losing five times in the process, with that run of results leaving them on just seven points. Head coach O'Neill is using their tour of South America to take a look at a number of younger players, but the nation have still only won just once since August 2011.

Since finishing their qualification section, Northern Ireland have played three friendlies. They lost 1-0 to Turkey last November, before drawing 0-0 with Cyprus in March. They enter the match off the back of a 1-0 defeat to Uruguay, meanwhile, but it was a positive performance. O'Neill will be looking for more of the same this evening as he starts to prepare his squad for their European Championship qualification campaign, which begins in September. Right, just about time for my prediction with little under five minutes until kick off.

PREDICTION: Neither side is at full strength for this match, but I think that Chile will have far too much for their European opponents. It should be an open, attacking fixture, but it would be a surprise if Chile didn't continue their strong run at home. My score prediction is 3-0 Chile.

Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the first period. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. It must be said that there is a wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium. Right, Northern Ireland get the first 45 minutes of this international friendly underway.

Bright start from Northern Ireland as McKay finds some space outside the box before striking towards goal, but his effort is straight into the arms of Herrera. Chile are down the other end with Valdivia moments later, but his cross is just too strong for Orellana. End-to-end football in the opening two minutes.

Chile have just started to take control of the possession in the last few moments with the likes of Mena and Rojas enjoying early touches in the middle of the park. Diaz, who scored against Egypt at the weekend, attempts to force the issue with a pass towards Isla, but Hughes is out to clear for Northern Ireland.

Northern Ireland cannot get out their own half at the moment as the home side continue to pass and probe in the final third. Again Valdivia is involved as he finds Orellana in a wide position, but Evans is on hand to make the block. The pressure continues with Medel, but his cross is behind for a Northern Ireland goal kick.

Almost a nervy moment for Carroll as the Northern Ireland goalkeeper drops the ball when attempting to release Evans, but the referee had blown for a free kick. Not too much to report in terms of chances in the opening eight minutes, but Chile are in control of the possession and indeed tempo in the final third.

Just a reminder that Chile have been drawn into Group B for the World Cup alongside Spain, Netherlands and Australia. It is a big ask, but the South American side will be confident of making the next round. Still the home side keep the ball in the final third, but Northern Ireland are tight and compact in defensive areas.

Half-chance for Chile as Valdivia finds some space outside the Northern Ireland box before floating a cross towards Orellana, but it just would not fall for the Celta Vigo forward and Carroll is on hand to claim. Northern Ireland just cannot keep the ball at the moment and the pressure continues with Rojas.

Another half-chance for Chile as Paredes meets a deep cross from Medel, but his header is straight into the arms of Carroll. Moments later, Chile have a free kick just outside the Northern Ireland box, with Carroll guilty of handling outside the area. Strong chance for the home side here...

The resulting free kick is taken by Valdivia, but his effort is straight into the wall. The pressure continues, but Hughes manages to lash clear at the vital moment. It is all one-way traffic at the moment.

Still no goals with 19 minutes on the clock, but Chile are in total control here. It seems to be only a matter of time before they open the scoring. That said, Northern Ireland frustrated Uruguay for long spells at the weekend with a solid defensive performance. Chile continue to pass and probe in the final third.

Another half-chance for Chile as Valdivia finds Paredes inside the Northern Ireland box, but once more his first touch is poor and Hughes is on hand to make the challenge. Still nothing from the European outfit in attack, meanwhile, with McKay and Norwood struggling for service in the Chile half of the field.

CHANCE! Northern Ireland have a free kick just outside the Chile box after Ryan McLaughlin went down under pressure from Medal. Ferguson takes the resulting set piece and finds the head of Conor McLaughlin, but Herrera is on hand to make a sensational save. Best chance of the match thus far.

Just a slight sense of frustration from the home supporters in the last couple of minutes. Chile remain in control, but Carroll has not been too troubled in the opening 26 minutes. Medel attempts to quicken the pace after combining with Isla, but once more Hughes makes the clearance. Brilliant defending from the away side.

Chile continue to force the issue as Isla and Medel take it in turns to deliver from a wide area, but the danger is cleared. McKay attempts to go alone down the other end, but the forward cannot move past the challenge of Mena. Little over 15 minutes of the first period remaining and still the score is level.

Half-chance for Chile as Valdivia finds some space outside the box before striking towards goal, but his effort was always moving high and wide of the crossbar. Northern Ireland will not be too concerned with efforts from that distance. However, the pressure comes straight back in the final third with Paredes.

Diaz attempts to force the issue for Chile as he floats a long pass towards Isla, but the Juventus midfielder cannot make contact under pressure from Hughes. Northern Ireland manage to relieve the pressure for a moment as McKay carries possession into the Chile half, but his cross is straight into the arms of Herrera.

Another opportunity for Northern Ireland to threaten from a free kick as Davis is brought to the ground by Medel just outside the Chile box. The resulting set piece is delivered by Norwood, but Conor McLaughlin's header is wide of the post. Little over 10 minutes of the first period remaining in this friendly match.

CHANCE! Just about Chile's best chance of the match as Diaz cushions a pass to Orellana, who strikes first time towards the bottom corner, but his effort moves wide of Carroll's post.

Slightly untidy period of the match in the last couple of moments with the referee forced to intervene following a number of late challenges. Northern Ireland gain another free kick in a wide area, which Norwood delivers into the penalty area, but Herrera is on hand to palm wide of the post for a corner.

Strong spell for Northern Ireland in the last couple of minutes with Shane Ferguson seeing more of the ball in wide areas. The midfielder delivers towards McKay, but Medel is on hand to make the clearance. Not too much to report in terms of Chile pressure at the moment, which is certainly frustrating the home supporters.

Northern Ireland again threaten in a wide position with Davis, who is once more brought to the ground by Medel. Poor again from the Cardiff City midfielder. Once more the free kick is delivered by Norwood, but Medel is on hand to clear for a corner. Really good spell for the European outfit in Valparaiso.

So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with the two sides level at 0-0. It has been a really frustrating half for Chile, with Northern Ireland compact in defensive areas. The away side have also arguably had the better chances, with Norwood's delivery from set pieces impressive.

STATISTICS: Chile have had more of the ball with 53%, while they have had eight attempts, five of which have been on target. That said, Carroll has not been too troubled by any efforts thus far. Northern Ireland, meanwhile, have had three attempts, two of which have tested Herrera in the Chile goal.

BENCH WATCH: Sanchez, Vargas and Vidal are all on the Chile bench for this match and it would not be a surprise to see all three in the second period. First-choice goalkeeper Claudio Bravo is also expected to feature. Northern Ireland, meanwhile, have the likes of Chris Baird and Liam Boyce in reserve.

We are still waiting for both teams to emerge for the second period, but the supporters do not seem to mind as music plays into the stadium. It is like a concert at the moment!

Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second 45 minutes. Chile did not exactly inspire in the first half and the home supporters will be expecting more in the second period. Northern Ireland, meanwhile, will also feel they can cause a shock here. Chile get the action underway.

Well, it seems that no changes have been made at the interval, which is a surprise! That means the subs will flow in the second period. Can Chile continue their strong run of form at home? Or will Northern Ireland pick up a surprise win? As expected, the home side have taken control of the possession in the opening moments.

Not too much to report in terms of chances in the early stages of the second period, but Northern Ireland have started to see more of the ball in the Chile half. I suspect that both managers will be thinking of alterations in the next five minutes or so. That could come sooner for Northern Ireland, however, as McKay is chopped down in the middle of the park by Diaz, who enters the referee's book for the late challenge.

Half-chance for Northern Ireland as McKay finds some space inside the Chile box before striking one towards the bottom corner, but his effort just moved wide of the post. Chile do not look too comfortable in defensive areas at the moment that is for certain. Still goalless with 52 minutes of this international friendly played.

No real urgency to Chile's play at the moment as Northern Ireland remain compact in defensive areas. Still no movement on either bench, but changes are expected in the next few minutes. Just a reminder that Chile have won their last nine home international games, but they are being seriously frustrated here.

Half-chance for Chile as Valdivia finds the head of Isla inside the Northern Ireland box, but the Juventus midfielder had just moved into an offside position. Northern Ireland are down the other end with McKay, but the striker cannot find Norwood and the home side start another counter attack with Mena.

CHANCE! Chile come close to taking the lead as Mena floats one towards the far corner, but Carroll just about makes the save. Carroll is in trouble here, however, after falling awkwardly.

SUBS! Three changes for Chile as Vargas, Aranguiz and Sanchez enter the field in place of Carmona, Orellana and Medel. Little over 30 minutes for Chile to find a goal here.

Carroll is once more called into action as Sanchez floats a long pass towards Aranguiz, but the Northern Ireland stopper is out to make the challenge. Northern Ireland, meanwhile, are preparing a change.

SUB! Magennis enters for Northern Ireland, but it is currently unclear who departed.

It is all Chile at the moment with those three changes making a hue difference. Mena delivers a deep cross towards the far post, but Hughes just beats Sanchez in the air. The pressure continues, however, with Northern Ireland simply unable to keep the ball. Another Chile corner with 64 minutes on the clock.

CROSSBAR! Chile rattle the crossbar as Aranguiz heads against the woodwork from close range. He just had to score from that position. Surely the goal is coming for the South American side.

Sanchez again forces the issue for Chile after finding space in a wide position, but his cross is too long for Vargas. It is all one-way traffic, but Northern Ireland hold on once more. Little over 20 minutes of football remaining, however, and that is a long time under this sort of constant pressure.

It is almost like a training match at the moment with Chile in control of the ball in the final third, but Northern Ireland defending for their lives. Another cross comes in from Medel, but Hughes is on hand to clear. Sanchez threatens in the next attack, but once more Shane Ferguson hacks clear.

SUB! Northern Ireland make their second change as Ryan McLaughlin, who has been impressive this evening, is replaced by McGinn. Still around 20 minutes of football remaining.

CHANCE! Another wonderful chance for Chile as Diaz strikes one from inside the box, but Carroll makes another brilliant save. How good has he been this evening?!

Another chance comes and goes for Chile as Hughes clears a low cross from Vargas. The pressure continues as Chile force another corner, but Hughes, who has been terrific, heads clear. Meanwhile, we have a spectator on the field of play, which has just stopped proceedings in the last minute or two.

CHANCE! Carroll is again called into action to deny a long-range strike from Sanchez. The pressure continues, but Carroll is having the game of his life here.

SUBS! Chile have a free kick just outside the Northern Ireland box as McGinn brings Valdivia to the ground. Before that, two changes for Chile as Vidal and Pinilla replace Valdivia and Medel. The free kick will be taken by Diaz...

SUB! Another change for the away side as Lafferty replaces Ferguson. The resulting free kick is eventually taken by Diaz, but Carroll is on hand to make the save.

Chile finally open the scoring in the final 10 minutes as Vargas flicks a header into the back of the net following a floated cross from Sanchez. It is no more than they deserve!

Northern Ireland just cannot get out their own half at the moment as the pressure continues from Chile. Sanchez is again involved as he dances past two defenders on the edge of the box, but Hughes is across to make the challenge. You just get the feeling that there is another goal in this match.

Chile have their second of the night as Sanchez rolls a low pass into Pinilla, who finishes into the bottom corner. That is game, set and match.

In truth, the goals had been coming. Northern Ireland had been impressive defensively, but the pressure continued to build. Sanchez has been the difference, with the Barcelona attacker registering two assists.

SUB! Another change for Chile as Diaz is replaced by Gutierrez.

Slightly untidy period of the match in the last couple of moments with the referee forced to intervene following a number of late challenges. Another half-chance comes to the home side following a deep cross from Sanchez, but Carroll is on hand to claim. Little over three minutes of football remaining.

SUB! Northern Ireland make another change as Donnolly, who is winning his first cap this evening, enters the field in place of Evans.

Chile continue to force the issue in the final third, with Sanchez causing problems with his movement. The Barcelona attacker again attempts to slide a pass into Vargas, but Hughes is across to clear.

Chile again threaten with another corner, but Carroll comes through the traffic to claim. That should be just about that for this one. It will be another 90 minutes without a goal for Northern Ireland.

So there we have it. Chile continue their impressive home form with a 2-0 win over Northern Ireland. The South American outfit begin their World Cup Group B campaign against Australia on June 13. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action. Good morning!