Spain Vs. Chile: Comparing the Two Countries By Teams, History, Culture, Celebrities, and More
Both Spain and Chile's passion for soccer runs deep and the World Cup is the best chance to showcase their talents. These two Hispanic nations have a long, storied soccer history and will be meeting in a Group B match-up Wednesday, so a lot bragging rights are on the line for these two countries.
Even though these two great countries are separated by nearly 7,000 miles, that doesn't mean we can't have some fun comparing the two nations:
World Cup History
Although soccer is the most popular sport in Chile's history, Spain has the edge here. Spain enters this World Cup as the defending champions after they defeated the Netherlands in the 2010 Finals. Chile and Spain have faced each other twice in the World Cup, in 1950 and 2010. In 1950 at Rio de Janeiro, Spain blanked the Chilean Team 2-0 and 60 years later, Spain would once again defeat Chile, 2-1 in group play.
Best Player Ever?
Spain has a lot of talent, as expected. Iker Casillas is one of the most popular players in Spain's history, especially because of his performance in 2010. Xavi Hernandez has also been a fan favorite playing the middle of the field at an elite level for years.
On the other side, Elias Figueroa is probably the most recognized player in Chilean soccer history, as he led the team to three World Cup appearances. Iván Zamorano had a tremendous international career as well.
Celebrities
Chile is the home country of several famous poets, such as Nobel Prize-winning poet Pablo Neruda, musicians, actors and political figures. One such celebrity is legendary Spanish TV talk show host Don Francisco, who has hosted the internationally famous Sabado Gigante since 1962.
Meanwhile, Spain has a host of celebrities that call it home, including superstar singer Enrique Iglesias, tennis star Rafael Nadal, WWE Wrestler Glen Jacobs, aka Kane, and Hollywood acting stars Penelope Cruz and Antonio Banderas.
Best Landmark?
This is a really tough one. Spain is more modernized and has the superior skyline, but it is Chile who has the single tallest building of the two. The Gran Torre in Santiago rises nearly 1,000 feet tall.
Spain has numerous historic landmarks for eye to see such as the Seville Cathedral, the Sagrada Familia, and the Alcázar of Segovia. But Chile gives us one of the oldest and most mysterious attractions in the world, the Moai.
Better Food?
Spanish food isn't much different than American food, expect of course the spices. One of Chile's signature foods are sopaipillas, which are deep fried disks of pumpkin dough that usually are taken in with pebre and mustard.
Meanwhile, Spain's famous paellas, a rice-based cuisine that can be filled with chicken, pork, shellfish, peppers and more, are renown throughout the world.
Both Spain and Chile flourish with seafood, as they are both oceanic bordering nations. Chile and Spain also take much pride in their wine, tortillas, and sauces. Spanish conquistadors settled in Chile in the 16th century, so it comes as no surprise that the two are so similar when it comes to food and beverages.
Size of Land and Population
Spain has by far the larger inhabitants of people with nearly 47 million people. This ranks as the 27th highest of any country in the world. Chile, on the other hand, is home to just over 17 million people, good enough for the 59th highest. But, as many have said, "it's not the manpower, it's the power of the man." Chile might have fewer people, but it's country is almost 100 square miles larger than Spain is.
Spain and Chile will play one another Wednesday afternoon at 3 p.m. on ESPN.