Alexis Sanchez says he would not play in the upcoming World Cup if he was not confident Chile had a chance of winning the competition.
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Jorge Sampaoli's energetic team are many pundits' dark horses for the 2014 tournament, but much of that enthusiasm was dampened when Chile were drawn in Group B alongside 2010 World Cup finalists Spain and Netherlands, as well as Australia.
However, speaking ahead of La Roja's opening game against the Socceroos on Friday, Barcelona attacker Sanchez told O Globo that he feels his country are genuine contenders.
"I believe that Chile are going to win the World Cup," Sanchez said.
"If I did not believe that Chile could be world champions, I would have stayed at home, watching the games on the TV."
Following the Australia clash, Chile face Spain on June 18, before taking on Netherlands on June 23.