MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Bachelet celebrates Chile’s qualification for World Cup in South Africa

“Bielsa has shown he has the heart of a Chilean”, said President Bachelet

President Michelle Bachelet this weekend celebrated Chile’s 4 – 2 victory on Saturday over Colombia, a victory that assured Chile a berth at the upcoming World Cup soccer tournament in South Africa in 2010.

“La Roja’s” return to the international competition for the first time in 12 years prompted wild celebrations across the country.

At a specially called meeting Sunday with the team, the President had special praise for Argentine coach Marcela Bielsa, who is from Argentina.

“The victory showed that Bielsa has the heart of a Chilean,” said Bachelet.

Bachelet is only the second Chilean president to have personally met and publicly congratulated a World Cup-bound national team, the last being in 1962 when Chile hosted and finished third in the tournament.

Bachelet plans to celebrate qualification victory this coming Wednesday, when she plans to attend La Roja’s final qualify match with Ecuador.

The head of state was invited to Wednesday’s game and to represent the country at the tournament itself by National Soccer Association president Harold Mayne-Nicholls.

Chileans across the country were ecstatic with Saturday’s victory over Colombia, which assured Chile’s presence in the World Cup tournament.

“This is very important for the country,” remarked Charlie King, a resident of Providencia, “we are very proud.”

Monica Duran - 25, a resident of Colina - admitted to crying tears of joy after the match. “This has really boosted our country’s self-esteem,” she said. “To be in the World Cup and for the country to be seen around the world is great for Chileans.”

Victory celebrations sometimes got out of hand, however, with 21 arrested for disorderly conduct and three people taken to hospital in Santiago during spontaneous festivities around Plaza de Italia. Arrests nationwide totalled 55, including nine minors.

Wednesday’s game against Ecuador begins at 7 p.m. in Santiago’s Estadio Monumental and is completely sold out. Coach Bielsa will have to make changes to the team due to suspensions to Fabian Orellana, Matías Fernández and Carlos Carmona.

Despite already qualifying for the World Cup, Bielsa vowed to finish the campaign in the “best manner” with a win.

By James Fowler - Santiago Times