Chileans train with flag which survived quake and tsunami

Jun 23, 2010, 12:31 GMT

Nelspruit, South Africa - Chile trained Wednesday in Nelspruit with a national flag which survived the earthquake and tsunami which devastated parts of the country in February.

'That flag shows the suffering that our country went through, the tsunami, the deaths. It's an extra motivation,' said defender Waldo Ponce.

The symbol, worn and still dirty from the natural disaster, was put up by Chilean police officers who travel with the team.

Chile currently top Group H with six points in two matches. But they are to play a final crucial match Friday against Spain, which they have to at least draw in order to secure a place in the round of 16.

Chilean players stressed that they will not speculate over results.

'We do not train to draw a match,' said keeper Claudio Bravo. 'We're going to die with our ideas.'

'We know what we have done so far, but we do not settle for that. We have not secured qualification,' Bravo added.

Chile coach Marcelo Bielsa was likely to replace suspended playmaker Matias Fernandez with fan favourite Jorge Valdivia, another creative player. Marco Estrada is the likely replacement for Carlos Carmona, who is also suspended after two World Cup bookings.