Red alert: Chile's players, bound for World Cup 2010 in South Africa, celebrate a goal during a friendly international against Slovakia

The Coach: Marcelo Bielsa (Argentine, 54). Appointed: July 2007. WC experience: Player: None. Coach: 2002 (Argentina).

Bielsa replaced Daniel Passarella as coach of Argentina and took them to the 2002 finals, but failed to progress beyond the first round.

The Country: Chile are in the finals for the first time in 12 years and it is generally accepted that it is down to the style of Bielsa, who likes to fast-track young talent and encourages a more attacking approach away from home.

Bielsa refuses to grant exclusive interviews to the press and he has been known to field every last question from the assembled media during press conferences. But when talk has turned to the intricacies of the game, a three or even four-hour press conference has been known to take place.

He is a fanatic of football videos and on occasion Bielsa checks pitch measurements by pacing them out before deciding on a particular formation

Chile reached South Africa courtesy of a 4-2 victory over Colombia, and they were indebted to substitute Jorge Valdivia who scored one goal and created the other three. The fact they finished only second to South American group winners Brazil, just a point behind and with more wins (10), tells a story about the success Bielsa has brought to the country.

He glories in the nickname El Loco Bielsa, or "Madman Bielsa". However, Bielsa has produced a solid team with no recognised stars, largely comprising young, physically fit and unyielding workers. The man to watch could be Humberto Suazo, a 28-year-old on the books at Mexican club Monterrey, and who topped the South American scoring charts with 10 goals.

Telegraph verdict: Perhaps the most attractive South American team right now, full of attacking intent and goals. At their first finals since 1998 but would appear too vulnerable in defence to be able to make a real impression on the tournament. But they will be great to watch.