WASHINGTON, Feb. 17, 2012 - PPL Park, the home of the Philadelphia Union, will host an international exhibition match between the national teams of Ghana and Chile on February 29 at 7:00 p.m.
“We’re excited to begin 2012 with another high-quality international game,” said Union CEO Nick Sakiewicz. “We’ve committed to bringing world-class soccer to the Philadelphia region as part of our partnership with the Eagles, and we’ve done that once again with two teams that advanced past the group stage of the 2010 World Cup.”
Highlighted by FC Barcelona forward Alexis Sanchez and Monterrey forward Humberto Suazo, Chile qualified for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, winning their first two group stage matches against Honduras and Switzerland before falling 2-1 to eventual tournament winner Spain. With a 2-0-1 group stage record, Chile reached the Round of 16, losing to Brazil.
Currently ranked 12th in the FIFA rankings, Chile has appeared in eight World Cups.
Led by Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien, Ghana is also coming off a successful 2010 World Cup in which they became just the third African team in history to reach the quarterfinals. The Black Stars beat the U.S. team 2-1 in the Round of 16.
Currently ranked 23rd in the FIFA World Rankings, Ghana has won the Africa Cup of Nations four times (1963, 1965, 1978, and 1982), the most of any country other than Egypt.
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