In 1962, Chile reached the semi-final of the World Cup, that they were hosting. Having lost to Yugoslavia in this "play off " match, 1-0, it was the nation's greatest footballing achievement. The country, at the time was struggling with devastation from earthquakes and the anthem "El Mundial de Sesenta y Dos" commemorating the feat is still played on National Radio.
On September 11, Chile's socialist leader, Salvador Allende, shot himself in the head while a "coup d'etat", led by General Pinochet was taking place. Pinochet was set about destroying his opponents and Santiago's Estadio Nacional, where Chile had hosted the 1962 World Cup Final, was used as a "detainment" centre where torture and imprisonment was used against his challengers and refugees. The official death toll was 41 but witnesses say there were many more. Those detained were starved to death and bodies left to rot in the stadium changing rooms. All this was hidden from FIFA and the press, when they were allowed to visit in October.
On September 26, Russia and Chile drew their first leg tie in Moscow 0-0, however the USSR refused to play the return leg in Santiago, in light of the coup. But FIFA found the stadium fit to host the match and refused the USSR's request to change venue. On November 21st, Chile turned up to an empty stadium and their captain, kicked off and scored into an unguarded net. Chile had a walkover.
Later in the 1974 West Germany tournament, Chile lost to the hosts,1-0, drew with East Germany (as it was known then) 1-1 and against Australia, they drew (already out of the tournament) 0-0 in Berlin, and so were knocked out and returned to their home country in the grip of a dictator!
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