Nunez’s return to the Chilean national team was met with controversy due to a red card suspension he received for pushing a referee during the last international break. Despite this, he was included in the starting line-up in a ‘number 10’ role, as new manager Nicolas Cordova made his first selection. However, Nunez struggled to make an impact in the game and was eventually replaced by Dario Osorio after 79 minutes. Former boss Eduardo Berizzo had called for Nunez to be given a second chance with the national team after his red card troubles, as he had been a key player under Berizzo.
The match saw Angel Mena scoring a 21st-minute opener for La Roja, putting Chile on the back foot. Nunez was unable to make any significant impact on the game, with his only notable contribution being a deflected free-kick that went wide. The result of the match leaves Chile in eighth place out of ten teams in their qualification group for the 2026 tournament in North America. Despite the disappointment, Nunez’s inclusion in the team and his performance has sparked discussions and debates among fans and football pundits.
The controversy surrounding Nunez’s inclusion in the national team stems from his suspension due to the red card incident. The decision to bring him back into the team was a point of contention, and his performance in the recent match has only added fuel to the debate. On one hand, there are calls for giving Nunez a second chance, as he was a key player under former boss Eduardo Berizzo. On the other hand, there are concerns about the impact of his actions and whether his inclusion is justified given the disciplinary issues he has faced.
As the qualification for the 2026 tournament progresses, Nunez’s performance and inclusion in the national team will continue to be a topic of discussion. The team’s current standing in the qualification group leaves much to be desired, and the pressure is on for the manager and players to ensure their place in the tournament. Nunez’s future with the national team and his ability to make a positive impact will be closely scrutinized in the coming months.
