Not all Flamengo fans are rooting for the Brazilian national team at the World Cup in South Africa. Midfielder Maldonado, despite having enjoyed considerable success in Brazilian football, is Chilean and is confident his country will perform well in the World Cup. The player even expected to be called up, but Marcelo Bielsa opted not to include him in the competition. Even so, he continues to root for his teammates and friends who are there.

In the first round of the World Cup, Chile defeated Honduras 1-0, achieving a historic result: ending a 48-year World Cup winless streak. With the result, the South American team shares the lead in Group H with Switzerland, who defeated favorites Spain, also 1-0. While Chilean newspapers lavished praise on "La Roja's" performance, Maldonado was no slouch, also expressing confidence in the team. He admitted he would like to be alongside his compatriots, but assured them he was rooting for his teammates.

"I'm here as a fan. I have friends there and I'm rooting for their success. Not only for myself and because they're my friends, but also for the millions of Chileans who are cheering. I'm rooting for Chile to do their best. I enjoyed their debut, even though I only saw the end of the game because I was training, and I believe they can do well in the World Cup," he said.

Chile plays again next Monday, the 21st, against Switzerland. The winner is very close to qualifying for the round of XNUMX.