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By Mark Gleeson
POLOKWANE, South Africa, Feb 11 (Reuters) - World Cup hosts South Africa were handed a comprehensive lesson by visitors Chile in a 2-0 defeat in their friendly international in Polokwane on Wednesday.
The pace and pressing of the South American visitors overwhelmed the locals, playing their first serious test as they began their last 18 months of preparations before the start of the 2010 World Cup.
A poor clearance allowed Chile midfielder Jorge Valdivia to fire home a shot from the edge of the penalty area on the stroke of halftime.
Udinese striker Alexis Sanchez added a second in the 67th minute, drifting in from the wing to find space to fire home.
South Africa, who had won five successive matches against African opposition in friendlies since October, came closest to a goal five minutes into the second half when striker Benni McCarthy hit the post.
South Africa have a comprehensive series of friendlies ahead against European and South American opposition as well as participation in June's Confederations Cup.
