Sanchez plays 45 minutes for Chile in 2-0 defeat to Iran

Alexis Sanchez failed to spark a comeback as Chile suffered a shock 2-0 defeat to Iran.

The Middle Eastern nation, managed by Carlos Queiroz, held out for the surprise victory against a side which also had the likes of Arturo Vidal, Eduardo Vargas and Gary Medel featuring.

Sanchez came off the bench at half-time with Chile a goal down, after Javad Nekounam gave Iran a shock lead after just 21 minutes.

Nekounam could hardly believe the space he was gifted from an Iran corner at the back post, with Barcelona goalkeeper Claudio Bravo unable to react in time.

Vahid Amiri doubled the advantage just five minutes after Sanchez was brought off the bench, sending the NV Arena in Austria into shock.

But Chile, who recorded a total of 74 per cent possession against the stubborn Iranian team, continued to rally with Sanchez at the centre of most of their attacks.

On the hour mark, he set up Jose Pedro Fuenzalidam, who could only fire wide.

Chile will face off against Brazil at the Emirates on Sunday afternoon, in a re-run of the World Cup knockout round tie which saw Los Roja eliminated on penalties.