Bermuda 0 Chile 1 Down but not out. Bermuda failed to earn the point they so desperately wanted from this opening Pan-Am match at Tandil's Estadio General San Martin last night.

But in a competition where goal difference could be crucial, this wasn't a disappointing result.

In fact, against a team of Chile's pedigree -- many here rate them third behind only hosts Argentina and Brazil -- this was a brave, inspiring performance which fully deserved the raucous applause directed at Bermuda's youngsters from an appreciative 8,000-plus crowd at the final whistle.

With the mighty Brazilians still to come on Monday night, there's no doubt the Island's Under-23s face an uphill climb if they are to earn a surprise spot in the quarter-finals.

But on last night's showing they certainly can't be counted out.

As proud coach Mark Trott declared afterwards: "We've proved tonight we can play against the best in the world. In the end we were unfortunate not to get a point.

"If anything, we showed Chile too much respect, particularly in the first half.'' It was during that first half that Bermuda's hopes were dashed with one of Chile's few shots on target, and the only one that eluded goalkeeper Dwayne (Streaker) Adams, who in the space of 90 minutes became Tandil's latest hero.

A string of acrobatic saves had the crowd singing and chanting his name at every touch, and he responded by waving back and playing the clown each time the ball went out of play. At the end he was mobbed by autograph hunters, South American journalists and a TV crew.

But there was nothing even Adams could do in the 31st minute when a corner from the skilful Frank Lobos was met powerfully by Claudio Lizama's head and redirected into the top corner of the net.

At that stage, it was probably no less than Chile deserved after they dictated the early pace.

It had become apparent from the opening whistle that Bermuda would have to defend in numbers against a typical South American side equally adept at rifling in shots from 30 yards as they were dribbling into the area.

Midfielder Lobos stamped an immediate impression on the game, spraying balls from all angles and darting into open space with electrifying speed.

But for all their early dominance, Chile had little to show as Adams comfortably dealt with everything thrown at him -- a roar approval greeting his every touch of the ball.

Bermuda, as expected, appeared content to rely on the counter-attack with Shawn Simons taking the role of sole striker and Quincy Aberdeen offering support.

At the back some tough tackling from Dano Outerbridge and Shawn Smith reminded Chile there would be no easy route through their defence. But at times the tackling was a little too enthusiastic. Andrew Rahman went into American referee Estandiar Baharmast's book, somewhat harshly, for a tackle on Lobos after just 15 minutes, and Outerbridge was also booked in the 34th minute for a rough challenge.

Apart from the one lapse, Bermuda defended well. But their counter attacks were few and far between. Simons twice came close to latching onto long through balls and Aberdeen's dribbling caused some concern to Chile's defenders, although never at the right moment.

The second half, however, proved a different story. A pep talk from coach Trott and his assistant Gary Darrell seemed to have the desired affect as Bermuda came out believing in their own ability.

Enjoying their best spell of the match early in the half, Aberdeen and Simons both got shots in on goal. And the introduction of Janeiro Tucker for Jahmah Samuels after 55 minutes also gave Bermuda more punch.

But at the other end Adams almost blotted his copy book. Attempting to clear with his feet outside the area, he sent the ball directly to Francisco Rojas whose lob from 40 yards out sailed over the 'keeper and just over the top.

A free kick from 35 yards gave Tucker chance to show his long-range power, but he squandered the opportunity with a poorly-hit effort.

Ascento Russell came on for Aberdeen after 75 minutes and it was he who almost stole a vital point as injury time ticked away.

Collecting the ball outside the area and seeing Chilean 'keeper Alex Varas off his line, Russell let rip with a dipping shot which arched agonisingly over the bar.

The result leaves Bermuda probably needing at least two points from their final two group games against Brazil and Costa Rica.

And Trott still believes that falls within the capability of his team.

"I think this has given us a lot of confidence despite the result,'' he said.

"Monday's another day. You never know what might happen.'' Bermuda: Dwayne Adams; Shawn Smith, Dano Outerbridge, Karl Roberts, Jahmal Samuels (Janeiro Tucker, 55 mins), Dean Bailey, Andrew Rahman, Nakia Smith, Otis Steede, Quincy Aberdeen (Ascento Russell, 75 mins), Shawn Simons.

Chile: Alex Varas; Rodrigo Perez, Francisco Rojas, Ricardo Rojas, Moises Avila (Carlos Barraza, 45 mins), Dante Poli, Frank Lobos, Fredy Ferragut, Apellido Hormazubal (Cesar Diaz 63 mins), Claudio Lizama, Juan Silva.

Referee: Estandior Baharmast (USA).

Men of the Match: Dwayne Adams (Bermuda); Frank Lobos (Chile).