Brazil vs Chile - Competition: FIFA World Cup, Round of 16
Match Date: 28 June 2014 - Start Time: 13:00 Local - 17:00 BST
Venue: Estadio Mineirao, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
Match Date: 28 June 2014 - Start Time: 13:00 Local - 17:00 BST
Venue: Estadio Mineirao, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
Brazil won Group A as expected last time out, earning them a Round of 16 berth to take on their South American counterparts, Chile.
The host nation trounced a disappointing Cameroon side in their final
match of group action 4-1 behind two goals from national celebrity, Neymar.
The talented prodigy now has more goals through three World Cup matches
than his Barcelona counterpart Lionel Messi has in 10. It seems the
flashy forward relishes the spotlight and the burden of expectations
placed upon his shoulders, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see him
stamp his authority on this match here in Belo Horizonte. However, the Gold and Green will need to be alert to everything Alexis Sanchez,
as the speedy Chilean brings his game to another level with his
national side. They’ve been arguably one of the more impressive teams at
this summer’s global showcase, and Brazilian wing-backs Dani Alves and Marcelo cannot afford a howler of a game like they are prone to every so often. Nevertheless, the fact is that Brazil have won 11 of their last 12 matches
while losing just once in their last 24 contests in all competitions,
and with home-field advantage and a massive motivation to succeed, the
host nation should be advancing to the Quarterfinal Stage.
Chile team fell in defeat to the Netherlands last
time out, 2-0. However, they had already clinched advancement from a
difficult group that saw the defending champions of 2010 eliminated from
the tournament (Spain). A furious, beautiful attack has led the Chileans to the Round of 16, with Barcelona man Alexis Sanchez
raising his level of play on the big stage. But Chile know what they”ll
get from their star forward, and their hopes lie in an admittedly
suspect defence that must avoid falling asleep against the tournament
favorites. Furthermore, La Roja aren’t known for
sitting back and defending, so this match very well could become open
relatively quickly, and the presence of Cardiff City defender Gary Medel must be felt by Brazil’s overpowering attack if the underdogs hope to pull off the upset. Chile
haven’t drawn in their last 10 matches, so extra time isn’t expected
here, though this summer’s World Cup has been anything but predictable.
Good news comes in the form of a fully fit Arturo Vidal, who some claim to be the best box-to-box midfielder in the world, and the Juventus man very well could cause Brazil significant problems.
Possible Lineups:
Brazil Starting XI (4-2-3-1): 12 Cesar, 2 Alves, 3 Thiago Silva, 4 David Luiz, 6 Marcelo, 8 Paulinho, 17 Luiz Gustavo, 7 Hulk, 11 Oscar, 10 Neymar, 9 Fred.
Chile Starting XI (3-4-1-2): 1 Bravo, 5 Silva, 17 Medel, 18 Jara, 4 Isla, 20 Aranguiz, 21 Diaz, 2 Mena, 16 Gutierrez, 11 Vargas, 7 Alexis.
Brazil last 5 matches:
03/06/14 Brazil 4 – 0 Panama
06/06/14 Brazil 1 – 0 Serbia
13/06/14 Brazil 3 – 1 Croatia
17/06/14 Brazil 0 – 0 Mexico
24/06/14 Cameroon 1 – 4 Brazil
03/06/14 Brazil 4 – 0 Panama
06/06/14 Brazil 1 – 0 Serbia
13/06/14 Brazil 3 – 1 Croatia
17/06/14 Brazil 0 – 0 Mexico
24/06/14 Cameroon 1 – 4 Brazil
