Brazil vs. Chile – Team News, Form, History and Prediction
South America rivals Brazil and Chile will meet on Saturday with a place in the quarter-finals of the world cup up for grabs. The clash promises to be an intriguing encounter with both sides possessing plenty of attacking qualities. Given their role as football minnows the pressure will be off a Chilean side and that will suit Jorge Sampoli and his men especially when the opponents are the hosts and tipped by many to win the tournament.
Team News:
Following their 4-1 win over Cameroon which sealed top spot in group A it is unlikely that Brazil will make too many changes to their line-up.
Under-pressure Fred will be rejuvenated following his goal against the African side while the support offered from Neymar, the tournament’s top scorer along with Lionel Messi, and Hulk will ensure that the Brazilian will the Chile defence a torrid time. Midfielder Fernandinho could come into the side after his goal-scoring appearance midweek. The Manchester City powerhouse came on for Paulinho and looked lively throughout.
Chile are also unlikely to make too many changes to their side despite losing 2-0 to in-form Holland in their final group game. The likes of Arturo Vidal, Alexis Sanchez and the excellent Eduardo Vargas will make sure that this improving Chile team make life difficult for the hosts.
History and form:
Brazil eased their way out of Group A, racking up wins over Croatia and Cameroon, the only blot on the copybook a 0-0 draw with Mexico. The pre-tournament favourites finished top of the pile scoring seven goals and conceding just two. Chile meanwhile won two of their games beating Spain and Australia before losing to Holland in their final game. It was enough to secure second place in the group. The Chileans have a poor record against their more illustrious hosts, in 70 games they have won just seven and have not beaten Brazil since a world cup qualifier back in 2000. However given their recent form, which includes wins over England and Costa Rica in addition to their world cup success to date, Chile will be confident of causing an upset.
Prediction:
With no one side assuming the mantle of outstanding team of the tournament so far, finding a winner is proving difficult. Brazil for all their attacking qualities look fragile in the middle of the park and in defence and they will face a difficult task against a Chilean side that is improving each year. The world cup, Costa Rica aside, has gone pretty much to plan with the bigger games living up to their billing, however the Chileans have the potential to cause a major upset as evidenced by their performance against Spain. Skilful, quick on the break and tough in the tackle, the Chileans were tipped as a dark horse by many before the tournament and they could finally announce their arrival on the world stage with a stunning win.
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