Written by @Chadley_N for @Hollywoodbets. Follow them both on Twitter and Facebook now!
Brazil vs Chile | Saturday 28 June | Estádio Mineirão, Belo Horizonte | 18:00
Host nation Brazil take on familiar foes in Chile, having met each other twice in friendly matches since the return of Luiz Felipe Scolari for a second spell as coach. In April last year the sides drew 2-2 at the Mineirao in Belo Horizonte, the same stadium where they will meet on Saturday, with Neymar scoring one of Brazil’s goals that day. Then, last November, Brazil emerged 2-1 winners in a friendly played in Canada, with Hulk and Robinho scoring either side of an Eduardo Vargas goal for the Chileans. Those results indicate that this encounter will be a tough one to call, especially with Chile having impressed in qualifying from their group ahead of 2010 world champions Spain. And Chile will be eager to get revenge for defeats suffered at the hands of Brazil in the Round of 16 in each of their last two appearances at the World Cup. In 1998, Brazil won 4-1 in Paris, while in 2010 they triumphed 3-0 in Johannesburg.
To Win (90mins)
Brazil 6/10
Draw 28/10
Chile 46/10
Brazil
Brazil finished top of Group A after an ultimately comfortable 4-1 win over Cameroon. The sparkling performance meant Brazil went some way to dispelling doubts over their title credentials following last week’s goalless draw with Mexico. The main positive point wasn’t just the result but the way the team played, reclaiming the spirit that they had in last year’s Confederations Cup. The 2014 Brazil team may not quite be a one-man show, but Neymar, with four goals in three World Cup games, is without doubt the ringmaster of the Selecao circus act. There has been huge pressure on the shoulders of the Brazil forward right from the outset of the tournament. So much so, in fact, that even national legend Pele wondered just how the youngster would be able to cope under such an intense spotlight.
However, so far, the FC Barcelona star has appeared to thrive on the responsibility of being the man to guide his country on home soil this summer in pursuit of what would be a sixth World Cup win for Brazil. Neymar has now scored eight times in his last six matches for his country and will be Chile’s biggest concern. Scolari is likely to remain loyal to Fred, the under-fire striker who broke his World Cup scoring duck with Brazil’s third goal against Cameroon, but Fernandinho made a compelling case for inclusion in the starting lineup after his fine performance as a substitute. The Manchester City midfielder replaced the ineffective Paulinho in the 46th minute and had a part in Fred’s goal before completing the rout later on. Daniel Alves has been great in anchoring the Brazil defence, but he and the back line have been caught forward a few times, especially against Mexico.
Chile
Chile failed to claim top spot in Group B as the Netherlands beat them 2-0 at Sao Paulo’s Arena Corinthians, but their place in the knock-out stage was already secure regardless of the result after wins over Australia and Spain. Jorge Sampaoli’s men threatened through Felipe Gutierrez and Alexis Sanchez, although clear-cut chances were scarce for both sides prior to Leroy Fer’s towering header for the opening Netherlands goal. Chile dominated possession and pushed men forward for a late equaliser, but Arjen Robben broke at speed and played in Memphis Depay for his second goal of the tournament to wrap up the three points. In spite of the fact that Chile didn’t get a result, they have their heads held high and will be getting ready for the Round of 16 against the tournament favourites and host nation.
Vargas has looked very bright in Chile’s matches, working in tandem with Barcelona forward Alexis Sanchez. The Napoli man, who spent last season on loan at Valencia, has put several clubs across Europe on alert with his fine showing in Brazil. Sanchez is the go-to guy for his country and has taken on the most stubborn of defences in national team colours. He remains one of the key figures for his side as he scores and assists with equal vigour and could be a nuisance to David Luiz and Thiago Silva.
VERDICT: Brazil 6/10
Both sides possess strong forward players and the battle for supremacy will be fascinating. The Brazilians have home advantage which could prove crucial especially when looking at Chile’s away record during qualifiers. In eight travels, Chile only managed three victories, losing four times, conceding four goals in both Argentina and Uruguay. Neymar hasn’t failed to impress and will be spurred on by the many Brazilian supporters to lead the Samba Boys to another victory. Brazil are tipped for victory.
