World Cup 2014: Brazil vs Chile match preview
A look ahead to the first match of the Round of 16
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Your support makes all the difference.Brazil have managed to make it to the second round with little trouble, except a goalless draw against Mexico, and now manager Luiz Felipe Scolari is fortunate enough to have no injury or suspension concerns ahead of the Selecao’s match with Chile.
Former Chelsea defender David Luiz is dealing with a small back problem but is nevertheless expected to team up with his new Paris Saint-Germain partner Thiago Silva at the back. It is still not certain though whether Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Paulinho will be starting in the centre or whether Manchester City’s Fernandinho will be replacing him.
Chile must be confident ahead of this match as they snatched an important victory against holders Spain and also picked up the three points against Australia. Manager Jorge Sampaoli though is not without problems as Cardiff City defender Gary Medel has suffered an ankle injury and is therefore a doubt for this match. However, midfielder Arturo Vidal will be set for action after being rested in the Roja’s last match against the Netherlands.
This match promises to be very competitive but a selection of Brazil players, such as Silva, Ramires, Luiz Gustavo and star player Neymar all face suspension should they get booked and the same goes for Chile’s Vidal, Charles Aranguiz, Francisco Silva and Eugenio Mena.
KICK-OFF: Saturday, 5pm
PAST THREE MEETINGS…
Brazil 2 (Hulk, Robinho) Chile 1 (Vargas), International Friendly, November 2013
Brazil 2 (Rever, Neymar) Chile 2 (Gonzalez, Vargas), International Friendly, April 2013
Brazil 3 (Juan, Luis Fabiano, Robinho) Chile 0, World Cup, June 2010
STATS…
The squads have clashed 33 times where Brazil have won the lion share of the exchange with 21 victories.
This is the second straight time these two sides collide at the World Cup Round of 16. Both teams faced off in 2010 and 1998 as well where Brazil emerged victorious with a 4-1 score.
The Brazilians have won their last five World Cup second-round matches, with the only exception being a defeat against rivals Argentina at Italia ’90.
The Selecao have won 11 out of their last 12 matches and manager Luiz Felipe Scolari has yet to taste defeat in the World Cup with Brazil.
The hosts have not lost a competitive match at home since 1975.
Valencia striker Eduardo Vargas has scored in both previous meetings against Brazil.
ODDS…
Brazil to win: 4.7
Chile to win: 5.1
Draw: 17.5
TV: Live on BBC One at 5pm
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