Hosts Brazil will face Chile in the second match of the Round of 16 at the FIFA World Cup 2014 in a match which will be played at the Estadio Mineirao at Belo Horizonte on Saturday, June 28.
Brazil topped the standings in Group A with two wins and a draw while Chile came in second to Netherlands in Group B with the Dutch outplaying them in their last group match as the two teams set up a match in the first knock-out stage of the ongoing world cup.
The home team are absolute favourites to go all the way this year. However, Brazil have to overcome a tough opposition in Chile as they look to seal a quarter final berth.
Brazil proved against Cameroon that their draw against Mexico was a minor blip which had more to do with the saves made by the opposition goalkeeper than their lack of a killer instinct in front of goal. Although it is probably unwise to compare the two sides, the Selecao approached their final group game with gusto as they ran out comfortable 4-1 winners by the end.
However, this match too did not remain immune from controversy after it appeared that the home team’s third goal came from a clear off-side position which was not spotted by the linesman.
Otherwise, both of Neymar’s strikes were absolutely brilliant and the final goal from Fernandinho reminded everyone of the Brazil of old with the goal following from a series of delightful passes. The side will be heavily dependent on Neymar to make things happen for them against Chile, who do not have the best of defences, although, results would say otherwise.
Chile will be confident of their chances against Brazil. They have shown great dynamism all over the field except for the defence which is susceptible to errors. While the likes of Arturo Vidal, Alexis Sanchez, and Eduardo Vargas have played extremely well for the La Roja, one could not really say the same about Gary Medel and company in defence.
There is a need for Chile to buckle up and not concede cheap goals. They also have to deal with the pace and trickery of Neymar, who has been in great form for the home team in this world cup. The Chilean defence does not inspire confidence really and it looks very difficult for them to progress further in this tournament if they were to only depend on their attackers to rescue them from tight-spots.