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The knockout stages of the World Cup begin tonight as hosts Brazil take on Chile. Brazil’s record against Chile is very impressive with them being unbeaten against the La Roja for the past 14 years. Back in December 2013, Scolari quoted in an interview that Chile was the one team he’d prefer to avoid in the round of 16. Chile’s performance in the group stages was astounding and despite the loss against the Dutch, they are expected to come strong in this match.
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History favours the hosts in these fixtures with them having won 48 matches, drawn 13 and lost just 7 against their South-American opponents. While neither team has big injury concerns, Brazil are on the line for a big mishap with four of their players on a yellow card, most important of which is Neymar.
Venue
Estadio Mineiro, Belo Horizonte is one of the most historic venues in Brazil and is home to Atletico Mineiro and Cruzeiro. Prior to the World Cup, it was overhauled with an increase in crowd capacity, which currently stands at 64,000, and lowering of the pitch surface.
The average temperature here is around 25 degrees, which would mean the match isn’t subject to a mandatory drinks break. Unlike other places, there wouldn’t be much of rainfall. The circular roof makes up one of the most complete and intriguing stadiums in Brazil.
Kickoff
June 18 – 1:00 pm – Local Time
June 18 – 9:30 am – Indian Standard Time (IST)
Possible Starting Lineups
Chile
Their’s final group stage match saw Arturo Vidal on the bench. While it was first thought of as a break for rest, it was reported he didn’t show up for training on Thursday along with Gary Medel. But, given this is an important fixture, the manager isn’t expected to leave them out as they are both crucial players. Apart from that, we can expect the team to line up in a familiar 3-4-1-2 with Sanchez leading the attack, and potential switches to a 4-4-2 later in the match.
Chile (3-4-1-2): Bravo; Silva, Jara, Medel; Isla, Diaz, Aranguiz, Mena; Vidal; Sanchez, Vargas
Brazil
Scolari has stated more than once that Chile’s attack is something to watch out. Judging by that we can expect him to retain his line-up from the first match against Croatia, with two defensive midfielders and Oscar ahead of them. Seeing as Marcelo tends to move forward a lot, Gustavo can be expected to drop deep to neutralize Sanchez’s threat around that region.
Brazil (4-2-3-1): Cesar; Alves, Luiz, Silva, Marcelo; Gustavo, Paulinho; Hulk, Oscar, Neymar; Fred.
Key Facts and Stats
- The Selecao have won 11 out of their last 12 matches with the only loss coming in a friendly immediately after the Confederations Cup against Switzerland.
- Luiz Felipe Scolari has yet to lose in the World Cup as the manager of Brazil.
- The hosts haven’t lost a competitive fixture at home since 1975.
- Chilean striker Eduardo Vargas has scored in each of his previous two meetings against Brazil.
- Alexis Sanchez, as of now, is the most fouled player in this World Cup, with the number reaching 18 in just three matches.
Key Battles
Alexis Sanchez vs David Luiz
This match-up would be one of the most important factors in the outcome. With Thiago Silva usually lining up on the right side of defence and Alexis on the right side of attack, Luiz is the man who will face in-form Alexis. Sanchez’s low center of gravity has been a vital asset with him being able to accelerate at a high pace and dribble with precision. Luiz’s abilities as a complete centre back would be put to the test as he would be facing a highly mobile player whose movement is spread over to the wings as well, making it difficult to predict his position.
Sanchez has been earning a lot of fouls, and seeing Brazil’s vulnerability at defending dead balls, the chances of a mistake are high. For Brazil to have a comfortable night, keeping Sanchez quiet is necessary.
Oscar dos Santos vs Arturo Vidal
Moving down the field, this one is a battle of two of Europe’s most sought-after midfielders. While Vidal is potentially coming off a minor injury, Oscar has no such problems and will be expected to run the show for the Selecao. Oscar proved in the first match as to why he is their most important player with some excellent play in the final third. Although Vidal looks like he plays behind the striker on paper, is expected to track back to nullify Oscar’s threat from the middle. And Vidal has gained a reputation as one of the toughest tacklers and a very good exponent of the double pivot.
Prediction
Brazil are coming off a resounding win while Chile were beaten in their final group stage game. Despite the fact that Brazil hold the upper hand in so many aspects, this Chile side has every chance of upsetting the hosts to progress. Their pace and mobility along with a flexible formation place them in a better position compared to the Selecao whose midfield is quite rigid.
Brazil have had their problems in the group stages and their performances were unconvincing. The odds may be stacked up in Brazil’s favour but I am going to go ahead and suggest a Chile win in this match, citing their impressive performances in the group stages.
Predicted Scoreline: Brazil 1 – 2 Chile
Match Officials
Referee: Howard Webb (ENG)
Assistant Referee 1: Michael Mullarkey (ENG)
Assistant Referee 2: Darren Cann (ENG)
Fourth official: Felix Brych (GER)
