Familiar foes, Brazil and Chile - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Familiar foes, Brazil and Chile

27/06/2010 10:00:17 AM Comments (0)

Brazil and Chile won't have a lot to hide when they play in the second round of the World Cup on Monday.

The two South American nations have met dozens of times in recent years and already know what to expect of their opponent in the match at Ellis Park Stadium.

Brazil has dominated the rivalry and arrives heavily favoured to advance, but this time the five-time champions will be facing a Chile team eager to show it can get past the round of 16 for the first time since its home tournament in 1962.

The Brazilians know better not to take their opponents for granted.

"Now we get to the stage where the 90 minutes will be decisive, mistakes are not allowed or you will be going home," Brazil coach Dunga said. "Chile has been improving, it has a team with good players and will fight very hard to keep advancing."

Led by Argentine coach Marcelo Bielsa, Chile moved from Group H after victories against Honduras and Switzerland, finishing second after a hard-fought 2-1 loss to European champion Spain after going a man down in the first half.

"Chile will respect Brazil, but we will play our own game," Chile midfielder Arturo Vidal said. "We will pressure and attack from all sides."

Brazil had no problem advancing from Group G, finishing first after beating North Korea 2-1, Ivory Coast 3-1 and drawing Portugal 0-0.

Brazil hasn't lost to Chile in 10 years, since a 3-0 result in a 2000 qualifier for the 2002 World Cup. It has won the past seven, outscoring Chile 26-3. In 10 matches this decade, Brazil won eight, drew one and lost only the qualifier in 2000.

The teams have met twice in World Cups and Brazil won both - 4-1 in the second round of the 1998 World Cup in France and 4-2 in a semifinal at the 1962 tournament in Chile. Brazil also won both qualifiers for the 2010 World Cup: 3-0 in Chile in 2008 and 4-2 in Brazil last year.

But despite the unfavourable numbers, the Chileans say they will not relinquish their attacking style on Monday.

"I expect an open match," midfielder Jean Beausejour said. "It's likely that we won't change a millimetre from what we have been doing, regardless of our rival. And with their history and tradition, (Brazil) will also try to attack."

Both teams are likely to be without some regular starters, however, with Chile having the most significant losses.

The team's central defenders - Gary Medel and Waldo Ponce - will not play after receiving their second yellow card in the loss to Spain on Friday. Bielsa also will not be able to count on midfielder Marco Estrada, who was sent off in that game. Carlos Carmona is expected to return in his place after a suspension.

Brazil will likely be without midfielder Felipe Melo because of a left ankle injury sustained just before halftime against Portugal. Reserve midfielder Julio Baptista hurt his knee in the second half and is also a likely absentee.

But Brazil will be boosted by the return of playmaker Kaka, midfielder Elano and striker Robinho.

Kaka missed the match against Portugal because of a red card against Ivory Coast, while Elano didn't play after failing to recover from a right ankle injury sustained against the Ivorians. Robinho was rested from the match because of a minor left thigh problem but also is safe in the starting lineup for Monday's match.

Coach Dunga said their absence played a part in Brazil's failure to get on the board against Portugal. Brazil hadn't gone scoreless since a 0-0 draw with Venezuela in a World Cup qualifier last October.

The winner of the Brazil-Chile match will play the quarterfinals against either the Netherlands or Slovakia, which play on Monday in Durban.

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