Brazil expected to turn up the heat against Chile

As predicted by most fans, Brazil topped Group G and is set to meet Chile in their first playoff game at Ellis Park in Johannesburg on June 28. The Brazilians beat North Korea 2-1, and the Ivory Coast 3-1, before drawing their final group game 0-0 with Portugal. They haven’t really looked too impressive so far, but then again, they haven’t really had to.

Chile got off to a good start in Group H by beating both Honduras and Switzerland 1-0, and then got slightly derailed in a 2-1 loss to Spain, in which they were reduced to 10 men after midfielder Marco Estrada was sent off due to his second yellow card of the game. The Chileans played well enough, but then the game turned into a farce as both teams knew they would advance into the second round.

Brazil will have midfielder Kaka back in the lineup after he sat out against Portugal due to being sent off with a red card against Ivory Coast. The Brazilians are strong offensively as usual with Robinho, Luis Fabiano, Nilmar, and Grafite up front, while Maicon is a good attacking right full-back. They’re also solid in net with Julio Cesar. Robinho sat out against Portugal, but should be refreshed and ready to go if manager Dunga wants to start him. Midfielder Elano, who has two goals, could also be back in action after suffering an ankle injury in the win over Ivory Coast. Dani Alves took his place against Portugal.

Chile has decent scoring strength up front and the only goals they let in were against Spain, so have played quite solidly in their own end most of the time. But if they sit back and allow Brazil time and room on the ball and invite them to attack, they’ll be in trouble. If the Chileans press the action and put pressure on the ball carrier their odds of pulling off a win are a lot better. However, in soccer we see too many teams reacting instead of acting.

Chile has six forwards in South Africa, in Alexis Sanchez, Humberto Suazo, Mark Gonzalez, Jean Beausejour, Fabian Orellana, and Esteban Paredes. It’s likely that Gonzalez will start, but who joins him could be a guessing game.

Brazil v Chile Odds and Predictions

The two teams have met 65 times before with Brazil basically owning Chile by winning 46, losing 7, and drawing 12 games, and outscoring them 152 to 55. The Brazilians seem to create enough scoring chances to win, even when they’re not particularly playing well. And with the knockout stage getting underway, the players should be a lot more motivated now and will pick up the pace. This isn’t going to bode well for Chile’s chances and Brazil should come out of this game as 3-1 winners.

Brazil is favoured to take this matchup with Ladbrokes listing their odds for a victory at 11/20. The chances of Chile pulling off a win are posted at 11/2. The odds of the game being even after 90 minutes are 59/20.

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