Round of 16 preview: Brazil v Chile

Hosts Brazil go into the first knockout match as the favourites, but coach Scolari fears their Chilean opponents.


The knockout stage of the World Cup begins with host Brazil playing Chile, the South American rival they have dominated over the years.

Brazil have not lost to Chile in more than a decade and have never lost a head-to-head game on home soil. But for the first time Chile arrive to face their neighbour with plenty of confidence thanks in part to a convincing campaign in Group B that included a victory over 2010 World Cup champion Spain.

Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari warned about Chile's potential more than six months ago, following the World Cup draw.

Despite the possibility of the hosts facing Spain or their 2010 nemesis Netherlands, Scolari said at the time that his biggest concern was the Chilean squad, who he hoped 'wouldn't qualify' for the second round.

Brazil has not lost to Chile since a World Cup qualifier in 2000. Since then, they have won 10 of their 12 matches. The teams have met three times in World Cups, with Brazil winning 4-2 in the semi-finals of the 1962 tournament in Chile, then 4-1 in the second round in 1998 and 3-0 at the same stage in 2010.





Venue: Estádio Mineirão, Belo Horizonte

Kick-off: June 28, 1600GMT

Key stats: Brazil and Chile played twice in friendlies last year. Scolari's team won 2-1 in November in Canada, and the teams drew 2-2 in April at the same the match Stadium where Saturday's match will be played.

Brazil have made it to the quarter-finals of the World Cup every time since 1994. Chile have only once advanced past the second round, at home in 1962.

Brazil have four players going into thematch with a yellow card, including striker Neymar, captain Thiago Silva and Gustavo. Another yellow against Chile will sideline them from the quarter-finals if Brazil advances.

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