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World Cup 2014: Brazil vs Chile match preview

A look ahead to the first match of the Round of 16

Konstantinos Lianos

Saturday 28 June 2014 12:30 BST

(GETTY IMAGES)

Brazil have managed to make it to the second round with little trouble, except a goalless draw against Mexico, and now manager Luiz Felipe Scolari is fortunate enough to have no injury or suspension concerns ahead of the Selecao’s match with Chile.

Follow all the build up to Brazil vs Chile here

Former Chelsea defender David Luiz is dealing with a small back problem but is nevertheless expected to team up with his new Paris Saint-Germain partner Thiago Silva at the back. It is still not certain though whether Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Paulinho will be starting in the centre or whether Manchester City’s Fernandinho will be replacing him.

Chile must be confident ahead of this match as they snatched an important victory against holders Spain and also picked up the three points against Australia. Manager Jorge Sampaoli though is not without problems as Cardiff City defender Gary Medel has suffered an ankle injury and is therefore a doubt for this match. However, midfielder Arturo Vidal will be set for action after being rested in the Roja’s last match against the Netherlands.

This match promises to be very competitive but a selection of Brazil players, such as Silva, Ramires, Luiz Gustavo and star player Neymar all face suspension should they get booked and the same goes for Chile’s Vidal, Charles Aranguiz, Francisco Silva and Eugenio Mena.

World Cup 2014: Group stage best XI

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1/11World Cup 2014: Group stage best XI

World Cup 2014: Group stage best XI

Guillermo Ochoa - Goalkeeper (Mexico)

The Mexican goalkeeper produced a man of the match display to keep Brazil at bay and has been at the heart of a resolute defence that has helped put the side in the knockout stages.

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World Cup 2014: Group stage best XI

Serge Aurier - Right-back (Ivory Coast)

Reportedly on the radar of several Premier League clubs and you can see why. Provider of some crucial assists already, he has looked a serious talent.

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World Cup 2014: Group stage best XI

Rafael Marquez - Centre-back (Mexico)

The veteran centre-back has turned back the years to marshal a disciplined Mexican defence and lead his side into the knockout rounds.

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World Cup 2014: Group stage best XI

Mario Yepes - Centre-back (Colombia)

Another old-timer who many thought had his best years behind him. Yepes has looked solid for Colombia and even managed a marauding run through midfield at one point.

World Cup 2014: Group stage best XI

Daley Blind - Left-back (Netherlands)

The Netherlands man provided the superb assist for Robin van Persie's magnificent header, and Blind has offered a different option with his charges forward down the left-flank. Has the most assists in the tournament so far alongside Juan Guillermo Cuadrado.

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World Cup 2014: Group stage best XI

Philipp Lahm - Defensive midfielder (Germany)

The Germany captain had a quiet start to the tournament as he let the attacking-minded players take the plaudits against Portugal. But he has controlled the strings since, completing more passes than any other player, and his versatility means Muller, Mesut Ozil and the likes can push on to leave Lahm marshaling the back-four.

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World Cup 2014: Group stage best XI

Arjen Robben - Right-wing (Netherlands)

Robben's pace to blow away Sergio Ramos summed up his performance in the 5-1 dismantling of Spain, as he starred throughout the Netherlands' group campaign. Three goals from his eight shots represents a very solid return.

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World Cup 2014: Group stage best XI

James Rodriguez - Right-wing (Colombia)

One of the stars of the World Cup so far, Rodriguez became the Colombian to score in all three of their group games, helping the South Americans to progress to the second round as winners of Group C.

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World Cup 2014: Group stage best XI

Lionel Messi - Central midfield (Argentina)

How can you leave Messi out of any best XI? Answer - you can't. Proving the doubters wrong, Messi put in three match-winning performances to help Argentina improve as the tournament goes on and book their spot in the last 16. He takes a roaming midfield role in our XI, but with the way he is playing at the moment, we'll let him play where he wants!

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World Cup 2014: Group stage best XI

Neymar - Left-wing (Brazil)

Brazil's poster boy for the World Cup has dominated the headlines since the tournament began. Two goals against Croatia in controversial circumstances, and another brace against Cameroon sees Neymar level with Messi and Muller on four goals so far. Can the golden boy go on to claim the golden boot as well as the golden trophy?

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World Cup 2014: Group stage best XI

Thomas Muller - Centre forward (Germany)

With no recognised striker in their starting line-up, Muller has flourished spearheading a German attack that interchanges position at will. If Germany are to be knocked out, Muller will have to be marked out of the game, as he has already shown this prowess in front of goal if he is given the chance.

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KICK-OFF: Saturday, 5pm

PAST THREE MEETINGS…

Brazil 2 (Hulk, Robinho) Chile 1 (Vargas), International Friendly, November 2013

Brazil 2 (Rever, Neymar) Chile 2 (Gonzalez, Vargas), International Friendly, April 2013

Brazil 3 (Juan, Luis Fabiano, Robinho) Chile 0, World Cup, June 2010

STATS…

The squads have clashed 33 times where Brazil have won the lion share of the exchange with 21 victories.

This is the second straight time these two sides collide at the World Cup Round of 16. Both teams faced off in 2010 and 1998 as well where Brazil emerged victorious with a 4-1 score.

The Brazilians have won their last five World Cup second-round matches, with the only exception being a defeat against rivals Argentina at Italia ’90.

The Selecao have won 11 out of their last 12 matches and manager Luiz Felipe Scolari has yet to taste defeat in the World Cup with Brazil.

The hosts have not lost a competitive match at home since 1975.

Valencia striker Eduardo Vargas has scored in both previous meetings against Brazil.

Neymar and Scolari pictured preparing ahead of the Chile match (GETTY IMAGES)

ODDS…

Brazil to win: 4.7

Chile to win: 5.1

Draw: 17.5

TV: Live on BBC One at 5pm

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