Brazil has yet to play up to its potential, yet they managed to top Group A and book their spot in the knockout stage. On Saturday, the hosts will take on Chile, who have never beaten Brazil at the World Cup in 11 matches, but they will be more than ready for this South American clash.
World Cup Odds: Brazil -160, Chile +425, Draw +295
Odds To Win World Cup: Brazil +345, Chile +2550
Why Brazil Can Win
The Brazilians won Group A with two wins and a draw, and they haven’t played close to their best, which should scare the rest of the field. Neymar leads the tournament with four goals and has looked to be a threat every time he gets the ball. Oscar has played well so far, although his best game was in the opener against Croatia, Fernandinho made a shout to take Paulinho’s starting spot with a sparkling 45 minutes against Cameroon, and the defense has gotten better, although they still have to get better. It looks like the team has settled into the pressure of being the hosts and favorites, which might be their biggest obstacle.
Brazil has to get more from Fred and Hulk up front, and even though the duo played better in the Group A finale against Cameroon, they have to step up and help Neymar out as the tournament goes on.
Why Chile Can Win
Chile has talented players, for sure. Alexis Sanchez has one of Chile’s five goals, all scored by different players, but he has been very dangerous and attracts a lot of attention. Arturo Vidal has played just two of the three games, but he has continued to show why he was one of the best midfielders in Europe all season, and he allows everyone else to push forward. But Chile has been playing with a chip on their shoulder as they were the underdogs in Group B behind the Netherlands and Spain, with the former sitting back and defending against them, and Chile spanked Spain in a 2-0 win that wasn’t even that close. They will be the underdogs against Brazil as well, and that is just how they like it.
However, Chile has to overcome a mental block when it comes to Brazil, who have owned Chile in their history, especially in the World Cup. Chile can play with Brazil, but they can’t get overwhelmed by the moment.
Outlook
Brazil has 21 wins and eight draws in 33 games against Chile, and in 11 World Cup tournament or qualification matches, Brazil has eight wins and two draws. The two met twice in 2013, with a 2-2 draw kicking things off in April, while Brazil came away with a 2-1 win in November. This should be a fantastic game to watch, especially if you don’t cheer for either team because if you do, it could get nerve-wracking, but Brazil hasn’t found their next gear yet and Chile has played about as well as they can. Brazil goes through to the quarterfinals for the sixth World Cup in a row.
Pick: Brazil
