2010 World Cup last 16 preview: Brazil v Chile
In past years a clash between Brazil and Chile would have effectively been a foregone conclusion.
With just seven victories from 65 previous meetings, the Chileans have been forced to lump the bitter taste of defeat when facing the Brazilians.
Think of the World Cup and your mind will automatically be cast back to the numerous majestic Brazil teams that have graced the tournament over the decades. Five World Cup trophies don't come easy, but the brilliant Brazilians have made a habit of winning when it matters most.
It's now 20 years since Brazil failed to reach the quarter-final stage of the competition, and in three of the last four World Cups they've reached the final itself.
For any nation, whether it be Argentina or Andorra, the prospect of facing the mighty Brazil is never anything but a daunting one. Their revered reputation has been earned on merit and merit alone.
Today Dunga's side travel to the Ellis Park Stadium in Johannesburg for yet another last 16 clash. They've seen it all before, and have the silverware to prove it. They won't be fazed by the prospect of taking on distant South American neighbours Chile, but you could excuse their
opponents for feeling somewhat more apprehensive.
Knocking down any mental barriers which come with facing Brazil is crucial for Marcelo Biesla's squad if they're to stand a chance of reaching their first World Cup quarter-final since the year they hosted the tournament back in 1962.
Although the past might suggest they stand little chance of edging past the Brazilians on Monday, Chile's performances in the group stages tell a different story.
With victories over both Honduras and Switzerland in their opening two Group H matches, La Roja were one of the most exciting teams to watch from the first round. A 2-1 defeat against European champions Spain was hardly anything to be ashamed of, either.
In Alexis Sanchez they have one of the most eye-catching young wingers in world football, blessed with the ability to unlock the sternest defences. The 21-year-old is fast becoming a household name after his impressive displays in South Africa, and he could prove Chile's best chance of breaching Brazil's resolute backline.
That's also something that would never have been said in previous World Cups. The Samba kings have always been renowned for their attacking prowess. Their defending on the other hand has often left a lot to be desired. While the less said about their goalkeepers the better.
But that's all changed now, too. Dunga has instilled a very European sense of discipline into the current Brazil squad, and took the hard line before the tournament had even started by leaving out several star names he felt wouldn't compliment his system.
Of course, flair and creativity is still there in abundance with the likes of Robinho and Kaká in the side; but the fact they now have one of the best defences in the world says a lot about what they've managed to improve.
Dunga has good reason to be optimistic ahead of this last 16 fixture – and not only because of the return of his star player, Kaká, to the fold. He'll also be buoyed by the fact star striker Luis Fabiano has rediscovered his scoring touch. Two stunning goals against Ivory Coast in
the group stages were his first in 2010 – worrying news for the Chilean defence indeed.
Meanwhile, Chile have three players who'll serve suspensions during Monday's match. Marco Estrada, Gary Medel and Waldo Ponce are the trio who'll watch on from the sidelines.
Brazil, with their multitude of talented stars, will enter this match as favourites, despite a disappointing 0-0 draw against Portugal in their previous match. But they won't be taking their opponents lightly.
Chile are deservedly in the last 16 and have earned the tag of "dark horses" after their group stage performances. With an exemplary team ethic, whose players are all willing to get forward and attack, this match promises to be among the most intriguing of the second round.
Prediction: Brazil 3 Chile 1
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