Brazil vs Chile 2010 World Cup Odds & Predictions: It's not surprising why Sportsbook.com lists Brazil as -208 moneyline favorites versus Chile in today's knockout round of the 2010 World Cup at Ellis Park Stadium in Johannesburg. Chile has struggled mightily against Brazil over the last five years, losing seven straight. Chile has played Brazil twice in World Cup semifinals losing both, 4-2 in 1962 and 4-1 in the second round at France in 1998.
Chile is not traditionally on a par in Soccer prowess as Argentina and Brazil but under the direction of Coach Marcelo Bielsa, has made huge advances over the last three years, transforming from worst to one of the best. Regardless, Chile faces a huge task against the five-times world champions.
"The things that Brazil have done in the past exempts them from any sort of comment," said Bielsa. "They are always a team to be feared and this latest version preserves all the footballing attributes of the country and, in addition, adds speed and ruthlessness."
A fast, attacking but somewhat lightweight team, Chile tend to be easy prey for the physically powerful Brazilians and, in their enthusiasm to pour forward, leave gaps at the back which are usually ruthlessly exploited by Brazil's forwards.
If that is not worrying enough, Chile will be without their two regular defenders with Gary Medel and Waldo Ponce suspended.
Bielsa has to decide whether to field Humberto Suazo, who is struggling for match fitness, up front or stick with Jorge Valdivia, who played as a forward in the 2-1 defeat by Spain.
Felipe Melo is very doubtful for Brazil but that is unlikely to be a problem for Dunga's team, whose squad is overflowing with midfield spoilers.
Elano is fit to return on the right of midfield after missing the last group match against Portugal with an ankle injury.
Former World Player of the Year Kaka will also be back after suspension and Robinho, rested for Friday's match with Portugal, should play, adding much-needed creativity to a generally lacklustre Brazilian team.
Brazil regularly complain that opponents shut up shop against them but Chile's former Argentina boss Bielsa is a bold coach and it is in his nature to send his teams onto the attack, whoever they are facing.
He will, however, need to have a real surprise up his sleeve if his side are going to upset the five-times champions.
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