By Suben Savindran
Brazil and Chile will clash in an all South American World Cup second round match. With Uruguay’s 2-1 win against South Korea, this will mean two South American nations already guaranteed a quarter-final spot. This Chilean team has grown from strength to strength and in current coach Marcelo Bielsa (former Argentinian World Cup manager) Chile actually have finally found their “best player”. Bielsa has brought a strong teamwork ethic to this Chilean team and has subtly managed to blend their individual skills with group work. Bielsa alternates between a three-man attack and goes for an ultra-attacking 3-3-1-3, or 3-1-2-1-3, with three men at the back, a diamond midfield and two wingers either side of a central striker. In this match however the master tactician might play with a more compact and defensive midfield and will draw inspiration on how Portugal managed to out play Brazil in the second half of Brazil’s final group match with good defensive work and break away attacks. The problem player for Brazil will be the Italian based Alexis Sanchez and form emerging midfielder Mark Gonzalez.
Brazil will now have Kaka back and will not change their style and if Elano is fit enough he will be back too together with Robinho who should have played in the Portugal match. Daniel Alves might be started if Elano is still injured. In the World Cup qualifiers with Chile, Brazil won 3-0 away and 4-2 at home. Brazil will likely play the 4-2-3-1 formation with Kaka, Robinho, Elano or Nilmar supporting.
You could expect a flowing match as Chile are not entirely a defensive team and Brazil are well…Brazil.
