by Tom Allen
Chile can count themselves unfortunate to be facing Brazil in the last 16,
having been unlucky to succumb to Spain and lose top spot in Group H, but they
should not fear the task in hand and there could just be an upset on the cards.
Chile's indiscipline ultimately cost them any chance of getting something
from their showdown with the defending Euro 2008 winners, they had Marco Estrada
sent off just before half time, but battled bravely to recover from two goals
down and will have taken heart despite the 2-1 score line.
This pair eased through qualifying to reach South Africa 2010 but it was
Brazil that faired better in the head-to-heads, winning 3-0 in Santiago and 4-2
in Salvador, and they are quite rightly considered favourites to progress.
Chile's chances of success are diminished by the loss of key men through
suspension but Brazil failed to keep possession as well as would have been
expected when held to a goalless draw by Portugal in their final group match and
I couldn't be getting involved even at VC Bet's best industry price of 4/7 about
the Samba Boys obliging inside 90 minutes.
Brazil clearly have more to offer in South Africa but they face a
battle-hardened Chile side that has already been tested to the max and that will
stand them in good stead.
Portugal and Ivory Coast combined to smash 11 goals past North Korea and
perhaps it is concerning for Brazil fans that Dunga's men only laboured to a 2-1
triumph over the plucky Asians.
One of the stars of South Africa so far has been Chile winger Alexis Sanchez
and, with both Maicon and Michel Bastos bound to be playing high up the field
from their respective full back positions, the skilful wide man could enjoy
himself in the final third.
It was hard not to be impressed with Chile's start against Spain, how they
fell two goals behind is beyond me, and they also bossed the game in victories
over Switzerland and Honduras.
This is a different Brazilian side to years past but it is one which Chile
should be more than familiar with and they can frustrate the tournament
favourites.
A likely quarterfinal clash with Holland awaits for the winners and, while
clearly the most likely side to feature in the last eight is Brazil, it must be
Chile that are taken to prevail at the prices.
I really like the look of them receiving a goal head start on the Asian
handicaps and I'd be surprised if we didn't get at least our money back. Chile
have more than held their own against better sides in the past six months and,
unless Brazil really turn on the style, this could well go the distance.
2pts Back Chile (+1 Asian Handicap, vs. Brazil) @ 10/11 (Ladbrokes)
