The Chileans are at the World Cup for the first time since 1998 and their negotiation of the group phase is being celebrated by the fans back home as much as the players here.
Their coach Marcelo Bielsa is hoping the Brazilians will struggle to find the form which saw them finish the group stage unbeaten.
“Historically, they’re a team to fear,” said Bielsa. “This latest version retains all the creative footballing aspects of Brazil, to which they have added aggression and forcefulness.”
But he added that the Chileans, who pushed Brazil all the way in the 18-match regional qualifying programme to reach their first finals since 1998, were determined to pull off a shock.
“We’ll do the impossible to ensure that things don’t come to an end too soon for us.”
In contrast, Brazil coach Dunga has yet to grin a smile of satisfaction after any of his side’s three performances even though the South American giants are undefeated.
Convincing wins over North Korea and the Ivory Coast were followed by an uninspiring goalless draw with Portugal which Dunga spent in an agitated state gesticulating wildly and berating his players.
Dunga will welcome back midfield pair Kaka and Elano. Kaka served a one-match ban after being sent off against the Ivory Coast while Elano was ruled out through injury. Brazilian goal-keeper Julio Cesar believes it will be a difficult test against Chile, but says his side have to keep improving.
“Now a new and more complicated stage begins and I’m certain that Brazil will be ready,” he said. “We’ve done what we expected to do so far and now we have to focus one game at a time and continue to improve game by game.”
The return of Kaka and Elano will boost Brazil, says Inter Milan’s Cesar.
“They’re both crucial players for us and it will be good to have them back in the team for our next game.”
Published in The Express Tribune, June 28th, 2010.
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