FIFA World Cup 2014: Brazil and Chile

Brazil

The hosts won their group and are in the 1/8 finals, as projected. Not everything has been perfect so far. The

tournament started with an own goal by Marcelo in a match where only a controversial penalty gave them a lead. Then it was the time for a goalless draw, and finally a bright match against Cameroon. The overall impression is that
the team is progressing, as it was expected. However, this play is by far not a victorious demonstration of the champion’s power. If not Neymar, who has scored more than half of the team’s goals so far, Brazil could have had big problems in attack. If the biggest hero of the Brazilians gets booked in the next round or in the quarterfinal, he will not take part in the next game, if that next game is there to come for Brazil. Another headache for Scolari is the problem of wingbacks Marcelo and Dani Alves, who have been fine when attacking, but terrible when defending.   

In the match against Chile Brazil will have to pay attention to the attackers, mainly Alexis Sanchez, who operates all over the pitch. If one of the midfielders is busy with containing him, then the midfield will have only two players to face Arturo Vidal and friends.

Matches played: 3

Goals scored - conceded: 7 - 2

Topscorer (s): Neymar (4)  

Team marks: 3,5 + 4,5 + 5,5 = 13,5
Average mark: 4,5
Best player: Neymar (3,5)

Place among 32: 6-7
Chances to win the World Cup: 19,17%

Chile

It seemed like Chile beat Spain way too easily after the World champions had received such a shocking blow from the Netherlands. But Sampaoli has got a really strong attack-minded team, full of technically strong quick players. The passes always go forward, they have to be quick, and players have to run all over the pitch. They tactically lost the battle for the first place, but it was not the battle for survival. It is now. 

It will be interesting to see whether the Argentine specialist faces Brazil by using 3-5-2 or 4-4-2. In either case they are going to use the wings and try to catch Brazilians in a quick counterattack. A lot will depend on Vidal and Sanchez, the players responsible for containing Neymar, those who will not forget the other Brazilians when containing Neymar, and… refereeing.   

Matches played: 3

Goals scored - conceded: 5 - 3

Topscorer (s): Alexis Sanchez, Valdivia, Beausejour, Vargas, Aranguiz

Team marks: 4,0 + 7,0 + 4,0 = 15,0
Average mark: 5,0
Best players: Alexis Sanchez (5)  

Place among 32: 10

Chances to win the World Cup: 3,3%