The knockout stage of the World Cup begins in Belo Horizonte on Saturday as hosts Brazil face a tough challenge against South American rivals Chile.
Brazil clinched top spot in Group A with a 4-1 victory over Cameroon on Monday, but their performances have not been as eye-catching so far as many would have anticipated.
They had to come from behind in a tight opening match of the tournament to beat Croatia 3-1, when Fred was controversially awarded a penalty for a foul by Dejan Lovren, and then drew 0-0 with Mexico.
One shining light for the Selecao has been Neymar, who has lived up to the hype with a series of dazzling displays and is currently level with Lionel Messi and Thomas Muller on four goals at the top of the World Cup scoring charts.
Brazil will need to improve against Chile, however, with head coach Luiz Felipe Scolari admitting after the Cameroon game that they will be tricky opponents.
OPTA FACTSBrazil have won all three previous World Cup fixtures against Chile, all of which have been in the knockout stages of the tournament (Round 2 in 2010, Round 2 in 1998, and the semi final in 1962).Neymar scored the 100th goal of the 2014 World Cup (his first goal versus Cameroon), in Brazil's 100th game in the competition.Chile have lost each of their previous second round fixtures, both of which were against Brazil (0-3 in 2010 & 1-4 in 1998).
“We need to be calmer, to relax and go after the game,” said Scolari.
"Chile have a lot of quality. If I could choose, I would choose another opponent. South American teams are always tough."
Scolari is set to keep faith with a 4-2-3-1 formation against Chile and is unlikely to make many changes, with Fred expected to keep his place after scoring in the win over Cameroon.
However, Scolari may consider leaving out Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Paulinho following some lacklustre displays and Manchester City’s Fernandinho could be brought in.
Chile are also set to continue with the strategy that has served them well so far in the tournament, although Arturo Vidal will slot back in after being rested against the Netherlands.
Jorge Sampaoli’s lost 2-0 to the Dutch but had already secured their place in the last 16 following impressive wins over Australia and defending champions Spain.
Chile will now be looking to spoil the party against Brazil and Sampaoli is confident they can go further in the competition.
“The courage of the group, they have their heads held high and they are getting ready for the round of 16,” said the Chile boss.
The winners of this tie will face either Colombia or Uruguay in Fortaleza next Friday.
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