Changes ahead of Brazil’s duel against Chile

The 2014 World Cup knockout stage starts at 1 pm (UTC-3) with Brazil facing Chile in Belo Horizonte. The Brazilian squad will play with at least one change compared to the team that fought Cameroon last Monday (Jun 23). Midfielder Fernandinho, who was sent in for the second half against the Africans and showed a good performance, will play in Paulinho’s position.

According to Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari, the team has reached 80 percent of the skilled they displayed during last year’s Confederations Cup, when the nation became champion. He further pointed out that the squad will try to use their playing style and aim for the round of 8. “We’ll put our team together according to our playing standards, regardless of how Chile will present themselves to us. Whether it works or not, we’ve got alternatives we’ll discuss before the game so we know how to behave in certain situations.”

Chile secured their spot in the playoffs after an amazing victory over Spain in the first phase, with Vargas and Sánchez doing a remarkable job. The team, headed by Argentinian Jorge Sampaoli, will try to halt the series of eliminations Brazil have made his squad undergo in rounds of 16. That was the case in the 1998 and 2010 tournaments. Another clash worth mentioning is the one to take place in the bleachers. Chileans are filling World Cup stadiums all over the country and will share seats with the green-and-yellow crowd at the Mineirão Stadium.

In Fortaleza, another game is to be played at 5 pm, as the Netherlands meet Mexico. The Dutch, hailed by many as one of the favorites, boast the nice performance of Sneijer, Robben and Van Persie. The Mexicans, who surprised Brazil by pulling off a goalless draw in the group stage, have the talented Giovanni dos Santos, Javier “Chicharito” Hernández and goalkeeper Ochoa on their side.

Translated by Fabrício Ferreira