Under the shrewd stewardship of Dunga, Brazil look compact and competitive. But the five-time champions are some distance away from being invincible. They certainly cannot take Chile for granted when they take on Marcelo Bielsa’s team at Ellis Park on Monday in an all-South American round of 16.
Chile’s history may be a far cry from their illustrious opponents’ Cup record, but they will not roll over at the sight of the Selecao. Chile’s win over Honduras in the Group H opener was their first positive result at the World Cup in 48 years. Chile’s record in the quadrennial event isn’t enviable. But history has its own limitations.
The Chileans are here to make a statement. They have already raised eyebrows across the globe and whatever they do from now on will be a bonus
Brazil know Chile well from their numerous meetings in South American World Cup qualifiers and the Copa America. So there is no fear of the unknown when they take the field on Monday evening. Brazil will also have watched Chile’s battling performance against Spain, one of the favourites to go all the way here, at Pretoria on Friday.
Despite going a man down eight minutes from the break, the Chileans tormented Spain in the second half. Bielsa’s boys forced Spain to work every sinew to earn the 2-1 win that assured the European champions’ place in the round of 16.
When facing the outrageously gifted Spaniards with 11 men was a daunting task, Chile managed to ask plenty of probing questions without Marco Estrada, their key midfielder, for 50 minutes. Winger Alexis Sanchez was menacing throughout.
Kaka’s return from suspension will fill a hole in Brazil’s creative department.
Dunga can also heave a sigh of relief if Elano, who limped off against Ivory Coast, leaves the treatment table on time. Brazil need the invention of Kaka and Elano to complement the industry of holding midfielders Felipe Mello and Gilberto Silva.
Robinho, Dunga’s controversial choice in the squad, needs to find his bearings, fast. A show pony in the mould of Cristiano Ronaldo, he can exhilarate and exasperate in equal measure. The Santos star, who was once touted to be the rightful heir to Pele’s crown, hasn’t found the back of the net so far.
Even though Dunga continues to support Robinho by pointing out the winger’s work rate. the player’s place in starting XI will come under scrutiny if his drought in front of goal continues.
Dunga hit the nail on the other day when he spoke about the rise of smaller nations in South Africa. “Long gone are the days of big nations. In the globalised football world, we have to take note of the progress made by teams that haven’t always done well at the World Cup,” he had said.
Chile’s dream is on and Brazil must be on guard.