SAO PAULO // For the first time in more than two weeks, Brazil awoke to a day free from World Cup action.

The previous 14 had been 14 of non-stop matches; of questionable Japanese refereeing; of world champions’ demise; of Africans and their pay disputes; of a Uruguayan with an appetite for more than the game.

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It had been 14 days of Brazil’s bid to deliver a sixth world title; deliver it on home soil; in front of their own fans. Television shows, news programmes, radio and newspapers: conjecture and conviction.

Even yesterday, in the little window between the conclusion of the group stages and the birth of the knockout rounds, Brazil was blanketed by the World Cup. Or to put it more accurately, Brazil was blanketed by Brazil.

The Selecao had negotiated the first hurdle, finishing top of Group A, but as a showdown with Chile loomed on the horizon, there was only one topic of conversation. Caution was the prevailing emotion. A genuine sense of foreboding, too.

Ask the taxi driver on the way back from the Sao Paulo bus station and, despite the incredibly early hour, he exchanges numerous suggestions as to how his national team should approach Chile on Saturday.

Drop Paulinho, install Fernandinho. Hook Hulk, throw in Willian. Do not take the game to them, for Jorge Sampaoli’s side are too quick, too clever. Be rugged and robust.

It does not sound very Brazilian, but then again, this is not your typical Brazilian side. They would never admit it, yet some view the hosts as underdogs.

Newspaper and internet pages are not prepared to go quite that far, although it is obvious Brazil awaits today’s encounter with a mixture of nervous excitement and palpable apprehension.

jmcauley@thenational.ae

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