JOHANNESBURG // Brazil and Chile will not have a lot to hide when they face off today. The two South American neighbours have met dozens of times in recent years and already know what to expect of their opponents at Ellis Park. Brazil have dominated the rivalry and arrive heavily favoured to advance, but this time the five-time champions will be facing a Chile team looking to get past the last 16 for the first time since their home tournament in 1962.
"We will have to play with intelligence," Gilberto Silva, the Brazil midfielder, said yesterday. "We can't go after the win at all costs. We will need to be careful with their counter-attacking, they know how to play and will try to attack too." The Brazilians know better than to take their opponents for granted. "Now we get to the stage where the 90 minutes will be decisive, mistakes are not allowed or you will be going home," Dunga, the Brazil coach, said. "Chile has been improving, it has a team with good players and will fight very hard to keep advancing."
Chile, "La Roja", qualified from Group H after victories against Honduras and Switzerland, finishing second after a 2-1 loss to Spain, the European champions. "Chile respect Brazil, but we will play our own game," Arturo Vidal, the Chile midfielder, said. "We will pressure and attack from all sides." Brazil have not lost to Chile in 10 years, since a 3-0 result in a 2000 qualifier for the 2002 World Cup. They have won the past seven, outscoring Chile 26-3. But despite the unfavourable numbers, Chile say they will not relinquish their attacking style
"I expect an open match," Jean Beausejour, the midfielder, said. "It's likely that we won't change a millimetre from what we have been doing, regardless of our rival. And with their history and tradition, [Brazil] will also try to attack." * AP
