A cagey affair on the cards at the Maracana
Ben Brereton Diaz-less Chile travel to Brazil for their final match of the South American World Cup qualifying group phase.
La Roja are two points behind Peru in the play-off spot, fifth, and host Uruguay in the final match of the campaign.
Brazil are home and hosed top of the group, and have been very strong at home to ensure they have safely booked their spot at the World Cup next year.
Arturo Vidal, Alexis Sanchez and Charles Aranguiz are going strong for the visitors, but they face a mammoth task to take anything away from the Maracana.
Background
Tite has a star studded squad at his disposal, which has made it no surprise to see them breeze through qualifying, and an expectant home crowd to keep onside in what has been a frustrating few years for Selecao on the international stage.
The Chile golden generation is fading, and Blackburn Rovers’ Brereton Diaz, injured, is a huge loss at the top of the pitch for Martin Lasarte.
The old guard cannot deliver to the same standards that they once did and they are rightful outsiders heading into this one.
Chile’s saving grace is that Brazil do not have a lot to play for, Uruguay and Peru in fourth and fifth play each other, therefore La Roja put themselves in a strong position if they can better the result of Uruguay on Thursday evening.
Brazil have conceded just five times in 15 matches during qualifying, they may have their work cut out.
Goals?
A low scoring game looks likely, Chile will try to earn a foothold in the game before stretching themselves going forward with a draw being a very good result on their travels.
Brazil have scored in seven of nine.
Brazil have conceded in three of nine.
Brazil have seen both teams score in three of nine.
Brazil have seen over 2.5 goals in three of nine.
Chile have scored in seven of nine.
Chile have conceded in four of nine.
Chile have seen both teams score in three of nine.
Chile have seen over 2.5 goals in four of nine.
Brazil are a cut above in this one and on home turf they should be able to lift their performance level despite not having a lot to play for, this selection keeps a 0-0 draw onside.
Post bet chat Marcus's Tips:
2-0 Brazil, tall order for Chile now.