S.P. Read Esq. Brazil v Chile

Our daily columnist and pundit S.P.Read Esq. previews BRAZIL v CHILE (5pm).

When the going gets tough, the tough get going.

Or, so the song goes and we’ll find out tonight whether Brazil can step up in a gear to progress past Chile in the first of the knock out matches at the Estadio Mineirao in Belo Horizonte (5pm BBC).

Brazil wrapped up the Group stage with a rather disappointing 0-0 draw against Mexico but ended top of Group A with seven points out of nine. The weight of a nation is on them and to some extent it is showing.

Ante-post favourites since the tournament began, they now face Chile who caused the shock of the tournament so far by, in effect, sending Spain on the plane back home by beating the holders 2-0.

However the stats are amazingly grim for Chile as Brazil have never lost at home to Chile in 26 meetings spanning 95 years !!!

This match is a re-run of four years ago (to the day!) when Brazil won 3-0. Even the referee is the same – Howard Webb !

There are no major injury worries for Brazil who will be boosted by the news that defender David Luiz is expected to be fit having nursed a slight back problem suffered in training.

For Chile, defender Gary Medel is a doubt with a muscle strain but, if fit, will keep his place in a full-strength side.

HEAD TO HEAD RECORD
(Max last 10 only)
Nov 2013 International Brazil 2-1 Chile
Apr 2013 International Brazil 2-2 Chile
Jun 2010 World Cup Brazil 3-0 Chile
Sep 2009 World Cup Brazil 4-2 Chile
Sep 2008 World Cup Chile 0-3 Brazil
Jul 2007 Copa America Chile 1-6 Brazil
Jul 2007 Copa America Brazil 3-0 Chile
Mar 2007 International Brazil 4-0 Chile
Sep 2005 World Cup Brazil 5-0 Chile
Jul 2004 Copa America Brazil 1-0 Chile

The referees have been quite lenient so far (even Suarez got away with it by accident!) but things could easily get a bit more fruity now we have reached the knock out phase.

As such, I’m going to have a little interest in buying bookings at 42 on Star Spreads, the home of sports spread betting.

CLICK HERE FOR LIVE BRAZIL v CHILE MARKETS ON STAR SPREADS

RECOMMENDED BET (scale 1-100 points)

BUY BOOKINGS at around 42 with Star Spreads for 3 points

WORLD CUP SO FAR: PROFIT 120.25 POINTS

• Any spread prices quoted are indicative and as always prices are subject to fluctuation.
• Please note the opinion, views and forecasts above are of the author and not of Star Spreads.