World Cup
2010-06-28 - Brazil vs Chile
A Sports Betting Pick by Costanzo
Football : FIFA World Cup 2010 : Round of 16
Venue : Ellis Park Stadium, Johannesburg
Monday, 28th June 2010, Kickoff 20:30 SA Time/19:30 BST
This is one of my favourite round of 16 matches.
It appears that we will witness two attacking sides, and one in particular that knows it has nothing to lose. Chile impressed me with their ball movement going forward in the group phase, albeit against 2 weak opponents in Switzerland and Honduras.
Brazil has, on the other hand, been a little inconsistent even though they topped their group. They will be looking to have a better game on Monday that sees them establish themselves as a legitimate contender, not just one based on reputation.
Brazil
In their last match against Portugal on Friday, Brazil was a little flat. They did not require a win and this seemed to show in the game. The Brazilians still managed to create chances and as a viewer I sort of felt it could have been a matter of time if they were 100 percent serious and had their best team.
In this match Brazil will get key playmaker Kaka back from suspension. Kaka has not been at his best but seems to be slowly warming up and in this clash his country will need him to be very close to his best. His supply to the likes of Robinho and Luis Fabiano is what sets him and Brazil apart as top-line nations in this tournament, but he will need to do it regularly.
Robinho and Luis Fabiano are more than capable as we know. They have ability to use trickery and strength against rival defenders and with slick ball movement coming from the Brazil midfield it is hard to see Chile containing them.
Lucio and Juan will need to be solid again against a Chile side that has really impressed me in the way the move the ball around the penalty box. Maicon and Michel Bastos are more than useful going the other way but in this match it might pay to put defensive priorities at the top of the list before going on some blinding runs up their respective wings.
Chile
Chile might struggle in this with two first choice defenders forced to miss because of too many yellow cards. Waldo Ponce and Gary Medel have started every match but will not be fronting up for this one and surely this can only hinder their preparation and qualities on the pitch come Monday.
Humberto Suazo and Jean Beausejour may combine up front, but Mark Gonalez, who scored against Switzerland may be fancied to come in for one of the aforementioned players. These guys are all fast and skilful and have the potential to cause trouble for the Brazilian defenders, particularly if they combine with the wide midfielders like Alexis Sanchez and Arturo Vidal.
Chile do have the ability to go all out and attack but i fear if they go down a goal and have to push hard for an equaliser Brazil will expose them badly on the counter attack.
The Betting Verdict
It is hard to see Chile coming away with anything here.
Brazil are expected to win and I feel their quality across the park should give them the edge, and like I said, if they go ahead I wouldn’t expect them to surrender their lead.
Brazil to win.
The Pick :
Brazil 2-0 Chile
BEST BETTING TIP :
Take Brazil to win at 1.50 or better
