Defender David Luiz says Brazil must be cautious when they come up against World Cup second round opponents Chile, insisting that the "whole team" poses a threat to the tournament's hosts
David Luiz
Belo Horizonte: David Luiz says Brazil must be cautious when they come up against World Cup second round opponents Chile, insisting the “whole team” poses a threat. Jorge Sampaoli’s men finished second in Group B to set up a Last 16 meeting with the tournament hosts and winners of Group A, having beaten Spain and Australia before losing their final group game to Netherlands.
The Chileans during a training session yesterday
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La Roja have shown to be a dangerous attacking team so far in the tournament and, even though they have been eliminated by Brazil every time they have advanced past the group stage of the World Cup, the defender admits his side have to be careful when the teams meet.
David Luiz
“I wanted us to get through and now I am happy,” he told Fifa’s official website. “Chile are a team who deserve to be there. They have a philosophy of playing good football. They have lots of pace and excellent players. “History counts for nothing. We want to win. What is the biggest threat that they pose? The whole team.”
Forward Neymar takes part in a training session at the Granja Comary Training Complex ahead of Brazil's clash with Chile today. Pic/AFP.
Brazil face Chile today for a chance to face either Uruguay or Colombia in the World Cup quarter-finals.
The last time these two sides met in the World Cup, Brazil emerged comfortable 3-0 victors at the same stage of the 2010 finals in South Africa. However, midfielder Willian insists that Brazilian fans should not automatically expect a repeat performance.
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“Football nowadays has changed so much. Of course Brazil have beaten Chile a few times before, which is good. But we must not think about this. Every game has its own story. I am sure that Chile will be motivated and confident too,” said the Chelsea player.
Brazil have yet to live up to the high expectations surrounding them in the finals despite collecting seven points from a possible nine in the group stage.
Impressive Chile
In contrast, Chile have impressed, notably in sending the holders Spain packing from the competition with a 2-0 win at the Maracana.
Only a 0-2 defeat to the Netherlands in their final Group B match on Monday condemned them to second place and another meeting with Brazil. “If I thought we were going to lose, I would go back to my room, collect my things and go home,” said Alexis Sanchez.
“We have respect for them, but I think we are going to beat them. We came to this World Cup to make history. We beat the world champions, and although we had a slip-up against Holland, we are going out to try and win the Cup,” he added.
Numbers game
8: No of times Chile have beaten Brazil in 68 encounters so far
3: No of times Brazil have beaten Chile in their past three World Cup encounters
3-0: The scoreline by which Brazil beat Chile in their Round of 16 clash at the 2010 World Cup
159: No of goals Brazil have scored against Chile
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