#BRA-#CHI

2014 World Cup: Round of 16, Game 1

The crowd favorite in Brazil will take on a side in Chile that “upset” Spain and drew the Netherlands until the last 15 minutes of play.

As the first game of the second round, much attention will be drawn to an already spotlighted Brazil. Finishing atop Group A did not come in convincing manner for the host nation, and with the exception of a few creative plays by Neymar, the odds-on favorite may face their toughest opponent to date this World Cup in Chile.

Chile will be glad to have the dynamic duo of Arturo Vidal and Alexis Sánchez up top, with the former still nursing a knee and Achilles tendon injuries. Chile may not be able to be as creative in the midfield as Brazil, but the Brazilian defense has proven suspect and Sánchez may be able to take advantage of his La Liga colleagues’ missteps in Dani Alves and Marcelo.

Brazil may have the home field advantage, but Chile has proven its abilities in CONMEBOL qualifying. Predection is 3-1 victory for Brazil, though a 2-1 Chile win would be nice.