The 2014 World Cup has reached the knockout stage and the opening match will feature Brazil and Chile. The match is scheduled for a 12:00 p.m. (EST) start time and it will be televised nationally on ABC. Currently the World Cup Odds for the match have Brazil listed as a pretty solid favorite to advance to the next round.
Brazil, the host country, probably didn't want to have to play Chile in their opening knockout match. Brazil found a way to navigate their way through the Group A, finishing with seven points. Mexico, who drew with the Brazilians in the group stage this year, also finished with seven points.
Brazil advanced and won the group because of goal differential, out-scoring opponents by five goals. Mexico out-scored their opponents by three goals and took the second spot in the group.
Chile played very well in their group stage matches, but finished second with six points. They scored five goals in their three games, losing only to the mighty Netherlands.
Brazil entered the tournament as the favorite to hoist the World Cup, but Chile has played exceptional to date. Chile is the Cinderella that has a chance and could take advantage of their momentum heading into this match. The Brazilians will probably come into this math with their typical 4-2-3-1 lineup with Neymar, Fred and the Hulk running the ship up front. Chile will look to get some solid contributions from both Eduardo Vargas and Alexis Sanchez.
Sanchez is the best striker on Chile's squad and will draw a lot of attention from Marcelo and Gustavo.
In this one, we like Chile to put a scare into Brazil, but we like the Brazilians to find a way to win in the second half.
Free Pick: Brazil 3, Chile 1
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