Brazil are overwhelming favorites to beat Chile in Monday's World Cup round of 16 tie - not only because they are superior to Marcelo Bielsa's side but also because of their impressive run of results against them. The five-time world champions beat Chile seven successive times during the past five years and are expected to secure the eighth win when both sides lock horns at Ellis Park Stadium in Johannesburg. Chile, who conceded 26 goals in those matches, would face a tough task to keep Brazil's talented and prolific forwards at bay. "Thanks to God, I always have done well against Chile," forward Robinho, one of Brazil's key and skilful players, said. "Of course, I always prepare the same way whoever we are playing, yet against the Chileans I always had the good fortune to hit the target." Chile displayed fine attacking football during the first round to finish second in Group H and qualify for the knockout phase. But while Dunga's Brazil struggle to break down defensive-minded teams, they face no difficulty in dismantling those who dare to attack. "The things that Brazil have done in the past exempts them from any sort of comment," Chile's Argentinean coach Bielsa commented.
Holland in easy mission against Slovakia "They are always a team to be feared and this latest version preserves all the footballing attributes of the country and, in addition, adds speed and ruthlessness." Chile will have to do without regular defenders Gary Medel and Waldo Ponce, who are suspended for the crucial game. Brazil midfielder Felipe Melo is doubtful for the match but the Selecao will welcome back playmaker Kaka, who missed the goalless draw with Portugal due to automatic suspension. In Monday's other round of 16 encounter, Holland, who collected maximum nine points to top Group E, face World Cup debutants Slovakia. Slovakia caused a huge upset after eliminating title holders Italy with a 3-2 victory last Thursday. "Slovakia are good at defending and good on the counter - that's how they scored against goals against Italy," Holland left-back and captain Giovanni van Bronckhorst said. "All teams that advanced to the round of 16 deserved to. It'll be tough to win: we all want to be world champions, so that means we've got to win." It remains to be seen whether Holland's in-form winger Arjen Robben, who played 20 minutes in the 2-1 win over Cameroon after recovering, would be fit to start his first game at the South Africa finals. Slovakia will miss suspended defensive midfielder Zdeno Strba. Kamil Kopunek is likely to replace him.
