In the early hours of Friday morning, Chile will aim to keep their World Cup qualification dreams alive when they face already-qualified Brazil at the Maracana.
With only two matches remaining, the Chileans sit sixth in the CONMEBOL standings – two points shy of the play-off spot and three points outside the automatic qualification places.
Primeiro dia de trabalho na Granja Comary! 💪⚽️🇧🇷Fotos: Lucas Figueiredo / CBF pic.twitter.com/CIs6RliIGo— CBF Futebol (@CBF_Futebol) March 21, 2022
Primeiro dia de trabalho na Granja Comary! 💪⚽️🇧🇷Fotos: Lucas Figueiredo / CBF pic.twitter.com/CIs6RliIGo
Meanwhile, the Brazilians find themselves at the summit of the table – four points clear of second-place Argentina and 20 points ahead of Chile.
Brazil remain unbeaten in World Cup qualifying, having registered 12 wins and three draws from their 15 games.
Not only are Tite’s men the highest scorers in the South American group (35), but they also boast the best defensive record (5).
The Brazilians head into this clash on a nine-game unbeaten streak across all competitions, having picked up six wins and three draws since their last loss.
When you look at the bigger picture, Brazil have suffered just a solitary defeat in their previous 23 encounters in all competitions.
As for Chile, they have recorded five wins, four draws and seven losses across their 16 World Cup qualifiers.
They claimed a much-needed 3-2 away victory over Bolivia last time out, with Inter Milan forward Alexis Sanchez bagging a brace.
It is worth pointing out that Chile have won five of their past eight matches in all competitions, registering one draw and two losses along the way.
Still, there is no hiding from the fact that Chile find themselves 20 points behind Brazil. They more or less have to get something for their next game to qualify automatically.
Head-to-head: Brazil and Chile have faced each other 74 times over the years. Unfortunately for the Chileans, they have only managed to win on eight occasions.
In recent times, Brazil have won six of their last seven meetings with Chile. It is also worth noting that Chile have won just one of the past 18 encounters.
Team news: Arsenal duo Gabriel and Gabriel Martinelli are in line to make their Brazil debuts. Meanwhile, Barcelona veteran Dani Alves could pick up his 122nd international cap.
Chile’s Ben Brereton Diaz will be hoping to add to his tally of four goals in 11 international appearances, alongside Alexis Sanchez – who has 146 caps to his name.
Although Chile will be desperate to claim all three points, Brazil are likely to flex their muscles on home soil.
With that in mind, Forebet predicts Brazil will keep a clean sheet on their way to dispatching Chile.