Chile want to cause a major upset when they take on hosts Brazil in the first second round match at the FIFA World Cup in Brazil on Saturday. They finished second in Group B behind Netherlands after registering two wins.
Chile are bracing themselves for a tough encounter against the homeside.
The Chileans, eliminated three times by Brazil in past World Cups, are eager to confirm their status as dark horses in this tournament with a major upset.
Despite having won only eight of the 68 internationals played against Brazil, Chile believe they can make history after also beating World Cup holders Spain in the group stages.
Alexis Sánchez says: “The next match is about which team has more endurance and which team has the mentality to go a long way, the team that wants to win important things in life. In this group everybody runs for the others. This team goes to the pitch and puts everything into each game. This match is about which team wins with the heart, and which team wants to go all the way to the final.”
Meanwhile, dark horses Switzerland surprised many by reaching the knockout stages of this year’s World Cup.
The Group E runners-up were hard at training the day after their 3-nil win against Honduras to prepare for their match against Argentina.
Switzerland have attributed their success to a great team spirit. Switzerland defender Fabian Schar says: “I think Argentina is one of the best football teams and with the best players. And Messi is one of the best players in the world. It’s a major task for us. We need top form on a top day to get by. But we know that we have quality in the team that we are able to play against big teams and we will do everything to achieve a good result.”
Argentina have confirmed that striker Argentina striker Sergio Aguero will not be available for the match against Switzerland due to a leg injury.
– By Sifiso Rmara
