Gilberto warns of complacency
FORMER Arsenal captain Gilberto Silva is playing down his Brazilian side’s recent dominance over Chile, insisting tonight’s last-16 clash is a one-off game.
The Brazilians have not lost to their South American rivals since the 2002 qualifiers, winning seven straight matches and the last six by a two-goal margin or more. But Gilberto believes such statistics got out of the window when it comes to the knckout stage and says Chile should not be taken for granted.
“Now it’s totally different,” the 33-year-old said. “It’s a knockout round. [Chile] has been playing well and we will have to be extra careful.”
TODAY’S MATCHES
Holland v Slovakia
Durban, ko 3pm, BBC1
Brazil v Chile
Johannesburg, ko 7.30pm, ITV1
FOOTBALL TRADER BEN CLEMINSON TAKES A LOOK AT TODAY’S SECOND ROUND MATCHES
BRAZIL are still the tournament favourites at 7/2 with Paddy Power, but they were uninspiring against Portugal and Dunga has been criticised at home for the lack of flair in the side. It may just be though that the team are holding something back for the knockout stage.
I have been impressed with Chile so far and they gave Spain a good game on Friday night. But they have a terrible record against the Brazilians, losing the last seven – the last six by at least a two-goal margin.
Brazil are a best-priced 4/7 on Betdaq to win this evening’s game and I think they will do exactly that. A correct score bet is a difficult one to weigh up, but I wouldn’t put anyone off having a small bet on a Brazil 3-1 win at 14/1 with William Hill. There have been 28 goals in the last six meetings between these sides and I’d advise spread bettors to buy goals at 2.7 with Sporting Index.
Games often become tighter when you get to the second round of the World Cup, but I actually fancy both games today to be relatively high scoring. Holland have performed well so far but, similarly to Brazil, haven’t really set the world alight just yet. Slovakia did brilliantly to beat Italy, but they showed their defensive frailties again by conceding two late goals. They’ve let in five goals so far in the competition and I can see them adding to that this afternoon, so I’ll also be buying goals at 2.6 with Sporting Index.
POINTERS…
Brazil to beat Chile at 4/7 on Betdaq
Brazil to win 3-1 at 14/1 with William Hill
Buy total goals at 2.8 with Sporting Index
Buy total goals in Holland v Slovakia at 2.6 with Sporting Index