An Upset on the Cards in Belo Horizonte?

Chilean players in a huddle before facing Netherlands.
(Pic Courtesy of FIFA.com)

When the topic of music is brought up, many a mind will wander to the conventional artists cum magicians, with Mozart and Beethoven being at the fore. Think Brazil. That might be all well and right, but in football, convention does not really mean much.

In my 'language' of music, Claudio Arrau and his silky skills with the keyboard jump to thought, as his arsenal allowed him to take what Beethoven and Mozart did, the verve and elegance he had on those black and white pieces. The raison d'etre for Claudio was to innovate what his predecessors have done, and come close to perfection. Think Chile.

For those who decided to watch the World Cup when the knockout stages began, they'd have without a doubt, ruled this game as a 'no-brainer.' Indeed, they might not be wrong, as history points us in the direction of Brazil, at least that is the case when these sides meet, the latest being in Pretoria, when Brazil knocked out La Roja 3-0, in the round of 16.

This though, is a different ball game. The clock has moved forward four years, European giants have fallen flat on their face, but Chile is still standing. No one gave them a chance against Spain, even their own fans thought they'd be slaughtered by the Dutch, but look back at that game and one will notice that there was barely anything which separated both teams, and Chile even rested their midfield anchor in Arturo Vidal.

Alexis Sanchez singing the national anthem against Netherlands
(Pic Courtesy of FIFA.com)

And in Alexis Sanchez, they have a David Copperfield. What Neymar is to Brazil, Sanchez is that, and more to this Chilean side. They do not play with a recognised forward, but he and Eduardo Vargas have proven that they can bag the goals.

Vargas applying the coup de grace against Spain
(Pic Courtesy of FIFA.com)

As much as Marcelo and Dani Alves are key to Brazil's forward play, they are liabilities defensively. That in turn, results in David Luiz being brought out of position, and he looks like a fish out of water when asked to do just that. Luiz Gustavo can be got at, as he lacks some pace to keep up with Sanchez.

Once he gets going and the gears start increasing, the amount of power in those feet of his is just staggering. Wait till he turns on the afterburners.

Brazil will certainly be on the front foot, as if they sit back, they will not stand a chance at all, as their defence is similar to a leaky faucet, which Luiz Felipe Scolari has yet to fix. It wouldn't be surprising to see him begin with two defensive midfielders today to nullify the Chilean counter attack.

The hosts have some elements about them too, with Oscar and Neymar being at the head of their armoury. Brazilian fans will be cheering them on along with shot after shot of caipirinhas. The hopes of a nation rest on their players, but more so on Neymar.

Neymar, after scoring against Cameroon.
(Pic Courtesy of FIFA.com)

Fred has been a disappointment thus far, Jo is no greater a replacement. With that sort of a front line, any team, even Brazil, will struggle to win a World Cup. It would largely depend on Neymar providing the goals in this team, and he could be watched closely by Diaz and Medel should they start.

Football is going through some sort of transition at the moment, with it moving away (albeit disappointingly) from pure class and individual brilliance, to teamwork, excellent tactics and technical setup by managers on their teams. If this is taken into account, Jorge Sampaoli has a lot up his sleeve. Watch him on the touchline, with him moving with eagerness and energy, that is exactly what this Chilean side are about.

Mexico rattled Brazil, Croatia managed to throw a couple of blows but could not last the distance. I think Chile could send them packing.

My take: Brazil 0-1 Chile

Colombia v Uruguay

Suarez reacts in agony after leaving his mark on Giorgio Chiellini
(Pic Courtesy of FIFA.com)

Out with the old, in with the new. That is a philosophy which not many prefer to adopt, but it goes more often than not with the cycle of life. Uruguay have been on the heights of the game in the last 4 years or so, but some of them look laboured.

Without sharp teeth up front, they might score a blank. They will miss Luis Suarez. Cavani has not offered much thus far and has to step up, and will result in Diego Forlan being brought back into the picture.

Colombia meanwhile, really do have something about them. Extremely solid defensively, they break with lightning quick pace and have caught teams off guard many times in their group games.

James Rodriguez is the oil which makes Colombia operate smoothly
(Pic Courtesy of FIFA.com)

James Rodriguez is an old head on young shoulders, displaying tonnes of class and ability to read the game ever so well, and he is the cog in this Colombian machine. Jackson Martinez and Juan Quintero love playing alongside the Monaco man, as his idea of 'passing and moving' is what players thrive on.

It would depend much on whether Uruguay can hang onto the coattails of these Colombians, as they can dance with anyone on their day. Without that sharp teeth I spoke of earlier though, Uruguay might just be all bark and no bite.

My take: Colombia 2-0 Uruguay