Preview for Brazil v Chile
Much of the discussion around the game has centred on the absence of Neymar, with coach Carlo Ancelotti omitting the former Selecao captain from the squad to face Chile tomorrow night and Bolivia on Tuesday.
Neymar was expected to make his long-awaited return – he has not played for Brazil since October 2023 when he ruptured cruciate ligaments playing against Uruguay – but was left out after missing two training sessions for Santos.
He immediately dispelled any concerns around his fitness, playing the full 90 minutes in Santos’ game with Fluminense and looked strong as the game went on.
Neymar said he had been left out for “technical reasons” rather than a lack of fitness and, while Ancelotti agreed, he hinted the decision had been taken with the player’s physical condition in mind.
Speaking today, Ancelotti said: “He’s right, [his absence] is a technical decision that is based on many things. I know what the player is doing and the problem he has had. No-one can doubt Neymar’s technical level, what we are evaluating is his physical condition, but not only of him, but of all the players. There is a lot of competition, we have 70 players who can be in the national team.”
Ancelotti’s first two games in charge of Brazil in June saw them draw with Ecuador and beat Paraguay, results that secured their place in the United States, Canada and Mexico next summer.
And the former Real Madrid boss is hoping for a repeat of the Paraguay performance when Chile visit the Maracana.
He added: “We left the match against Paraguay very happy. We want to play intensely, be strong defensively and play fast with the ball. The match against Paraguay should be repeated so that the fans are happy with our game. One of the most important things for me is not to lose balance and be strong defensively.”
Chile’s defeat against Bolivia last time out meant they became the first South American hopeful to be eliminated.
Team News for Brazil v Chile
Given it’s a dead rubber, Ancelotti opted to leave several Real Madrid players out of the squad, including Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo, Eder Militao and Endrick. He did, however, call up Barcelona’s Raphinha.
Marquinhos is set to win his 100th cap. Matheus Cunha and Joelinton are injured.
Chile’s elimination means it is time to start planning for the future with experienced trio Alexis Sanchez, Arturo Vidal and Charles Aranguiz left at home.
Predicted line-ups or Brazil v Chile
Brazil: Alisson; Vanderson, Marquinhos, Gabriel, Caio Henrique; Bruno Guimaraes, Casemiro; Raphinha, Joao Pedro, Estevao; Richarlison
Chile: Gillier; Hormazabal, Maripan, Kuscevic, Suazo; Osorio, Echeverria, Loyola; Tapia, Brereton Diaz, Aravena
How to watch Brazil v Chile: TV and online streams
Brazil versus Chile kicks off at 1.30am UK time on Friday morning. It can be watched on Premier Sports 2 and streamed on the Premier Sports Player app.
