The South American World Cup qualifiers is up and running on Thursday, with Chile hosting Brazil in what should be a cracker of a match in Santiago.
Chile are still digesting their wonderful Copa America victory at home in the summer, but they could not have asked for a more difficult opening match in the 2018 World Cup qualifiers than the one against Brazil, the team that they lost to in the 2014 World Cup.
"The World Cup is in the past. The Copa America is in the past," Chile coach Jorge Sampaoli said. "We start from zero and there's no point in looking back. We expect difficult qualifiers and we need to be ready.
"Any team in the world that plays against Brazil finds it difficult to overcome them. They will certainly qualify for the World Cup. We need to make life difficult for a side that have very good players. The game will depend on whether we can limit Brazil.
"Brazil are a national team that throughout history have proved to be one of the best in the world. However, the only result I think about is a win. We have prepared ourselves to win this game."
Chile are a team with the talent to beat Brazil, but it looks like they might have to make do without their two most important players – Arturo Vidal and Alexis Sanchez. Vidal is struggling with a knee injury, while Sanchez, after scoring two sumptuous goals against Manchester United for Arsenal, left the field late in the game with a groin problem.
"Neither Vidal nor Alexis are confirmed for the Brazil game," Sampaoli added to La Tercera. "Neither player has been in full training since joining the squad this week.
"Right now I see Arturo's participation highly doubtful, especially for the first game. The next few hours will be vital to determine if he can play. Alexis has the same risk as Arturo."
Brazil, of course, will also be without their main man in Neymar, who is still serving a suspension, while Liverpool playmaker Philippe Coutinho is another player ruled out through injury. Douglas Costa, in searing form for Bayern Munich this season, is expected to take up the reins.
Where to Watch Live
Brazil vs Chile is scheduled for an 8.30 pm local time (5 am IST, 12.30 am BST, 7.30 pm ET) start. Sony Kix and Sony Six HD. Viewers in India can also watch the 2018 South American World Cup qualifier live on Livsports.in.
Viewers in USA, Canada, North Africa and the Middle East can watch Chile vs Brazil live on Bein Sports, while the game can also be live streamed on Bein Sports Connect.
The match will be shown live in Brazil on Globo and Sport TV, while audience in Chile can catch the action live on Fox Sports.
Viewers in South Africa and Su Saharan Africa can watch Brazil vs Chile live on SuperSport, with the live stream option on SuperSport Live Video.
