JOHANNESBURG – Brazil are trying to forget about their dominant record over Chile ahead of their Round of 16 match at the World Cup today.History gives Brazil a significant edge for the match at Ellis Park, but the five-time champions are trying to leave the favourable numbers behind them.Brazil have won seven straight matches against the Chileans, and haven’t lost to their South American rivals since a 3-0 result in a qualifier for the 2002 World Cup. In their past ten matches against Chile, Brazil have won eight, drawn one and lost only that qualifier.“We have to forget what has happened in the past,” Brazil midfielder Gilberto Silva said yesterday. “Now it’s totally different. It’s a knockout round. (Chile) has been playing well and we will have to be extra careful.”Brazil have also had the better of the Chileans both times the teams have met at World Cups – winning 4-1 in the second round of the 1998 tournament in France and 4-2 in a semi-final at the 1962 tournament in Chile.Brazil also won both qualifiers for the 2010 World Cup: 3-0 in Chile in 2008 and 4-2 in Brazil last year.“These numbers don’t mean anything,” Brazil striker Robinho said. “We won the other matches because we played well and deserved to win, and that’s what we have to do again now. We need to respect all of our opponents and play like we always played – going for the victory.”While Brazil are trying to win their sixth world title, Chile’s best performance was a semi-final appearance as hosts in 1962. They haven’t reached the quarter-finals since then. Brazil have played in all 19 World Cups, while Chile are making only their eighth appearance.“Favouritism is not something that always reaches the field,” Robinho said. “We need to respect the Chileans. It’s not impossible we lose. We don’t want to lose, but anything can happen.”Brazil opened the World Cup with a 2-1 win over North Korea, then defeated Ivory Coast 3-1 and drew 0-0 with Portugal to win Group G. Chile beat Honduras 1-0, Switzerland by the same score and lost 2-1 to Spain to finish second in Group H.Brazil will have the suspended Kaka and injured Elano returning, but coach Dunga may not select Felipe Melo because of the defensive midfielder’s left ankle injury. (AP)
