Neymar blur
Chile will have to stop Brazil's Neymar if they have any chance of moving on to the Quarterfinals. Reuters

Brazil and Chile meet in the round of 16 for the second consecutive World Cup on Saturday. Almost four years to the day that Brazil defeated their rival, 3-0 in South Africa, Chile looks to exact revenge on their nemesis.

Brazil have won their last five consecutive matches in the round of 16 on the World Cup stage and have shut out their opponents on four of those occasions.

RELATED: Video Preview: Can Chile Upset Their Nemesis Brazil?

Neymar will look to lead Brazil again as he tries to take over the top spot for the coveted Golden Boot Trophy. Neymar is currently tied with Messi and Germany’s Thomas Mueller with four. Fred finally got back on track for Brazil scoring a goal in their 4-1 victory over Cameroon last Monday.

Chile has lost ten out of their last twelve games against Brazil and has never defeated the Seleçâo on Brazilian soil. But boss, Jorge Sampaoli believes his side can do anything after defeating the world champions Spain, 2-0 and eliminating them from the tournament.

Chile’s Alexis Sanchez is a star in the making and can create opportunities in space. He is best friends with Neymar as the two are teammates for FC Barcelona and talk on the phone regularly. Close friends will become foes on the pitch come Saturday however.

Brazil’s defense which has been suspect at times over the course of group play will need to be in top form against the constant pressure and attacking style of La Roja. The two sides are very familiar with each other as they have played three times in the past year. As is with most rivalries, the Brazilians have dominated this match up and should be able to pick Chile apart when push comes to shove.

There will be tremendous pressure on the hosts to win this match, and at some point in this tournament, I believe they will buckle under said pressure. I don’t see that happening Saturday though as the comfort level with the two South American teams should sway in Brazil’s favor. Expect a very close, intense and emotional match as both sides know each other’s weaknesses. I think Chile’s defense will be no match for Neymar on offense and Brazil will advance to the quarterfinals.

My Prediction: The match is tied 1-1 at halftime, but Brazil runs away late 3-1. Brazil

Betting odds courtesy of Bovada.lv:

Brazil: -1 (-125) // -220 Moneyline
Chile: +1 (+105) // +550 Moneyline
Draw +375

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