Alexis worried about biased refereeing in Brazil clash

Alexis Sanchez is determined to make history with Chile against Brazil in the World Cup last 16, but is worried that referee Howard Webb may interfere.

Brazil have had a few lucky decisions their way in this tournament, including a dive by Fred being given as a penalty, which enraged Croatia in the first match. 

"We came here to make history. We already beat World Cup holders Spain (in the group stage)," Alexis said at Chile's training base in Belo Horizonte.

"The next game is about who has more endurance and who has the mentality to go a long way. We may not all be friends but on the pitch everybody runs for the other and this team is like a pitbull dog.

"The best defence at this moment is Brazil's. I am really happy to play against Brazil but I am worried about the referee. But we will see."

Brazil boss Luiz Felipe Scolari hit back at the claims and said: "To talk about this subject is primitive and immature. Applying this kind of pressure is ridiculous.

"Not only is it disrespectful towards FIFA, the referee and the Brazil team with their 100-year history of winning, but it is also disrespectful towards the people of Brazil."

Alexis was also looking forward to playing against Neymar. "I get along great with Neymar," he said. 

"He already won one bet against me in Canada (last year). So we will have to do something again and this time I will have to win."

History is against him though - Chile have only won 13 out of 68 matches between the sides. Neymar also has four goals to Alexis' one. 

 

Possible teams: 

Brazil: Cesar, Alves, Silva, Luiz, Marcelo, Fernandinho, Gustavo, Hulk, Oscar, Neymar, Fred.

Chile: Bravo, Jara, Medel, Silva, Isla, Aranguiz, Diaz, Mena, Vidal, Vargas, Sanchez. 

Ref: Howard Webb.