Predictions: Day 18
How 'bout these Dutch? For a change, they appear under control, winning all three of their matches and looking like they barely put their foot on the accelerator. Slovakia woke up in their last, putting Italy to the sword then refusing to talk to their travelling media, which had ripped them for two uninspiring performances. They'll be missing key midfield stopper Zdeno Strba due to suspension, while Holland is likely to give Arjen Robben, who Strba would be all over, a full run. Got to go with the Dutch on a full tank here.
Prediction: Netherlands 3, Slovakia 1
Brazil vs Chile, 2:30 p.m. ET
This could really kick off. In qualifiers, Brazil won the South American group by one measly point over Chile, but dominated their series – a 3-0 win in Santiago that featured two red cards and a Luis Fabiano brace, and a 4-2 at home that included a Nilmar hat trick and two more ejections. For this one, Brazil gets three key players back and available – Kaka, Elano and Robinho – while Chile's hard-tackling trio of Gary Medel, Waldo Ponce and Marco Estrada are out suspended. History favours Brazil, and so does the oddsboard.
Prediction: Brazil 4, Chile 1
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