Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari made a stunning admission after his side had progressed to the Last 16, admitting that he would prefer not to face Chile in the next stage, hinting that playing another South American side could be a problem.
While the 2002 World Cup winning coach did not openly state that the free-scoring Netherlands would have been the better option he did praise Chile coach Jorge Sampaoli for the quality and organisation he has brought to the side.
“Many thought Chile wouldn’t qualify but it didn’t go like that,” Scolari told the Press conference.
“They have a lot of qualities, I would have preferred to play against someone else.
“It’s more difficult to play another South American team. Chile have quality and organisation.”
After netting four crucial goals as the topped Group A the veteran coach was also quizzed about Neymar, specifically whether they were too reliant on the 22-year-old striker.
“Argentina depend on Messi,” Scolari added. “It happens with the big teams, what I like is that Neymar is involved a lot.”
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