Two South American nations hoping to turn around long-term slumps clash in Santiago as Brazil, sitting a shocking fifth in the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying standings, visit Chile. Brazil have never failed to qualify for a World Cup, doing so in first place every modern qualifying iteration but one, but they have failed to impress across their first eight matches of the 2026 cycle. A three-match losing streak a year ago raised alarm bells, and after a disappointing quarterfinal exit at this past summer's Copa America, qualifying defeat on the road at Paraguay last month deepened concerns further.

With a host of star players injured for this November international window, including goalkeeper Alisson and forward Vinicius Jr, the pressure is on head coach Dorival Junior to get results no matter the adverse conditions.

Chile, meanwhile, are in their own rut of sorts, sitting ninth in the ten-team table, with just one win through their first eight qualifying matches. Head coach Ricardo Gareca has been stuck floundering between two untenable generations of players, trying desperately to transition away from the aging veterans like Alexis Sanchez and Arturo Vidal but finding zero success whatsoever bringing along the younger generation.

While Brazil are completely out of form at the moment and missing a number of key players, they can take solace in the fact that their opponent is in an even deeper slump. This match will take place two days shy of an entire calendar year since Chile won their last competitive match, a 2-0 victory over struggling Peru at home for their only victory in this qualifying cycle.

Since Chile began their downturn from the back-to-back Copa America winning highs, they have been downed by Brazil repeatedly, with the Selecao winning each of the last three meetings by a combined 6-0. There's no reason that should change here, and if it does, it may cost Dorival Junior his job.

As kickoff neared on Thursday evening, there was a major swing in the betting market not on the moneyline, but on the expectation of goals, or lack thereof. The total swung heavily in favor of the under, while both teams to score reached as low as 1/2 on the "no" result.

This match between two banged up teams out of form has low-scoring grinder written all over it. While Brazil pummeled Chile 4-0 last time they met two years ago, the visitors don't have nearly the firepower to reach that mark this time around.

Brazil have gone under the 2.5 goal mark in each of their last four games, with one or no goals being scored in each of the last three, while Chile have scored just one goal total in their last five matches dating back to the start of the Copa America.

You can get under 2.5 goals at around 1/2 odds, but playing the lower total provides a noticeably higher payoff while returning a push in the event a second is scored.

While taking a goal scorer selection is dangerous in a match with such low-scoring expectations, but there's only one player who has provided a consistent attacking threat for Brazil in his recent international experience.

Barcelona star man Raphinha is one of the few Brazilians in good form for both club and country, with Vinicius Jr. out injured and Rodrygo only providing one goal in his last 11 competitive matches. Raphinha was Brazil's best player at the Copa America, scoring against Colombia and snatching five shots across his other two starts.

With six goals for Barcelona this season, Raphinha has been a consistent threat up front so far this season, and his attacking contributions have also benefitted teammates, leading the Big 5 European leagues in chances created leading to six assists at the club level thus far.

Brazil Struggles Against Chile: A Shocking 2-1 Win Highlights Selecao's Woes

Brazil defeated Chile 2-1 Thursday evening in CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifying action, with an 89th minute winner sealing three points. With the victory, they move up from sixth to fourth place in the standings, leapfrogging Ecuador and Bolivia.

In the end, three points is three points, but it was a poor road showing from one of South America's most storied programs.

The Selecao began the match flat-footed, and they they suffered the consequences less than 60 seconds in. A sensational headed effort from veteran attacker Eduardo Vargas looped over the head of Ederson, handing Chile a 1-0 lead in the first minute of the match.

However, just before the halftime break, Selecao striker Igor Jesus headed home to draw them level. A sensational cross from Manchester City winger Savinho laid the ball on a platter for the Botafogo forward.

In what was only their second true scoring chance on the evening, they doubled their lead in the 89th minute through Botafogo's Luiz Henrique, who drilled a low-driven effort into the bottom-left corner with a minute left in regulation.

It was a disappointing showing from Dorival Junior's men, who failed to show strength without their star Vinicius Junior - who missed the match due to injury.

The Selecao manager, meanwhile, should now be feeling his seat warm, even with a victory. His attack-heavy lineup struggled to play together, and his midfield decisions were baffling - with both choices factoring into what was nearly two points dropped.

A Hard-Fought Victory Doesn't Hide Brazil's Problems

Despite the win, Brazil's performance was far from convincing, and questions remain about their ability to compete at the highest level. The absence of key players like Vinicius Jr. exposed their vulnerabilities, especially in attack, and coach Dorival Jr. will need to find a way to address these issues quickly.

Chile, on the other hand, proved to be a tough opponent, despite their recent struggles. They played with intensity and purpose, putting Brazil under pressure throughout the match. While they ultimately fell short, their performance showed glimpses of the potential that could make them a dangerous team in the future.

Looking Ahead

Both teams will now turn their attention to their upcoming matches. Chile will return to the field on Tuesday (15), when they face Colombia away from home. Brazil, in turn, plays on the same day, hosting Peru. It will be interesting to see how both teams respond after this crucial encounter.