World Cup Notebook

History is on Brazil’s side

Associated Press / June 28, 2010

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South America’s dominance in the early phase of the World Cup has led to a second-round showdown between Brazil and Chile.

All five teams from the continent advanced from the group stage, and when the Chileans lost to Spain in the Group H finale, it set up today’s match in Johannesburg. It’s not the greatest prospect for Chile.

Brazil hasn’t lost to Chile in 10 years, since a 3-0 result in a 2000 qualifier for the 2002 Cup. It has won the past seven, outscoring Chile, 26-3. In 10 matches this decade, Brazil won eight, drew one, and lost only the qualifier in 2000.

But despite the unfavorable numbers, the Chileans say they will not relinquish their attacking style at Ellis Park.

“I expect an open match,’’ midfielder Jean Beausejour said. “It’s likely that we won’t change a millimeter from what we have been doing, regardless of our rival. And with their history and tradition, [Brazil] will also try to attack.’’

Added midfielder Arturo Vidal: “Chile will respect Brazil, but we will play our own game. We will pressure and attack from all sides.’’

If there is an intimidation factor for this game, the Brazilians refuse to recognize it. They know Chile nearly won South American qualifying, finishing a point behind Brazil.

“Now we get to the stage where the 90 minutes will be decisive, mistakes are not allowed or you will be going home,’’ Brazil coach Dunga said. “Chile has been improving, it has a team with good players and will fight very hard to keep advancing.’’

The early game today has the Netherlands against Slovakia in Durban. The Dutch won all three games in Group E, but never looked spectacular. A healthy Arjen Robben might change that. Robben is back from a left hamstring injury and joins Robin van Persie, Wesley Sneijder, Rafael van der Vaart, and Dirk Kuyt in a formidable offense that should be more productive. If it is, the Dutch will be dangerous.

Ratings game

The Americans’ loss to Ghana Saturday was the most-watched men’s World Cup game in households and viewers in the United States.

The game, which began at 2:30 p.m. EDT on ABC, received an 8.2 fast national rating. It was seen in 9,455,000 households and by 14,863,000 viewers. Only the 1999 Women’s World Cup final, featuring the United States and China at the Rose Bowl, averaged more households (11,307,000) and viewers (17,975,000) for a soccer game.

The US-Ghana game was also the third highest-rated men’s Cup game on record in the US, behind the 1994 final between Italy and Brazil (9.5 rating) and the Round of 16 game that year between the United States and Brazil (9.3 rating). The 1999 Women’s World Cup final delivered an 11.4 rating.

Issue for Donovan

Landon Donovan is telling SI.com he will take responsibility if a woman’s claim that he made her pregnant proves true. The website said a British tabloid is ready to a release a story on the unidentified British woman’s claim, and the American midfielder told the website that he was “informed of the possibility during the World Cup, and if I need to take responsibility, then I will provide the appropriate support.’’ Donovan said this is a private matter and he won’t comment further at this time. Donovan is separated from his wife. They have no children . . . The Cup so far is the fourth consecutive tournament free of doping. More than 450 players have been tested during the event, including almost 200 match-day checks. FIFA chief medical officer Jiri Dvorak said no positive results were found, meaning the event is following the example of previous editions in 1998, 2002, and 2006.