By DPA
Caracas (Venezuela) : Brazil and Chile qualified for the quarterfinals of the Copa America football tournament, and set up a clash against each other Saturday in Puerto La Cruz.
The quarterfinals will thus see a replay of last week's first-round Group B game, where Brazil beat Chile 3-0.
"It will be harder than the first game," Brazilian coach Carlos Dunga told a post-game press conference Wednesday. "All play-off games are harder."
Brazil beat Ecuador 1-0 Wednesday in Puerto la Cruz. Giovanny Espinoza brought down Brazilian star Robinho in the box in the 53rd minute, and the Real Madrid striker himself converted the resultant penalty.
Robinho is now the tournament's top scorer having netted all of Brazil's four goals in three Group B games.
Earlier, Chile qualified with a 0-0 draw with Group B leader Mexico – already through to the last eight.
The goalless draw guaranteed Mexico first place in Group B and secured a place in the next round for Chile, so it was hardly surprising that both coaches fielded reserves for this group clash.
"Everyone has to look after their own interest and looks for what's best for them," said Chilean coach Nelson Acosta. "I don't think anyone in Chile would have been happy if we had played well but lost."
Mexican coach Hugo Sanchez appeared to agree but blamed Chile for a weak game.
"As you realized Chile wanted to qualify, they were not interested in playing football," Sanchez said.
The day's results leave Mexico atop Group B with nine points, followed by Brazil with six and Chile – the best third-placed team in the Copa's three groups – with four. Ecuador lost all its three games and is eliminated with no points.
Mexico awaits the loser of Thursday's game between Paraguay and Argentina, with the top spot in Group C at stake.
"It really is the same for us if it is one or the other. If it is fate, we will just prepare for whatever rival we get. I think the team is improving and we are ready to face anyone," Sanchez said of the quarterfinals.