Chile’s Alexis Sanchez reveals refereeing concerns ahead of Brazil clash

Alexis Sanchez in action for the Chilean national team

Ahead of Chile’s World Cup second round tie against Brazil, Alexis Sanchez has revealed his concern about the standard of officiating, reports Goal.

Brazil are one of the favourites to win this year’s tournament, which they are also hosting. The Barcelona forward has stated that the referee is his biggest worry ahead of the clash between the two South American sides, controversially implying that the officials may favour the Brazilians.

The host nation were awarded a very soft penalty in their opening game against Croatia, with the scores level at 1-1. Neymar scored the penalty and Brazil went on to claim three points.

English referee Howard Webb will take charge of tomorrow’s game. Webb refereed both the World Cup and Champions League final in 2010, and despite his experience, Sanchez is sceptical Chile will be given a fair chance.

He said: ”I think Brazil is the team with the best defence.

“They’ve got great quality in their squad, and I’m really happy we are going to play against Brazil and Neymar.

“My worry is the referee, but we’ll see.”

Sanchez scored 19 goals and made 10 assists in La Liga for Barcelona this season, but he is being heavily linked with a move to Liverpool as a potential replacement for Luis Suarez.

Chile finished second in Group B, behind the Netherlands, after beating both Australia and defending champions Spain. The winner of tomorrow’s second round match will face either Colombia or Uruguay in the quarter-finals.