JOHANNESBURG, June 27- Brazilian veteran midfielder Gilberto Silva on Sunday warned the five-time champions they needed to be ready for a Chilean ambush as the World Cup goes into the knockout stage.Brazil were able to ease off against Portugal in their final group game having already won their opening two matches, but in the knockout the nature of the tournament changes, as the Panathinaikos star concedes.
"We have to redouble the attention we have been paying them," Gilberto said in an interview at Randpark Golf Club outside team headquarters in Randburg on the outskirts of Johannesburg.
The former Arsenal star echoed comments by teammate Robinho that previous good results against the Chileans – Brazil have won their past five meetings – count for nothing now.
"It is a totally different game. We have a fine record against Chile but now it’s decision time. We have had a good look at them – we saw them take on Spain (Spain won 2-1) and they gave a good account of themselves," he said.
"So we have to redouble the attention we have paid them."
The Brazilians had assumed all along they would likely meet Chile on the basis they expected to win their group and that Spain would take their group leaving the Chileans as runners-up.
"What we saw of them was that that they play without fear and have a good turn of speed. We have to watch out for them on the counter-attack as they know how to play and won’t just stay back," said Gilberto.
He added that Brazil will be looking to up the tempo against Chile as "we are conscious we didn’t turn in a great showing" against Portugal, the outcome a dull 0-0 in the absence of the suspended Kaka and rested Robinho.
"We know we shan’t be able to make so many mistakes – the Chileans can be dangerous. We will respect them."
