Howard Webb has found himself caught up in the war of words between Brazil and Chile as the pair get ready for the first knockout game of the World Cup in Belo Horizonte tonight.

Webb came in for criticism after the last World Cup final when he admitted that he should have dismissed Nigel de Jong during an ill-tempered match.

This performance has been pointed out by the Chileans, who fear that he may not be strong enough not to favour the host nation.

Barcelona star Alexis Sanchez is quoted by the Daily Mail as saying: "What worries me most about this game is the referee."

The Chile FA president is also reported to have expressed concern that Webb would be unable to handle the pressure at the Estadio Mineirao.