The 25-year-old striker, who has been playing well at Mexican club Atlante, will play alone up front when Chile take on the world champions with a planned 4-4-1-1 formation.

"It is not easy playing a lone attacking role. I know I will have to be patient, stay focused and try to seize the on chances that come my way," Gonzalez said.

Gonzalez has been a regular fixture on the bench in Chile's World Cup qualifying games, but has had few chances to show his mettle at international level.

With Chile hit by a string of injury problems, he has been named as first choice striker in Chile's opening Group C game.

Also Read Montero salvages draw for Uruguay Palacios saves Peru, bad start for refs Colombia edge Venezuela in Copa opener

"There were so many good forwards ahead of me, with Reynaldo Navia, Marcelo Salas and Mauricio Pinillla all playing well. Now I've got my chance and hopefully I'll make the most of it," he said.

Chile and Brazil drew 1-1 in a World Cup qualifying match in Santiago last month.

Brazil have left many of their top stars out of their Copa America squad, whereas Chile have brought the core of the group that has been playing in the World Cup qualifiers.

Gonzalez rejected suggestions that Chile was facing a weakened Brazil team.

"Some of the more experienced names are not here, but they are still top internationals. We know they have come to win and are probably looking to avenge a draw that tasted of defeat for them," he said.

Chile will be without midfielder Mark Gonzalez, who strained a leg muscle in training and is also likely to miss Chile's second game against Paraguay.

Coach Juvenal Olmos said Cobreloa's uncapped midfielder Jonathan Cisternas will fill the gap.

"I am really happy to make my debut in the Copa America and to do so against a big name like Brazil," Cisternas said.

Paraguay will meet Costa Rica in the other Group C game to be played on Thursday.