The round of 16 clash between the hosts; Brazil and Chile promised to showcase the best of attacking football following their displays in their group games.
The game started with both sides trying to impose their game and relishing the physical contest. Marcelo did well to create space for a shot on the 6th minute, but it went slightly wide. On the other end, Chile went close on the counter.
Bravo calmly picked up Hulk’s cross after a powering run on the left. Neymar limped out to be attended to by the medics, while Sanchez was beginning to look dangerous with his darting runs.
Hulk’s terrific run on the 13th minute ended up in a penalty shout after close attention from Isla, but the referee waved the claims away. Gustavo, freed up by the presence of Fernandinho, powered in energetically and was fouled at the edge of the box but Neymar’s free kick was saved by Bravo. Neymar looked to have shaken off the niggle and looking threatening with his pace.
Hulk’s fine free kick after Mena had been cautioned for handling, was punched away by Bravo. David Luiz slotted in on the 18th minute off the ensuing corner, for his first goal for Brazil. Brazil were looking the more organised of the two sides and Neymar skewed his shot wide on the 25th minute after a fine galloping run from deep. Neymar again was at the receiving end of another crunching tackle from the combative Vidal.
Sanchez equalised on the 32nd minute from a defensive mistake. Hulk’s weak pass was intercepted by Vargas, releasing Sanchez who slotted home coolly, beating the stretching Julio Cesar. Neymar’s headed chance from an Oscar looped cross was deflected wide off the head of Medel. Shortly after, Francisco Silva picked up a costly caution for his attentions on Neymar.
The game kicked into life thereafter with Brazil looking for a quick equaliser and Chile looking dangerous on the counter. Dani Alvez’s spectacular shot was headed for goal but Bravo stepped up and saved. Neymar again stole into the box but was well tracked by the Chilean defence. Sanchez’s brilliant play released Aranguiz and he managed to get his shot away under pressure, but David Luiz makes a crucial block. Half time scores; Chile 1: Brazil 1.
The second half started with Brazil attacking and looking to restore their lead but Chile was defending well and looking dangerous on the counter. Vidal won a free kick off David Luiz but The free kick was punched away by Julio Cesar. Fernandinho’s shot on the 49th minute went wide.
Controversial moment there, as Hulk seemed to have scored on the 55th minute after a fine control but he received a caution for his efforts as the referee was convinced that he handled the ball. Chile brought on Gutierrez for Vargas as Luiz Gustavo got his own caution shortly after, ruling him out of the quarterfinals.
Brazil brought on Jo for Fred as Scolari sought for a reaction from his team. Great reaction save from Julio Cesar on the 65th minute to deny Aranguiz. Brazil are looking increasingly frustrated and Chile are doing well in closing down the spaces. Chile’s Argentine Coach; Sampaoli kept at his routine of pacing the sidelines, as his players battled on.
Fernandinho was replaced by Ramires on the 72nd minute, in a bid to help get control of the midfield. Hulk’s fine run on the 74th minute created space for Jo, but he failed to make contact. On the 80th minute Neymar headed from a Dani Alves cross but Bravo saved. Oscar’s fine work inside the box could not release Neymar as the Chilean defenders cleared.
Ramires released Hulk and his fine individual play and shot on the 83rd minute, brought out the best out of Bravo. Pinilla came on for Vidal as Hulk again threatened. Medel robbed Oscar and released Sanchez who brilliantly evaded tackles and eventually set up Pinilla, but the ball was cleared for a throw in. Sanchez was proving inspired in the closing minutes but eventually could not get his shot out, as the Brazilians swarmed around him. The second half ended with Chile on the front foot and likely to win the contest as Brazil’s exertions showed.
Extra time started with Hulk fouled while menacingly bearing down on goal. Jo’s high foot caught Bravo and he received a yellow for that. Hulk’s cross found Oscar but his weak header was saved by Bravo. Pinilla fouled David Luiz and was cautioned, as Brazil continued to dominate play. Hulk again created from nothing but his shot was saved by Bravo. Sanchez caused panic in Brazil’s box but his efforts came to naught. Dani Alves was cautioned for a foul on Pinilla as Chile looked to capitalise on the free kick. Alexis Sanchez’s kick however went wide signaling the end of the first half of extra time.
Willian came on for Oscar as play resumed. Neymar’s cross was cleared by Medel and Jo’s header off the corner went over. Medel was replaced by Jose Rojas due to injury as the tackles continued flying in and the Chilean players found reason to roll on the pitch. Brazil continued their push but Chile were resolute in their defending as they played for penalties.
A free kick by Willian was cleared on the 28th minute as Brazil again looked for the elusive goal. Hulk drove in again, but his shot went over. Sanchez worked the ball in and released Pinilla whose shot hit the post. Brazil had another chance at the opposite end but Ramires’ shot went just wide. The game ended all square and we are facing the lottery of penalty kicks to decide this game.
David Luiz steps up for the first penalty kick and sends the goal keeper the wrong way. A perfect start for Brazil. Chile 0: Brazil 1.
Julio Cesar saves Chile’s first from Pinilla. Chile 0: Brazil 1.
Willian goes wide with the keeper beaten. Chile 0: Brazil 1.
Julio Cesar saves again, this time around from Alexis Sanchez. Chile 0: Brazil 1.
Marcelo extends Brazil’s lead with a coolly taken kick. Chile 0: Brazil 2.
Aranguiz pulls one back for Chile, with Julio Cesar stranded. Chile 1: Brazil 2.
Hulk’s kick was saved by Bravo. Chile 1: Brazil 2.
Marcelo Diaz scores to make it Chile 2: Brazil 2.
Neymar steps up and scores Brazil’s fifth kick and puts the pressure back on Chile. Chile 2: Brazil 3.
Gonzalo Jara hits the upright to send Chile home. A dramatic encounter and Brazil goes through, winning 3:2 on penalties.
Another entertaining match, the second half perhaps dropped off at bit after the intensive first. Not sure if Brazil will go all the way but tbf none of the teams have really stood out so far!
Thanks Mehster. Brazil would need to step up their game to go that far. I found Colombia very organised and interesting. Let’s see what happens when they take on Brazil.