It took well over 120 minutes, but we finally know who’s going through to the quarter-finals. And yes, it’s the hosts. Brazil kept Chile to a 1-1 draw throughout the second half and on through to extra time. Then came the penalties. Then came Brazil’s win.
The first half went by so quickly, it was hard to believe only 45 minutes had passed. Chile put their high pressing on display, although they took a more direct approach than in previous matches. Brazil were more content to sit back, but as always, Neymar was constantly ready with a threat. It made for quite a thrilling first half.
It took less than 20 minutes for the first goal to sink into the back of the net. It looked for all the world as though it had gone in off the leg of Chile defender Gonzalo Jara, but David Luiz celebrated with gusto, and the goal was ultimately credited to him. Either way, though, the goal certainly showcased Chile’s main weakness: their inability to defend on set pieces.
Chile found their equalizer through a lovely set-piece routine…from Brazil. Brazil won a throw-in near goal, but managed to surrender possession, leaving the Brazil defense slightly confounded. The ball eventually found its way to Alexis Sánchez, who wasted no time in driving a low shot to the far corner. Júlio César dove, but couldn’t quite reach the ball before it flew into the net.
It looked like Brazil would be back in front early in the second half, when a strike from Hulk flew past Claudio Bravo. However, Howard Webb called the goal back, booking the forward for a handball. Hulk appeared to control the ball with his upper arm, although whether it was deliberate enough to deserve a yellow was debatable.
The play then slowed considerably, although both sides certainly had their chances. Júlio César was forced into action around the 65th minute, after Mauricio Isla pulled back for Charles Aránguiz. The Toronto FC keeper was fast enough to send the ball wide, however.
Brazil came closest with a combination between Hulk and substitute Jô, on for Fred. Hulk sent in a cross, Eugenio Mena stuck out his leg, but couldn’t manage to connect with the ball. Instead Jô gave it a try, and end up putting his shot out of play. Hulk then had his own terrific chance, but his low drive was pushed away by Bravo.
With both sides even at 1-1 after 90 minutes of regulation time, we got treated to an additional 30 minutes, split into two 15 minute halves.
Almost immediately, Webb put himself in the hot seat again, letting a Jô kick on Claudio Bravo – one eerily reminiscent of the unwhistled Nigel de Jong kung fu kick on Xabi Alonso, also overseen by Webb – pass with nary a blink.
But with tired legs winning out, very little else happened in the extra thirty minutes…until the 120th, that is. That’s when Mauricio Pinilla, on for Vidal, rattled the crossbar, giving the entire nation of Brazil heart attacks.
Then came the penalties. And there went Chile’s chance – with their very first kick. Pinilla sent his kick low, making it rather easy to save. While Willian completely missed his, Alexis Sánchez went low as well, and Júlio César saved again. That paved the way for Brazil to win: Hulk may have had his saved by Bravo, but after Neymar sunk his shot, Gonzalo Jara hit the post, ending the dream for Chile.
LINEUPS
Brazil: Julio Cesar, Dani Alves, Thiago Silva, David Luiz, Marcelo; Luiz Gustavo, Fernandinho (Ramires 73), Oscar (Willian 105); Neymar, Hulk, Fred (Jô 64)
Goals: David Luiz 18′
Chile: Bravo; Silva, Medel (Rojas 108), Jara; Isla, Aranguiz, Diaz, Mena; Vidal (Pinilla 87); Sánchez, Vargas (Gutierrez 57)
Goals: Alexis Sánchez 32′
