28 June, 2014

BRASIL V CHILE

0' All set for the opening match of the knockout round. Its a rematch from one of last cup's round of 16 matches, where Brasil won 3-0. The hosts will expect to do similarly well here, although Chile have plenty of experience against Brasil, and should not be ruled out as a potential upset.

12' Brasil with the majority of the ball so far. Some excellent runs but not able to crack the Chilean defense yet. Chile not without some good possession, but nothing dangerous yet.

18' Its Brasil that open the scoring. Its David Luiz's first international goal, and it comes from a corner piece, flicked on to the far post by Thiago Silva and David Luiz doing just enough to get it into the back of the net, although on video replay it does look like it might have been an own goal. Its the start Brasil wanted, and now Chile will have to respond quickly if they want a chance. Brasil will be happy to sit back in defense and launch the occasional but very dangerous counterattack.

32' Well Chile silencing the fans wearing yellow with an equaliser. Its a poor mistake by Brasil in defense off of a throw in, and Alexis slots it past Julio Cesar right into the corner. Brilliant done, and Chile have done well to convert their chance. Brasil momentarily falling asleep, but they've woken up now, and all back to square one.

45' Right before the half, dangerous moments for both teams, but both defenses coping, just barely. Neymar perhaps going to ground and doing perhaps a bit too much acting. A good match though, and Brasil certainly look the stronger, but Chile is not out of it yet, looking to avenge their loss four years ago.

55' Well for a minute Hulk puts Brasil up, but the goal disallowed for a hand ball as Hulk perhaps using his arm to trap the ball. The finish was off his shin and into the side netting, and how close was that.

73' Neither team able to really construct anything here in the second half. Chile with one good opportunity with some excellent passing but Julio Cesar makes an excellent save. Lots of back and forth play from both sides, and both teams looking for that spark of brilliance to take the lead.

81' Oh my nearly a goal for Brasil on two occasions. Neymar gets a good head to a ball but its saved, and some excellent passing sees Oscar and Jo each with the ball right in on goal and being snuffed out by the Chilean defense, and a minute later a shot from Hulk saved as well. Excellent stuff by the Chilean keeper, and in the back for chile as they scramble to keep things level. Brasil turning it on though, and it looks like they'd rather finish this off without extra time.

90' Brasil unable to lift themselves in regulation, so its another 30 minutes of extra time here. Both sides almost looking as if they welcome it. Chile nearly looking as if they'd welcome going straight to penalties right now. Brasil looking the more lively, and they'll have 30 minutes to bring the crowd some relief.

105' The first extra time period looking just like the second half. Nothing particularly special from either team. Chile still look like they're just playing for penalties. Brasil unable to find the spark but looking the only people who can break the dreadlock.

120' Seconds before the final whistle and Chile finds a bit of space and the shot beats Julio Cesar but clangs off the crossbar. What an opportunity, and Brasil inches away from being sent out of the tournament! Brasil with the entirety of possession in the second extra time period except for that last opportunity for Chile, and a sigh of relief from an entire nation as it comes back off the cross bar. We're headed to penalties, and now Julio Cesar will have to come through for his country.

Final' And Brasil escape on penalties, 3-2. The final shot by Chile hits the upright and flies across the face of goal and nearly hits the opposite upright, an inch to the left and its in. Chile so close to pulling off the upset of a lifetime. Chile can't be upset with their performance in this tournament though. They've escaped from a group with both of the finalists from the last tournament, and pushed the hosts and favorites to the absolute brink. Brasil were very very lucky here, and after coming this close to elimination, you have to wonder if they'll ever give another team another opportunity to see them out. Only three wins away from lifting the cup now for the hosts, and what a start to the knockout round.



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