Two nations chasing World Cup glory battled it out on Saturday in opening match of the 2014 FIFA World Cup’s knockout stage. Brazil and Chile definitely put up a show.
In a back to forth battle, Brazil would get the upper hand in the 18th minute through an own-goal from Chile’s Gonzalo Jara. Brazil would be gifted a 1-0 lead even though it was wrongly awarded to David Luiz, even though the replay showed otherwise. There was, however, no doubt about Chile’s equalizer just 16 minutes later. A clinical finish from Alexis Sanchez leveled the match before the half.
After 120 minutes, the match still required a winner. In the penalty shootout, the game got intense. David Luiz would score first for Brazil leaving it 1-0. Chile’s player Pinilla shot was blocked by Julio Cesar. The Brazilian fans where all nervous when William would miss the shot, by doing that Chile was still alive. What seem to be the tied in the Penalty shout by Alexis Sanchez was blocked by once more Julio Cesar. It seem that Chile was going home when Marcelo would score his Penalty kick leaving it 2-0. The Brazilian’s happiness would soon turn into worrisome and doubts when Aranguiz would score his penalty kick and Hulk would miss his leaving it 2-1. Chile’s fans where excited knowing that their team was still alive. Neymar was the final kicker for Brazil having all the Brazilians praying and up from their seats, Neymar would score leaving it 3-2. It was all up to Gara who had the all the pressure on him to make the shot hit the post handling Brazil the ticket to the next round.
Chile’s 25-year-old Alexis Sanchez provided the team’s only goal in the match, but his menacing runs at defenders allowed him to finish with six take-ons and won.
Brazil won’t survive another round with the kind of performance they put on today. Chile managed to frustrate the host nation, allowing 69 percent of its passes to be completed. At times, Brazil looked uneasy and unable to match the expectations of the moment. More composure will be needed, if not Brazil will ultimately succumb to the pressure. Brazil advances to the quarterfinals, while Chile returns home to prepare for the 2015 Copa America
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