Goodness this was a heated and breathless affair, enjoyable as much for what each team did off the ball as on it. While we may think of South American football, especially Brazilian, as being all flair and fancy footwork, this was a slug-fest: two teams, toe-to-toe, no quarter given.
Each team pressed high, ruthlessly hunting in packs to force mistakes from defenders. Alexis Sanchez and Vargas were tireless for Chile, allowing David Luiz and company little time on the ball. Neymar, too, relentlessly harried his opponents, tracking back on countless occasions to break up Chilean counter-attacks.
Brazil set up to exploit a Chile defense both low and slow, launching balls over the top for Neymar to run onto. His pace caused problems from the outset, blazing past Medel and Silva on a number of occasions. But it was from a set piece that the breakthrough came after 18 minutes. Out-jumping his marker, Thiago Silva flicked Neymar’s corner onto David Luiz who, in conjunction with a Chilean limb, guided the ball into the net.
David Luiz celebrates his first goal for Brazil (Photo: @SkyFootball | Twitter)
Chile were not dissuaded. Brazil’s lead lasted less than a quarter-of-an-hour as Chilean industry and tenacity paid dividends in the 32nd minute. Vargas dispossessed Hulk deep in the Brazilian half following his leaden touch from a Marcello throw. Vargas found Alexis Sanchez, untracked by Luiz Gustavo and with time to kill in the Brazilian penalty area. The Barca man then coolly slotted the ball low past the diving Julio Cesar. A red pock-mark erupted in a sea of yellow.
The second half carried on just as the first, defense turning to attack with dizzying speed. Nine minutes in, Hulk thought he had given Brazil the lead again when he shanked the ball into the net off his knee, only for Howard Webb to rule it out for a hand ball.
Punch and counter-punch continued for the full 90 minutes, though Chile visibly tired as the game wore on, retreating deeper and deeper. By extra-time, theirs was a war of attrition, soaking up Brazilian pressure while seeking a long-ball smash-and-grab. It nearly came off as substitute Pinilla battered the crossbar with only seconds left.
In the end, perhaps fittingly, it took penalties to separate the two sides: a test of nerves and character. When Jara struck Chile’s fifth penalty off the post, a nation exhaled: Brazil had prevailed.
Neymar cooly scores the game-winning penalty kick to keep the party alive in Brazil (Photo: @SportsCenter | Twitter)
But for how much longer will the carnival continue? This is a shadow of the side Big Phil Scolari guided to World Cup glory back in 2002. Neymar aside, there’s no Ronaldo, Rivaldo or Ronaldinho on display here. Fred’s goal-scoring is as lackluster as his facial hair, while Hulk, though he had his moments in this game, is more Lou Ferrigno than incredible. Brazil must continue to show their team-spirit and work ethic if they’re to progress.
On a lighter note, The18 would like to commend the sartorial selection of Claudio Bravo. Whereas the goalkeeping attire of other Puma-sponsored teams in this tournament has resembled a day-glo toxic spill, the Chilean shot-stopper sported a classy, understated black. Bravo, Claudio. Bravo.
[The Chilean goal-keeper played a brilliant 120 minutes (Photo: @FTBPro | Twitter)
