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The first encounter of the round of 16 in the FIFA World Cup saw Brazil and Chile battle hard in a nerve-racking encounter as the hosts were held to a 1-1 draw by their South American counterparts in normal time. Brazil went ahead through a David Luiz tap-in (although replay showed that the last touch came off from Chilean defender Gonzalo Jara) at the far post after Thiago Silva’s flicked header from a Neymar corner. But Chile made a comeback just about 14 minutes later after a sloppy pass by Hulk from a Marcelo throw in which was intercepted by Eduardo Vargas and he slid a pass to Alexis Sanchez who produced a brilliant calm finish to level things up.
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Chile had more of the possession as Brazil looked to fade away in the second half. The deadlock wasn’t broken as the game went into extra time. In the final minutes of the second half of extra time, Brazil looked likely to score the decider as they piled up pressure on the Chile defence. But against the run of play, Chile were about to break millions of Brazilian hearts as substitute Pinilla rattled the woodwork with a thunderous drive in the final minute of the game.
The match finally went into penalties as Brazil missed two and scored three after David Luiz gave them a good start from the first spot kick. While Chile had a bad start to their shootout, they came back to level the scoreline at 2-2. But Jara hit the woodwork from the last spot kick which ended a valiant effort from the La Rojas as Brazil managed to survive a huge scare and they progress to the quarter-finals of the tournament.
Brazil
Julio Cesar: 9/10 – Man of the match
The Brazilian shot-stopper produced a stellar performance in front of goal during the penalty shoot out to keep his team alive in the tournament. During open play, he made a few important stops for his team but was ultimately called upon to be the nation’s saviour when the attackers of his team could not deliver. Saved the first two penalties and with the help of the left crossbar that stopped Jara’s effort, turned out to be the national hero.
Dani Alves: 5/10
Darted forward whenever he could but was generally loose with his passing. An average performance from the Barcelona right back as he lost the ball on quite a few occassions. Forced Bravo to make a good save in the first half which was the only bright moment for the Brazilian
Thiago Silva: 7.5/10
Neat and tidy defending by the PSG defender. Strong aerially and managed to deal with the pace of Vargas and Sanchez. Could not stop Alexis from scoring the goal. Other than that, it was a good performance from the captain.
David Luiz: 6.5/10
Was in the right place to open Brazil’s scoresheet although the important touch came off the Chilean defender. Was caught napping by some sloppy play in defence which led to the first goal. Opened the shootout for Brazil with a cooly taken penalty.
Marcelo: 6/10
Was a constant threat on the left flank as he got into forward positions time and time again. Failed to link up with Neymar as he usually does. Saw an effort go wide in the first half. Converted his penalty from the spot kick.
Luiz Gustavo: 5/10
Committed himself to a couple of rash tackles. Was booked for a hefty challenge in the second half. Couldn’t dictate the proceedings as his team had lesser possession.
Fernandinho: 4.5/10
The Manchester City midfielder was preferred ahead of Paulinho as he started the game. Physical in his approach as he too made some reckless tackles. Did not pose any kind of threat going forward.
Oscar: 5/10
Popped up in good positions on few occasions but was generally silent throughout the game. Delivered some good crosses but faded away in the second half. Was replaced by his Chelsea team-mate Willian.
Neymar: 6.5/10
Looked lively in the first half and never looked afraid to take on the opposition defenders. Forced a crucial save from Bravo in the second half but became anonymous as the game progressed. Ultimately, it was his penalty that sent Brazil to the quarter-finals.
Hulk: 8/10
Was by far the best player on the field for the Seleccao. Saw his goal disallowed after a controversial handball decision from the referee. Forced another save in extra time as he grew into the game as Neymar faded out. Missed his chance from the spot in the penalty shoot out which piled pressure on his team.
Fred: 3.5/10
The Brazilian striker continued to disappoint with yet another poor performance. Was ineffective and absent for the entirety of the game. Could not convert a chance that fell to him in the first half. Was replaced by Jo in the second half.
Substitutes
Willian: 4/10
Came in for Oscar at the start of extra time. Could not create any kind of space or a final ball for that matter. Missed the chance to put Brazil ahead after Cesar saved Chile’s first penalty kick.
Ramires: 4/10
Replaced Fernandinho and produced the same result. Contributed to making fouls and could not provide an opening on the counter.
Jo: 2.5/10 – Flop of the match
Came in to replace an absent Fred but was even more woeful in front of goal. Missed a sitter from a well delivered cross and even with his height, he could not win the aerial duels.
Chile
Claudio Bravo: 7.5/10
Produced an excellent save to keep out a Dani Alves long range effort. Stopped Neymar’s header. Pulled back Chile into the game with two saves from the penalty spot.
Eugenio Mena: 6/10
Energetic on the left flank throughout the game. Made a crucial interception to deny Jo.
Gonzalo Jara: 5.5/10
The former Nottingham Forest defender was responsible for the first goal as it was his final touch that put the ball behind the net. Missed the last spot kick as Cile failed to reach to the next round.
Gary Medel: 7/10
A commendable presence at the back. Showed composure in his tackles and while he was on the ball.
Marcelo Diaz: 7/10
He was the main link between Chile’s defence and midfield. Was neat with his passing and made some crucial recovery runs during the match.
Arturo Vidal: 6.5/10
Was unstoppable at times. The constant energy of the Juventus midfielder caused significant problems for the Brazilians in their own half. Was substituted after which the sting of Chile’s attack disappeared.
Charles Aranguiz: 7.5/10
Another spectacular display from the Internacional man. Was a constant threat as he linked up and supported Vidal well in midfield.
Francisco Silva: 5/10
Silva was the weak link in the Chilean defence. Hulk go the better of him on one-on-one situations while he also had some trouble dealing with Neymar.
Mauricio Isla: 6.5/10
Got into attacking positions as Marcelo pushed forward giving him space to create chances for the forwards.
Eduardo Vargas: 7/10
Excellent on the ball and quick to react. His quick thinking and pass led to Sanchez’s goal.Was replaced in the second half after he seemed to fade away as the game progressed.
Alexis Sanchez: 8.5/10
The Barcelona forward was the standout player for Chile. Got the better of the Brazilian players on several occasions. Scored the equaliser for his team, although he missed his chance from the spot kick.
Substitutes
Felipe Gutierrez: 5/10
Replaced Vidal as his primary role was to hold off the Brazilian attack. Looked good on the ball but the impact wasn’t that much.
Mauricio Pinilla: 5.5/10
Replaced Vargas as he almost secured a Chile win in the dying minutes of the extra time. But missed from the spot kick during the shoot out.
Jose Rojas: 5/10
Replaced the injured Medel. Managed to hold off the game until penalties.
