Brazil Barely Escape Clash With Chile

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The group stage is over and in the knock-out rounds it's win or go home.  Host nation Brazil were in action for the first elimination match against Chile today.  Brazil beat Croatia and Cameroon and tied Mexico to win Group A, while Chile beat Spain and Australia and lost to the Netherlands to finish second in Group B.

Brazil took the lead in the first-half off a set-piece.  Neymar played a corner-kick into the box and Thiago Silva got a head on the ball to flick it on to the far-post.  David Luiz was waiting at the far-post and was guarded by Chile's Gonzalo Jara.  After the ball was flicked-on to the far-post it ended up in the back of the net.  David Luiz claimed the goal and gets credit in the official scoresheet, but in reality the final touch came off Jara and should be ruled an own-goal (18').

Chile responded and scored the equalizer on a Brazil turn-over.  Marcelo threw the ball into Hulk whose bad first touch gave the ball to Eduardo Vargas.  The Chilean forward quickly played Alexi Sanchez in-on-goal and he beat the keeper with a shot to the far-post (32').

The first-half ended even and at the start of the second-half Brazil created a very promising attack.  A ball into the box found Hulk and the forward was able to bring the ball down and put it in the net.  However the goal was disallowed as Hulk used his arm to trap the ball before the shot.

After that close chance for Brazil the momentum completely shifted in Chile's favor.  The crowd noticed the change as well and tension began to build for the Brazilian fans and players.  They weathered the storm though and regulation ended tied at one goal apiece.

Brazil were more authoritative in extra-time and kept Chile pinned back in their defensive third for the majority of the additional time.  They could not score though and nearly gave up the losing goal on the last effort from Chile.  Mauricio Pinilla came into the match late and found himself in space inside the Brazilian box.  His shot was just inches too high and rattled the crossbar to end the extra-time still level.

The penalty shootout could have gone either way, but keeper Julio César saved the first two shots from Chile to give Brazil a huge advantage.  David Luiz, Marcelo, and Neymar scored penalties for Brazil putting all the pressure on Gonzalo Jara taking the last shot for Chile.  Jara's shot caught the inside of the post but ricocheted out to give Brazil the win.  It was a nervous finish for the host nation, but now they can take a deep breath and relax until their next match.

Spain Eliminated From World Cup, Lose to Chile

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Coming off a harsh loss to the Netherlands, Spain looked to rebound in their second match in group play against Chile.  Chile beat Australia in their first match and earlier in the day the Netherlands also beat Australia.  Two losses to Australia means they cannot advance to the knock-out stage and the two wins for the Dutch guarantees they will make it out of Group B.  Today Spain hoped they would not end up in the same boat as Australia, needing at least a draw to stay in contention.

Xabi Alonso had the best chance for Spain early in the match, but a big stop by keeper Claudio Bravo from point-blank denied the goal scoring opportunity.  Moments later Chile managed to break through the Spanish defense and the defending champions again found themselves in the hole.

Alexis Sánchez helped create the goal when he played a through-ball to Charles Aránguiz behind the Spanish back line.  Aránguiz then squared the ball across the face of goal for Eduardo Vargas.  The Chilean striker made a cutback to avoid keeper Casillas before firing a shot into the back of the net (20').

Chile then doubled the lead when Casillas did a poor job clearing a free-kick.  Alexis Sánchez drilled a free-kick at the goal keeper who got his fists behind the shot.  The ball was not sent out of the box though, and came right to Aránguiz.  With one touch to control and another to shoot, Aranguiz put Chile ahead by two (43').

Nothing seemed to work today for Spain and the second-half did not show improvement.  Koke, Torres, and Santi Cazorla were subbed in over the second-half, but nobody could find a spark and get back into the match.

As it stands The Netherlands and Chile both earned a place in the knock-out round and will play to determine who will win the group.  Spain however will play one final match in Brazil against Australia though the game will have no importance.  All Spain will get out of it is a chance to let some other players get the opportunity to play in a World Cup match.