In a game dripping with tension to the very last kick, Brazil held its nerve to beat Chile on penalties on Saturday and advance to the quarterfinals of the World Cup.
Gonzalo Jara, the Chilean defender, missed the decisive kick, smacking his effort against the post after Neymar had given Brazil the advantage in the fifth round of penalties.
It was a pitilessly cruel way to decide a match that had pulsated with pace, technique and excitement for an hour, before fatigue began to take its toll on both sides.
Luiz was credited with the opening goal after Thiago Silva had flicked on Neymar's corner in the 18th minute. There was some debate over whether Jara had actually got the final touch, though the important fact was that the ball was in the back of the net.
Chile struck back when Hulk lost possession in defense for Brazil. The ball was worked to Alexis Sanchez, who calmly stroked a precise finish low into the bottom corner in the 32nd.
Hulk had a goal chalked off for controlling the ball with his hand in the second half, and that was the closest either team came until the final minute of extra time when Chile came within inches of dumping Brazil out of its own cup as the substitute Mauricio Pinilla smashed a shot against the crossbar.
Brazil breathed again, and as hearts raced and limbs trembled in the penalty shootout, first Neymar showed his composure to score Brazil's fifth kick, then Jara missed to put the host through.
- Penalties draws near as score stands level
- Hulk has goal disallowed by referee Howard Webb for handball
- The game will go to extra-time after an enthralling 90 minutes
- Alexis Sanchez equalises after capitalising on slack defending by the tournament hosts
- David Luiz knees in his first international goal as hosts get off to flying start
- Neymar and Co take on the vibrant Chileans in Belo Horizonte
- Winner will book their place in the quarter-finals
Brazil are through to the World Cup quarter-finals after a pulsating penalty shootout win against Chile.
Gonzalo Jara's missed spot-kick gave the tournament hosts the victory in their last 16 clash and putting them through to the quarter-finals where they will face either Colombia or Greece.
The game was forced into extra time after David Luiz put the five-time World Cup champions ahead in the 18th minute before Chile's Alexis Sanchez equalised.
Mauricio Pinilla nearly won the match for Chile, late in extra-time, when his thunderous shot came crashing back off the crossbar.
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Brazil vs Chile (5pm)
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Brazil: TBC
Chile: TBC
The woodwork denied Chile in extra-time and it strikes again in the shootout.
Gonzalo Jara's spot-kick struck the inside of the post before bouncing across the goal and out to safety and it led to an eruption of joy from the Brazil crowd, while the Brazil squad sprinted on to the pitch to mob Julio Cesar. Relief all round from all those connected with the host nation.
But wait, there's more! Colombia now take on Uruguay in the second last 16 match today, and just how will the latter fare without Luis Suarez?
Find out by joining me for live coverage on the above link. I'll see you there.
Gonzalo Jara misses
Neymar scores
Marcelo Diaz scores
Hulk misses
Charles Aranguiz scores
Marcelo scores
Alexis Sanchez misses
Willian misses
Mauricio Pinilla misses
David Luiz scores
What an astonishing end to extra-time! A period which Chile hardly pressed in resulted in them going within six inches of stealing a quarter-final place in the last minute.
Pinilla probably should have at least hit the target but we wait to see if he regrets not burying Brazil.
Penalties are coming up and given the state of many of Chile's players (they are knackered, basically) I back Brazil from here.
Denied: Chile's forward Mauricio Pinilla (left) reacts after missing a chance to win the game in the final minute120+1min: We are in two added minutes as Ramires scuffs a low shot wide from 25 yards. Penalties are surely on the way.
120min: OFF THE BAR! Pinilla goes within inches of sending Brazil packing! The sub breaks clear from his marker on the edge of the box, before lashing a shot past Cesar and off the face of the woodwork. Incredible!
117min: Lots of tired legs now, and they are mostly for Chile. La Roja win a free-kick outside their own box and it instantly results in Aranguiz going down with cramp.
With three minutes left, Chile have shown their hand and are happy for penalty kicks.
Early end: Chile's defender Gary Medel is carried off the pitch after being injured during extra-time114min: The passes are getting longer and higher... and come to think of it so are the shots.
Pinilla lays the ball back to Dias 25 yard from goal, but the midfielder blasts a hopeful looking strike way over Julio Cesar's crossbar
'Extraordinarily disjointed performance by Brazil. Looks as though Chile are winning the key tactical battles. If Brazil progress, there will be an element of limping over the line.'
Hopes of a nation: Fans gather to watch Brazil take on Chile on Copacabana beach in Rio
108min: Gary Medel has been magnificent in the Chile defence, but his body has given up on him and he is carried off on a stretcher before getting off to limp down the tunnel as Jose Rojas replaces him in Chile's final change.
It's all Chelsea based too as Willian replaces Oscar. Brazil bombardment coming up?
...but Chile's Alexis Sanchez seems to have the edge over Barcelona team-mate Neymar this afternoon.
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No is the answer as Sanchez drills low and well wide cross goal.
105min: One minute will be added as Chile win a free-kick 25 yards out following a Dani Alves foul on Pinilla, which he is booked for. Can Chile stun Brazil before the break?
103min: Chile are looking rather desperate at times in defence and Pinilla is booked for a blatant trip.
Brazil continue to swarm as Hulk (yes, him again) fires in a powerful drive from 30 yards which Bravo does very well to dive low to his right and parry to safety.
Seeing yellow: Howard Webb shows a yellow card to Chile's forward Mauricio Pinilla101min: Hulk has probably been Brazil's liveliest player since being denied a goal and he's back on the attack.
A byline cross to the back post finds Oscar, but the Chelsea midfielder's header towards goal is easily stopped by Bravo.
100min: Half-chance for Brazil. Marcelo slips a through ball for Jo who breaks clear of his marker, but Silva recovers to block the striker's shot from inside the box resulting in an easy collect for Bravo.
97min: Chile look like a side who are happy to settle for route one now. La Roja win a free-kick 35 yards to goal, and Marcelo Dias opts to shoot from distance which flies well wide.
At the very least it helps prevent a counter attack I suppose.
Booked: Brazil's forward Jo (L) tries to score a goal but was cautioned after raising his foot to Claudio Bravo94min: A slightly harsh call from Howard Webb as Jo is booked after raising his foot trying to beat Bravo to a long ball played over the top.
The former Manchester City striker's challenge looked innocent enough, but the keeper's over the top reaction to hold his head on the ground seemed to fool Webb.
92min: Extra-time, a time for heavy legs? Not if you are Hulk.
The forward carves across the pitch to storm past the Chile defence before Mena brings him down near the touchline. Hulk responds by jumping to his feet and whipping the crowd into a frenzy. He certainly looks up for another 30 minutes.
Another 30 to play: Chile's defender Gary Medel receives medical treatment at the end of the second halfFancy another 30 minutes of that? I certainly do. It was always hard for both teams to repeat the tempo played in the first half, but it's still been a cracking last 16 clash.
Even at this stage it's hard to predict a winner, Chile have gone toe-to-toe with the host nation.
And extra time is here.
Commanding the box: Brazil's goalkeeper Julio Cesar punches the ball clear from a Chile attack90+3min: Perhaps surprisingly it's Brazil doing all the defending in stoppage time as Chile win a corner. Brazil clear their lines from it though and with 20 seconds remaining, win a free-kick just outside their own box. Extra time beckons.
90min: There will be three additional minutes - can either side grab a winner and a quarter-final spot in that time?
Even Chile are trying to find a goal now...
87min: Second change for Chile as Vidal is replaced by Mauricio Pinilla. Vidal is happy to walk as slow as he possibly can off the field.
Missing out: Brazil's Jo misses a pass and an opportunity to score while being defended by Chile's Eugenio Mena86min: Credit to Chile. They have taken the momentum out of the Brazil attacks which were piling up, simply by playing slow passing at the back.
The crowd boo but La Roja have weathered a brief Brazil storm.
84min: What a stop from Bravo! There's nothing wrong with Hulk's effort this time as he drops the shoulder to dart inside the box, before his rising drive across goal is superbly parried clear by the Chile stopper.
It's all Brazil now. Chile are looking desperate as they hoof the ball clear at every opportunity.
81min: I didn't expect it to come as quick as this though! A long diagonal ball finds Neymar inside the box, but the striker can only header powerfully straight at Bravo who does well to safely prevent the ball from rebounding to a Brazil attacker.
Booked: Chile's Arturo Vidal is fouled by Brazil's Luiz Gustavo (left) who was booked for the tackle80min: We are into the final ten minutes of standard regulation time and a few nerves are starting to show.
Chile are on the defence now after attacking the majority of the half, and Brazil look like they are preparing one last assault.
76min: Hulk is really fired up now after that handball decision, but it's not helping his team.
He looks like a man on a mission as he sprints towards goal 25 yards out, but his low shot afterwards is rather hopeless as he drags low and wide.
Anger: Brazil boss Luiz Felipe Scolari appeals to the referee as Hulk looks on
'Replays were not 100 per cent clear but I thought that Mullarkey was correct as the striker deliberately put his arm out and the ball was controlled from it.
'Commentators tried to say that any doubt is supposed to be given to the attacker; that is not correct unless in an offside situation.'
72min: One slight surprise in this second half is that Chile have arguably been the better team.
That disallowed goal from Hulk, is about the only time Brazil have seriously threatened as Ramires comes on to replace Fernandinho
66min: Brazil could have been in front, but nearly find themselves behind! Another byline cut-back finds Charles Aranguiz at the near post, whose powerful strike is pushed behind by Julio Cesar.
Taking no chances: Claudio Bravo (second right) of Chile clears the ball from outside his penalty box64min: Big cheers for Jo, who plays at this stadium for is club side, as he replaces the hapless Fred in Brazil's first change.
60min: One of Howard Webb's easier calls as Luis Gustavo is booked for chopping down Vidal. He would now miss the quarter-finals should the host nation get there.
'Massive call from Mike Mullarkey after Hulk 'scored'. Replays show the assistant was correct as Hulk uses the top of his arm or bicep to control the ball.'
56min: First change for Chile as Felipe Gutierrez replaces Vargas. Belo Horizonte has fallen silent after that disallowed goal, which I'm still in doubts over after watching another replay. I would be inclined to give Hulk the benefit of the doubt - who was booked for that handball.
Handball? Hulk of Brazil was ruled to have handled the ball while controlling to bring it down55min: Goal for Brazil! NO, wait it's been ruled out!
Huge controversy as Hulk controls a cross with his chest before slicing a clever finish across goal and into the bottom corner.
His celebrations are cut short though as Howard Webb's assistant raises his flag saying he has seen a handball.
Replays show that Hulk didn't do too much wrong there. I think Brazil have been robbed but even I need to see it again.
52min: When in doubt give it a clout. Crowd noise rises as Neymar picks up the ball 25 yards out, but as he homes in on dangerously on goal, Chile tussle to win the ball back before launching an almighty 80 yard clearance.
Just goes to show that playing your way out the back isn't always the best option.
49min: It's another long ranger from Brazil, but this time it's Fernandinho looking for a headline stealer.
The Manchester City lines up a screamer from 25 yards, only to slip when striking the ball resulting in his effort flying comfortably wide.
48min: The good news is the second half has started just like the first. Slow build up play in the midfield is not an option as it's again end-to-end. No chances yet though.
Clash: Brazil's Fred (left) and Chile's Gary Medel argue at the end of the first half
Losing temper: Brazil's Fred (left) and Chile's Gary Medel had to be dragged apart by team-mates
It's going to end in tears for at least one of these three Barcelona stars, as Neymar, Dani Alves and Alexis Sanchez embraced before kick-off.
It's Alexis Sanchez's goal that has given a Chile a route back into this game - and he's been everywhere for La Roja in the first 45 minutes.
The Barcelona forward has even been back in defensive positions for his side, and I just wonder if he can keep tracking around the pitch for the next 45 minutes (and beyond?) Here's his heat map from the first half.
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A pulsating first half. It was end-to-end throughout and was something you would see on a video game.
Brazil have perhaps been the better team but it's level at the break in a game which is being played with high passion from both sides.
Even Fred and Gary Medel were having a few choice words at half-time, and it wasn't about going for a friendly pint after this game judging by their snarls at each other.
'Another huge mistake, this time by Luiz Gustavo. They get away with it this time but Brazil are living dangerously here.'
Headache: Neymar of Brazil receives treatment as head coach Luiz Felipe Scolari of Brazil reacts on the touchline45+1min: Two added minutes and Chile from out of nowhere nearly equalise! Sanchez this time is creator as he plays a short pass to the near post, but from there Aranguiz is denied from an acute angle before Brazil scramble clear.
43min: It's shoot on sight stuff from Brazil now - and it so nearly pays off. Dani Alves hits a vicious dipping effort from 25 yards out that Bravo has to tip over the crossbar. Had that been either side of the Chile keeper, it looked certain to be a goal.
40min: Here come the yellow cards as Silva is now booked for persistent fouling. Like Mena before him, he would now be suspended for the quarter-final if Chile make it.
Poacher: Chile's Alexis Sanchez scores his side's equaliser after slotting low across goal38min: You can't take your eyes off this game! A long crossfield ball is superbly controlled by Neymar who gets into a dangerous position inside the box.
The forward eventually squares to Fred who somehow from eight yards out lifts a finish over the bar with a whole goal to aim at. He was under pressure from Bravo and Chile defenders but he must do better.
35min: What are Chile playing at in defence?! Neymar's header takes a slight deflection as it sails wide across goal but Claudio Bravo goes on an adventure from the set-piece.
The corner flown in results in the Chile keeper defending the edge of the box (!) before La Roja eventually clear.
'Or maybe not a long 72 minutes! Incredible self destruction by Brazil. Nerves clearly getting to them.'
From Sportsmail's Matt Lawton in Belo Horizonte:
'All down to Hulk that. Had given the ball away in a dangerous position moments earlier and then does that. Very poor indeed.'
32min: Meltdown in the Brazil defence! Chile intercept the most casual of throw ins through Vargas, and a short cut-back into the penalty box finds Alexis Sanchez who with calming ease tucks home a tidy finish across goal and into the bottom corner. Game on!
Agony and ecstasy: Chile's Alexis Sanchez celebrates after scoring an equaliser30min: Howard Webb should be a poker player as he certainly is keeping his cards close to his chest.
Arturo Vidal is over zealous with a swing at Neymar, who has to take evasive action by flipping over the Chile star's leg.
Again he is down receiving treatment, but he will be okay to continue. Howard Webb is happy to check Neymar is okay before having a word with Vidal.
27min: In fact, Chile have a big problem in that Neymar is constantly getting a run on Francisco Silva during a counter attack.
On this occasion he escapes to reach the penalty box only to make poor contact with his low drive across goal which bobbles well wide (that's more like Diego Costa.)
Pounce: David Luiz (left) of Brazil shoots and scores his team's first goal past goalkeeper Claudio Bravo of Chile24min: There is a debate over whether it's an own goal, but it doesn't change the fact that Chile need to somehow get involved in this game.
They look a shadow of the side which did a job over Spain, but then Neymar has proven a different test to face instead of the incredibly disappointing Diego Costa.
'I think my eardrums have just gone.'
From Sportsmail's Rob Draper in Belo Horizonte:
'A frenzy of noise as you can imagine. Mineirao Stadium almost shaking with the level of volume. Very sloppy goal to concede and the Chileans looked somewhat cowed now. It could be a long 72 minutes for them.'
Breakthrough: Brazil's players celebrate after taking the lead against Chile18min: Blimey, I'm surprised the roof hasn't come off in Belo Horizonte! A corner is flicked towards the back post by Thiago Silva, where David Luiz is there to pounce from close range to score his first goal for his country. The crowd has gone absolutely berserk.
17min: First booking for Chile as Eugenio Mena sees yellow for a deliberate handball.
'Ref Howard Webb under huge and unfair pressure to control this tough game without many cards. The competition has been refereed leniently. Neymar getting injured won't help him.
'Webb certainly not a "homer" as he turns down a credible penalty appeal as Hulk is tripped inside the penalty area.'
Going down: Brazil's Neymar is fouled by Chile's Gary Medel (second left)
Early struggles: Neymar of Brazil picked up a knee problem in the opening few minutes but managed to run it off14min: And the Brazil fans are booing heavily again! This time it's because Hulk fails to win a spot-kick after being pushed to ground by Mauricio Isla. That one looked more convincing but play is waved on.
11min: Should this be a penalty for Chile? It will be a brave ref to give a debatable one against the hosts.
Alexis Sanchez delivers a dangerous low pass into the six-yard box, but Eduardo Vargas isn't there to meet it after appearing to be tripped by David Luiz.
Chile appeal but Brazil fans boo heavily - I would need another look at that to be sure.
9min: Some early concerns for Brazil as Neymar is limping around the pitch. He appears to be having problems with his knee as he has already had some small treatment applied at pitch side.
It's worth keeping an eye on but it looks like he will try and run this one off.
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