BELA HORIZONTE: Brazil defeated Chile in the thrilling pre-quarterfinal of FIFA World Cup 2014 on penalty shootout by 3-2 here at the Estadio Mineirao in Bela Horizonte, Brazil. As expected before the match that it would be a breathtaking encounter between these South American rivals. The nail-biting contest between Chile and Brazil started with the great hype in which host nation considered as favourites.
Hand ball by Eugenio Mena (Chile) awarded corner to Brazil in 18th minute of the first half of the match. Clauido Bravo shoot from the corner to six-yard box towards Chile goal and David Luiz easily turn the ball towards net.
Chile, on the other hand, played their vital game and equalized Brazilian lead and scored their first goal of the match in the 32nd minute. Alexis Sanchez (Chile) right footed shot stunned the people in yellow jersey in the arena. Match was progressed in extra time but score was leveled in extra 30 minutes of the game. Now decision had to make on Penalty Shootout.
Brazil started with first strike and David Luiz converted it into first mark. Chile’s first kick taken by Pinilias was saved. Brazil’s William missed second kick badly while the second kick of Chile amazingly saved by Brazilian Goalkeeper. Both the teams capitalized the third kick. Chilean came back strongly in the fourth kick when they saved Brazilian strike and utilized their opportunity to level penalty shoots. At first four strikes, score was leveled. Neymar took the fifth penalty for Brazil and scored easily but Chile’s Gonzalo Jara hit, hit to the post. Chile lost penalty shootout by 3-2.
By Abdullah Waheed