Brazil reach the quarterfinals after penalties (1-1 [3-2])

The World Cup hosts have advanced to the quarterfinals of the competition after a thrilling match against Chile in the Round of 16. The Brazilians, with Dani Alves and Neymar Jr playing the full 90 minutes, downed their South American counterparts in a penalty shootout. Alexis and Bravo’s Chile put in a terrific performance, and nearly eliminated the hosts in extra time when a late effort crashed against the crossbar.

Brazil take the lead…

Brazil started the game the brighter side and Scolari’s men moved the ball quickly and put plenty of pressure on Barça’s new keeper, Claudio Bravo. Marcelo threatened with a long-range shot, and on 18 minutes Brazil took the lead. Neymar Jr, who was very active in the first half, took a corner which was headed on by Thiago Silva into the path of David Luiz, who knocked the ball into the back of the net.

… and Alexis brings Chile level

Despite Brazil’s superiority, Chile threatened to level on the counter. Alexis and Vargas both enjoyed chances, and just after the half-hour mark, Chile scored the equaliser. A sloppy error in defence from the Brazilians saw the ball fall to Alexis alone in the area and the FC Barcelona forward slotted the ball home to send the sides in level at the break.

In the second half Chile were more aggressive.The ball rarely left Brazil’s half of the pitch for most of the half, and Julio Cesar was called on to make a fantastic save to keep his team in the competition. Hulk scored but his goal was disallowed for a handball. Scolari’s men surged forward in the dying minutes of normal time, but Bravo did well to avert the danger.

Extra time and penalties

The first half of extra time saw the Chileans dig in in defence and cede the initiative to the hosts. There weren’t many goalscoring chances, but Bravo dealt well with the azil made. In the second half of extra time, Pinilla nearly scored the winner but the ball crashed against the crossbar.

From the 11-meter mark, Julio Cesar saved two shots and Neymar Jr, Brazil’s fifth shooter, scored to put his team ahead. On the Chilean side, Alexis missed his penalty and Bravo saved Hulk’s shot, but with Chile's fifth attempt, Jara’s hit the woodwork and sent Brazil to the quarterfinals.