My World Cup Review

Brazil 1 : 1 Chile

It's the first round of the knockouts. Hosts Brazil take on Chile, who Scolari quoted as saying he didn't want to play. 

This game was always going to be fast, fiery, exiting. The atmosphere that greeted the players was electrifying. If any players needed any more motivation then they got it during the national anthems. Inspiring. 

The games started as we all expected. With tempo. Both teams wanted to stamp their authority on the game and quickly. With end to end attacks. Both also put in some heavy challenges just to ensure that no one was taking this lightly. The breakthrough came early on with Luis in the right spot to flick in a nod on header from a Brazilian corner. The hosts lead. Neymar was playing with a target on his back as he was the victim of a few tasty challenges. Chile continued to apply pressure and some careless defending from Brazil allowed Chile in and the reliable Sanchez equalised.  Many more chances fell to both teams but none took their opportunity to take advantage. All square at half time. 

The second half continued as the first left off. Lots of pace, but it brought with it errors. Both teams were careless in their passing with their eagerness to attack. A diagonal pass found Hulk who controlled on his chest, and sliced a shot in. However his celebrations were cut short as he was booked for handball ball in his control. No goal. From there on Brazil lost some of their swag as Chile tried to take advantage and bombarded the Brazilian goal. They very nearly got their reward if it wasn't for Ceasar who produced a wonder save to keep the game 1-1. Towards to end of the game the tempo fell (who could blame the players), and another world class save prevented Hulk getting the goal he thought he should have in this game. 

Into extra time. 30 more minutes of game play for someone to find a winner. Most players will be running on empty but will be carried on with pure adrenaline. 

Brazil were the strongest of the two in the fist half of ET but could not break a solid Chilean defence.  Into the last 15 minutes of open play in extra time and Brazil where the team who looked as though they could snatch the win and prevent the game going to penalties. Chilean tactics were to defend, and defend well. The bar was rattled, and it was Chile who NEARLY scored. A matter of inches kept Brazil in the competition.  

Penalties will decide who progresses...

BRAZIL - OXOXO

CHILE - XXOOX

Brazil progress, heartache for Chile. 

My World Cup Review

Spain 0 : 2 Chile 

An important game in waiting for Spain as they took on Chile knowing that if they lost, they would be exiting the World Cup. 

An electric start to the game gave us an indication into how this game would be pan out. Spain were hoping to put on a performance that erased the memories from their opening game against Holland whereas Chile were brimming with confidence after their first game. It was Chile who opened the scoring this evening with a goal at the end of a slick passing movement. A hot knife through butter springs to mind. Spain found it difficult to break down Chile's defence and they looked one dimensional. Espanyol were dealt a psychological blow as Chile scored right before half time. A free kick, palmed away, fell kindly to Aranguiz to toe poke back at goal catching Casillas off guard. 

Facing the prospect of an early flight home, Spain had to go full steam at Chile to have any chance of staying in Brazil. They passed the ball quicker, slicker, but just could not find a way through. Having seen some spectacular goals this tournament we may have seen the miss of the World Cup. An over-head kick from Costa across goal fell to Busquets who was left with the simple task of tapping the ball in. Right? Wrong. He shinned it wide. And in that moment, it kind of summed up Spain's tournament. Chile had their own chances to kill of the game but that lack of quality and composure just kept Spain's hopes alive. Unfortunately for Spain, their super sub Torres couldn't inspire them as they continued to look like a team fresh out if ideas. 

Defending champions OUT of the World Cup.