brazil chile

The Round Of 16, the top two from the South American Qualifying section & the prospect of two free flowing football nations going head to head was enough to whet even the most satisfied of appetites at this world cup.
 
In September 2009, the last meeting between the two sides Brazil had overcome Chile 4-2 in their own back yard with a Nilmar hat-rick, however Chile have come of age in this tournament with two wins and one narrow defeat to tournament favourites Spain in the qualifying section.
 
Brazil as always have stepped their form up for the big tournament and remain a test for any country & undoubtedly one of the class teams going forward. With the creativity of Kaka & Robinho and flamboyant if occasionally dubious finishing qualities of Fabiano, they will take some stopping.
 
Kaka was back from an embarrassing suspension, for Fifa at least, after one of a growing number of crazy decisions that seem to have enveloped referee and linesman alike in this tournament. His involvement guaranteed a move away from the workmanlike performance of Brazil's final group match against Portugal, which may be gone and forgotten in equal measure by now.
 
They were not at their free flowing best last night, but a 3-0 winning score line equally did not flatter them. Dunga has instilled a steel in the side that Scotland would be proud of. Their work ethic has become a healthy addition to the legendary craft. They will not find it as easy against Holland in the quarter final tie on Friday, however this match will not have stretched them too much so they will be fully charged for that encounter when it comes around.
 
Chile were acclaimed in their performances in the group stages by none other than Johann Cruyff who was at pains to highlight their unquestionable desire to please the onlookers in their quest for ultimately successful graduation from the group. Last night was to be no different, however where they fell down was in knowing when to rain in their attacking intent. They were missing three of their main protagonists, yet somehow believed they could breach Brazil at will.
 
They went on the attack from the first whistle, winning a corner. However this was as good as it was to get for them throughout the match. The odd glimpse of an opportunity soon snuffed out by the Brazilian juggernaut, so well drilled in defence & marshalled by Gilberto Silva in front. The old flair may be less abundant, however no less clinical when applied.
 
It took 34 minutes for the first goal to arrive. It was perhaps the best execution of a header seen in this or any world cup for that matter. The ball swung in magnificently from the right hand side, Lucio blocked off any Chilean intervention and Juan rose splendidly from around 12 yards out to power home, out of the reach of the despairing Bravo.
 
This woke Brazil up, having scored such a clinical goal first up, they decided to add some craft and guile between the 3 aforementioned protagonists, Robinho, Kaka and Fabiano. A wonderfully worked move culminating in Fabiano's dance free in the box past the keeper and placing the ball into an unguarded net. 2-0 and half time beckoning.
 
Chile went on the offensive more and more in the 2nd half, with defenders being replaced by attackers and Brazil working on the counter attack to great effect. Robinho scored a simple third, simply steering a pass like shot into the net for 3-0 after some great build up dribbling from Ramires, normally a midfield holder alongside Silva. The game if not over by 2-0 and half time certainly was now.
 
Brazil went into overdrive towards the end of the game and played with the freedom we have known and loved them for in the past. They had shown a clinical efficiency in the group and now in the round of 16, however it has been massively effective and with the undoubted flair in reserve, they could be warming to the task just at the right time. Maybe the decision to leave Ronaldhino at home will not have the repercussions some believed before the tournament began.