Saturday's World Cup last-16 clash in Belo Horizone pitted the hosts Brazil against Chile.
David Luiz handed Brazil the lead after 18 minutes, but Alexis Sanchez left the scores level at the interval.
Both sides had chances in an end-to-end second period, but neither could find a winner as the match headed for extra-time.
It was a similiar story in extra-time, with chances few and far between as the match headed for penalties.
Brazil came through the shootout, however, with Neymar scoring what was the winning penalty in a 3-2 success.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Afternoon all! What a last-16 clash we have on our hands in Belo Horizonte as the host nation and favourites Brazil face fellow South American outfit Chile, who have been one of the most impressive teams in this summer's World Cup. Brazil have never lost to Chile on Brazilian soil, but Luiz Felipe Scolari's team have not yet produced their best form this summer. Right, let me bring you up-to-date with the team news.
TEAM NEWS: Brazil boss Scolari has handed a start to Manchester City's Fernandinho this afternoon, with the midfielder replacing Tottenham's Paulinho in the XI. Elsewhere, the team is just as expected, with Neymar, Oscar and Hulk operating behind lone forward Fred. There are also no real surprises in the Chile XI, with Arturo Vidal and Alexis Sanchez both supporting centre-forward Eduardo Vargas.
TEAMS:
BRAZIL: Cesar; Alves, Luiz, Silva, Marcelo; Fernandinho, Gustavo; Hulk, Oscar, Neymar; Fred
CHILE: Bravo; Silva, Medel, Jara; Isla, Aranguiz, Diaz, Mena; Vidal; Sanchez, Vargas
Brazil have won each of their last three World Cup meetings against Chile, all of which have been in the knockout stage of the competition – semi-final in 1962, round two in 1998 and round two in 2010. Chile have also conceded an incredible 11 goals in their three meetings with Brazil at the World Cup.
Taking it further, Brazil have scored two or more goals in each of their last nine games against Chile, netting 32 times in the process. Chile have also never beaten the Selecao on Brazilian soil, losing 20 of their 26 meetings with their South American rivals. Will that record be extended this afternoon?
In fact, the last time that Chile beat Brazil was in a World Cup qualifier in 2000. Since then, Brazil have won 10 of the 12 matches between the pair – including a thumping 5-0 win in September 2005 and a 6-1 win in July 2007. However, this is a different Chile outfit. For the first time in a long time, they are seen as serious contenders to cause a surprise this summer.
Overall, the two nations have met on 68 occasions. Brazil have won 48 times to Chile's seven, with the remaining 13 fixtures ending in draws. The goals column also makes incredible reading, with Brazil scoring 159 times in that run of games to Chile's 58.
The last time that Brazil lost a World Cup match in the second round of the competition, however, was back in 1990, when they were defeated 1-0 by Argentina, who won the competition. Chile, meanwhile, have lost each of their last two second round fixtures, both of which were against Brazil – a 4-1 defeat in 1998 and a 3-0 loss in 2010. Just a reminder that kickoff in Belo Horizonte is at 5pm UK time.
Brazil have also kept four clean sheets in their last five second-round World Cup matches, scoring 13 times in the process. Meanwhile, overall, Brazil have lost only one of their last 10 World Cup games against South American opposition – winning eight times in the process. Here's a word from Rio Ferdinand:
The Selecao are also now unbeaten in 40 successive matches in Brazil, with their last defeat occurring against Paraguay in a friendly in 2002. Brazil, meanwhile, enter this particular match having won 11 of their last 12 games, scoring 37 times in the process and conceding just four times. Their only defeat in their last 23 matches came against Switzerland last August. Since then, they have won 18 times.
However, only six members of Brazil's 23-man squad at this summer's tournament have World Cup experience. It is an incredible statistic when running through the list of names, but it is a squad inexperienced at this particular level of football. As a country, however, Brazil are the World Cup team. They have won the most games (69) and scored the most goals (217) in this particular competition.
Brazil are also five-time winners of the World Cup. Their first victory came in 1958, before they picked up the trophy for a second time four years later. The third time arrived in 1970, before winning a fourth in 1994. Their last success was in 2002, but it has been a fairly disappointing last couple of tournaments, with the Selecao eliminated at the quarter-final stage in both 2006 and 2010.
Last week on the SM sofa, we filmed a preview of this afternoon's clash. Have a look at what we had to say below:
Overall, Chile have qualified for eight of the 22 World Cups since the competition began. Their best finish arrived in 1962, when they finished third in their own nation. They failed to make it out of the group stages in both 1974 and 1982, but made the round of 16 in both 1998 and 2010.
Right, how did each team make it to this stage of the tournament? Brazil topped Group A, winning two of their three matches and remaining unbeaten in the process. That run of results saw them finish level on points with second-place Mexico, but with a superior goal difference, having scored seven times and conceded just twice.
Scolari's side opened with a 3-1 win over Croatia, but they were then frustrated in their second match against Mexico, who held the five-time winners to a goalless draw. Brazil returned to winning ways in their final match, however, putting four goals past Cameroon to ensure that they topped the group and therefore avoided Netherlands in the next round.
Chile, meanwhile, finished as runners-up to Netherlands in Group B. They won two of their three matches and therefore ousted the holders Spain, who could only finish third. Chile were beaten 2-0 in their final group match against Netherlands, however, in a fixture that decided who would top the group.
Chile opened their group campaign with a fairly comfortable 3-1 win over Australia, before beating Spain 2-0 to eliminate the European and world champions from the competition. Then came the decider against Netherlands, but Louis van Gaal's side emerged 2-0 winners to book a last-16 clash against Brazil.
PREDICTION: One thing is for certain, this is not a forgone conclusion for Brazil. Chile have been one of the best teams this summer and are ready to cause a serious upset. That said, when you face Brazil, you face everything that comes with it and I am backing the Selecao to advance with a 2-1 victory.
As expected, both national anthems were extremely emotional. Following the completion of the pre-match handshakes and exchanging of flags, we will be ready to get the action underway. What an atmosphere!
Here we go then. This place is absolutely jumping. Can Brazil advance into the quarter-finals? Or will Chile cause a major upset? Be sure to remain with us as Chile get the first 45 minutes underway.
Quick start from Brazil as Fernandinho dives into a challenge with Mena, but referee Howard Webb is on hand to award a free kick to Chile. Vargas is the target for a Medel pass moments later, but Alves is on hand to clear. Chile have made some decent early ground here as Vidal wins a free kick from Luis Gustavo.
Early involvement for Sanchez as the Chilean attempts to play in Vidal with a clever flick, but Cesar is on hand to collect. Brazil regain control of the ball moments later, but they are forced back by Chile's high pressing, which has been a feature of this tournament. End-to-end opening four minutes in Belo Horizonte.
First real sign of Neymar as the Brazilian collects possession in the middle of the park, but Aranguiz flies into the attacker as the free kick count continues to rise. You just get the feeling that it will be a difficult match for referee Webb. Gustavo wins a corner for Brazil moments later, but Medel clears.
Half-chance for Brazil as Marcelo collects a loose clearance outside the box before curling one towards the bottom corner, but it just moves wide of the post. First real sight of goal for either side.
Diaz attempts the spectacular for Chile after meeting a high ball outside the box, but his effort just drops wide of the post. Neymar, meanwhile, has been forced to the sidelines to undergo treatment following that heavy challenge earlier in the contest. That is really worrying for Brazil this early in the match.
Neymar is not moving too well at the moment, but will continue for the next few minutes at least. Chile threaten as Sanchez collects possession outside the Chile box, but Silva is across to clear the danger. Fred is down the other end moments later, but once more he is crowded out as the high intensity continues.
Half-chance for Chile as Sanchez finds space in a wide area before driving a low cross into Vargas, but Cesar manages to collect at the vital moment. Brazil are down the other end with Alves moments later, but Silva clears. End-to-end football, but neither side has really had a clear attempt on goal thus far.
Marcelo takes possession away from Sanchez before feeding Oscar outside the box, but the Brazilian cannot return the favour and the danger is cleared. Moments later, Hulk goes down inside the Chile box, but the referee is not interested. Controversial moment as the challenge came in from Isla!
Brazil have a free kick just outside the Chile box as Gustavo is felled by Silva. The resulting set piece will be taken by Neymar, but it seems just too wide for a shot on goal...
... Neymar delivers a cross towards the far post, but Bravo comes to collect before attempting to release Sanchez down the other end. The atmosphere is red-hot inside the stadium at the moment.
Half-chance for Neymar as the Brazil forward drives into the Chile box before attempting to move past Silva, but the defender just does enough. Neymar retains possession before finding Hulk, but once more the danger is cleared. Moments later, Brazil have a another free kick in a wide area.
BOOKING! Mena is booked for Chile following a deliberate handball.
GOAL! Brazil 1-0 Chile (Luiz)
Brazil take the lead with 18 minutes on the clock as Luiz turns home at the far post following a flicked header from Silva. This place has just absolutely erupted! It was Luiz's knee that placed the ball home.
This is a real test of Chile's character there is no question about that. They just need a period on the ball, but Brazil are pressing so high. Just a reminder that the winner of this match will face either Uruguay or Colombia in the next round, with the South American pair meeting later this evening.
Free kick for Chile just outside the Brazil box as Sanchez is brought to the ground by Marcelo...
... Diaz delivers the resulting set piece, but Silva is on hand to clear the danger. You just get the feeling that Chile need to score the next goal - if there indeed is one - to stand a chance of progressing.
Another half-chance for Chile as Sanchez finds space in a wide area, but the Barcelona attacker cannot find Vidal, who had taken up a good position inside the box. It has been a strong response from Chile.
Half-chance for Brazil as Neymar finds some space outside the box before attempting to flash one into the bottom corner, but his effort just moves wide of the post. Chile are affording Brazil too much space at the moment, but the South American outfit only know how to play one way - attack, attack, attack.
The atmosphere inside the stadium is just stunning, which is not much of a surprise. Brazil are expected to win the competition this summer there is no question about that. Not too much to report in terms of clear chances in the last couple of moments, with both sides struggling to find that elusive pass in the final third.
Neymar is again on the recieving end of a terrible challenge from Vidal, who kicks the Brazilian up into the air. It brings a furious reaction from the Brazil bench, but there is no booking for the Juventus midfielder.
Slightly untidy period of the match in the last couple of moments with referee Webb forced to intervene following a number of late challenges. Fernandinho somehow escapes a booking despite a late challenge on Sanchez. Chile force an opening moments later, but Vidal cannot fashion a clear attempt on goal.
GOAL! Brazil 1-1 Chile (Sanchez)
Sanchez levels for Chile as the Barcelona attacker finds some space inside the Brazil box before slotting his effort into the bottom corner. Wonderful finish from Sanchez and we are all level here!
Brazil have given teams chances in this World Cup and that is indeed the case this afternoon. Suddenly it is Chile on the front foot, with Vidal and Vargas both operating close to Sanchez. You just get the feeling that the next goal - if there indeed is one - could be vital in terms of the final result.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Brazil to regain the lead as Oscar floats a brilliant cross onto the head of Neymar, but Silva just does enough to clear for a corner. What a chance for the hosts.
Good pressure from Brazil in the latter stages of the half as the home side force two corners in quick succession. However, Medel and Jara take it in turns to clear the danger. The pressure continues when Oscar delivers a deep cross towards Hulk, but Bravo punches clear. Still 1-1 in this last-16 clash.
CHANCE! Another wonderful chance for Brazil as Fred finds himself inside the Chile box following brilliant work from Neymar, but somehow the forward fires over the crossbar. What a miss!
BOOKING! Silva is in the book for Chile following a late challenge on Neymar.
You just get the feeling that there might be a couple more cards in this match as the challenges continue to fly in! The opening 42 minutes of this match have just flown past. Chile continue to make good ground inside the Brazilian half, but Vidal finds himself in an offside position following a long pass from Medel.
CHANCE! Another chance for Brazil as Alves floats a wonderful effort towards the top corner, but Bravo is on hand to make the save. The pressure is building from the host nation.
CHANCE! Yet another chance for Brazil as Fred collects a loose ball inside the Chile box, but his effort simply has no power. Hulk strikes one from distance moments later, but it moves wide of the post.
Chile just cannot get out of their own half at the moment as Neymar delivers a brilliant cross towards Fred, but Fernandinho and Fred clash and the chance is gone. Chile really need the half-time whistle here.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Chile this time as Sanchez slides a low pass into Aranguiz, who attempts to drill one into the bottom corner, but Luiz is across to make a stunning block. Wow!
HALF-TIME: Brazil 1-1 Chile
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end, with the two sides level at 1-1. Luiz handed Brazil the lead after 18 minutes, but Sanchez equalised for Chile 14 minutes later. It has been a stunning last-16 clash, with both teams creating a number of opportunities. What a half of football.
STATISTICS: Chile have had more of the ball with 57%, while they have had three attempts, two of which have been on target. Brazil, meanwhile, have hit the target with six of their 10 attempts. There has also been just two yellow cards - both for Chile - which is a surprise with the number of late challenges.
BENCH WATCH: Both managers have a full complement of players on their benches. If the score remains level, Brazil will surely look to the likes of Bernard, Ramires and Willian to influence proceedings. Chile, meanwhile, have the likes of Beausejour, Gutierrez and Orellana in reserve.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second 45 minutes. No changes from either manager, which is not much of a surprise at this stage of proceedings. Brazil get the half underway.
Just a reminder that this match will go into extra-time if the score is still level at the end of 90 minutes. Beyond that, penalties could arrive. As expected, both sides have come out flying in the early stages of the second period, with Neymar already demonstrating his pace with a quick sprint past Medel.
Not a match for the faint-hearted at the moment as the challenges continue to arrive from both sides. Vargas threatens for Chile following a through pass from Sanchez, but Luiz just does enough to clear the danger. Neymar attempts to release Alves down the other end, but the right-back just loses the flight of the ball.
Half-chance for Brazil as Fernandinho finds some space outside the box, but his effort just moves wide of the post. I would be simply astounded if this match finished 1-1 at the end of 90 minutes.
The end-to-end period of the match continues as Sanchez loses possession inside the Brazil box, which leads to a counter down the other end. Neymar drives towards the edge of the box before attempting to find Fred, but the ball does not stick. Still 1-1, but the second period has been quite incredible. Fast-paced stuff!
GOAL! Brazil 2-1 Chile (Hulk)
CORRECTION: NO GOAL!
BOOKING! The goal has been ruled out and Hulk has been booked for a reported handball inside the box. Replays are inconclusive - that is a big call from the linesman and he might have got it wrong.
SUB! Chile make their first change of the match as Vargas is replaced by Gutierrez.
What a big call from the officials to rule out that Hulk strike. Could it be a deciding moment in this match? I suspect we have not heard the last of it that is for certain. It remains 1-1 in this last-16 clash.
Chest or arm?
BOOKING! Gustavo is in the book for Brazil following a late challenge on Vidal.
Brazil just need to be a little bit careful here as the pressure continues from Chile, who can smell blood here. You just get the feeling that there is at least one more goal in the remaining 30 minutes of normal time. Referee Webb is again under pressure from Scolari, who is going mad on the touchline.
Brazil just cannot get on the ball at the moment as Chile continue to force the issue in the final third. Sanchez comes close to sliding a low ball into Isla, but Silva carries possession away from his own box. Little over 25 minutes of football remaining and it appears that Jo could soon enter the field for Brazil.
SUB! Brazil do indeed make the change as Jo replaces Fred.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Chile as Aranguiz meets a low cross from Sanchez, but somehow Cesar makes the save. Wonderful goalkeeping from the QPR stopper. It is all Chile at the moment.
You just get the feeling that the next goal - if there indeed is one - will be a winner. Chile look the team more capable of finding another goal at this moment in time, with Brazil struggling to force the issue. Hulk goes down inside the Chile box once more, but the referee is not interested in the challenge from Aranguiz.
Not too much to report in terms of clear chances in the last few minutes, but Chile remain in control of the ball. Brazil really need to get Neymar involved, but Chile are closing the space in forward areas. You can just sense the tension inside the stadium - it really is quite incredible.
Untidy period of the match in the last couple of moments with referee Webb forced to stop the play due to a number of late challenges. It appears that Ramires could soon enter the play for Brazil.
SUB! Second Brazilian change as Ramires replaces Fernandinho.
Just a reminder that this match will go to extra-time if neither side can find a goal in the next 15 minutes or so. Chile remain in control of the possession, but clear chances are few and far between. We have seen little from Neymar in the second period, but Sanchez and Vidal continue to influence proceedings for Chile.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Jo to send Brazil ahead following a whipped cross from Hulk, but the forward cannot make contact at the far post. He just had to score from that position.
Half-chance for Brazil as Hulk finds some space outside the box, but his low effort is wide of the post. The atmosphere has just dropped in the last few moments, but Brazil are seeing more of the ball.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments as both sides continue to lose possession in the final third. It is looking more and more likely that this match will head for extra-time.
CHANCE! Opportunity for Brazil to regain the lead as Alves finds the head of Neymar inside the Chile box, but his header is straight at Bravo. It should have been better from the Barcelona attacker.
Chile are not too interested in forcing the issue at the moment as they continue to clear their lines, but it is inviting Brazil to push forward and that is indeed the case. Still plenty of time for either side to find a winner here, but extra-time does seem likely. Still 1-1 in this last-16 clash in Belo Horizonte.
CHANCE! Another wonderful save from Bravo as the Chilean goalkeeper denies Hulk, who had danced into the box before releasing a powerful effort on goal. Brilliant stop!
The pace of the match has slowed down in the final few moments with Chile seemingly playing for the draw. Brazil continue to push forward, but Chile are not affording any space in the final third.
SUB! Second change for Chile as Vidal is replaced by Pinilla.
Good pressure from Chile as Pinilla produces a brilliant flick for Mena, but his low cross is cleared by Alves. We are just about to find out how much additional time will be played...
Three additional minutes and we are indeed into the first of those. Extra-time anyone?
Chile pressure as Sanchez drives to the edge of the Brazilian box before finding Aranguiz, but his effort is blocked by Silva. Little over one minute of stoppage time remaining and Chile have the ball.
END OF 90 MINUTES: Brazil 1-1 Chile
So there we have it. The referee brings the 90 minutes of action to an end, with the two sides level at 1-1. We are indeed heading for a further 30 minutes here. Time to take a breath!
The big talking point is obviously the disallowed goal for Hulk, who was booked for handling inside the Chile box. It was a tough one. Even now, replays are inconclusive!
Here we go then. Both managers have one change remaining at this stage of proceedings. Chile get the first half of extra-time underway. Are we heading all the way to penalties?
Not too much in the way of flying challenges or fast-paced football in the early stages of extra-time, which is not much of a surprise. Hulk, however, does force a free kick for Brazil just outside the Chile box.
Neymar delivers the resulting set piece into the Chile box, but Pinilla is on hand to head clear. The resulting corner is delivered towards the near post, but Gutierrez is on hand to clear. Still 1-1 in Belo Horizonte.
Horrible clash between Bravo and Jo leaves Chile with a free kick inside their own box. It was a moment of hesitation from Bravo that allowed Jo to have a sniff of goal.
Diaz attempts the spectacular for Chile from a free kick, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. It appears that Jo was booked following that clash with Bravo, which is harsh for me. Still 1-1 and as it stands, this match will head for penalties. I am not sure I could take that let alone the supporters!
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last few moments, but Brazil are in control of the ball. Aside from Sanchez, Chile do not have too much in the final third at the moment. Their legs have gone.
Brazil continue to force the issue in wide areas as Hulk drives past two challenges before whipping a wonderful cross towards Oscar, but his header is straight into the arms of Bravo. Still Chile resist the pressure.
BOOKING! Pinilla is in the book for Chile following a late challenge on Neymar.
CHANCE! Another chance for Hulk as the Brazil forward strikes one from outside the box, but Bravo once more makes the save. The pressure continues to build from the host nation.
BOOKING! Yellow for Alves following a late challenge on Sanchez.
HALF-TIME EXTRA-TIME: Brazil 1-1 Chile
So there we have it. Still the two sides cannot be seperated after 15 minutes of extra-time. Are we heading for penalties? Both sides still have one change remaining.
Brazil would go into meltdown if their team exit the competition this evening, but Chile are not going anywhere. For me, one goal wins it, but surely we are heading for penalties.
SUB! Willian enters for Brazil in place of Oscar. Brazil get the half underway.
Just a reminder that the winner of this tie will face either Colombia or Uruguay in the next round of the competition. Brazil are in control of the possession in the early stages of the second period of extra-time.
Half-chance for Brazil as Neymar drives down the left before delivering a low cross into Jo, but Medel is once more on hand to make the block. Jo meets the resulting corner, but his header is high of the crossbar.
SUB! Chile make their third change as Medel is replaced by Rojas.
Untidy period of the match in the last few moments with both sides guilty of committing a number of late challenges in the middle of the park. Chile, meanwhile, are struggling to keep 11 players on the field at the moment due to a number of injury problems. Pinilla strikes one from distance, but his effort is wide.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last few moments, with both sides seemingly playing for penalties. Little over five minutes of this extra-time period remaining and still the score is 1-1.
Brazil pressure in the last couple of minutes as Willian and Hulk take it in turns to deliver into the Chile box, but they just cannot find a yellow shirt. Little under five minutes remaining in this last-16 clash.
In truth, extra-time has been a non-event, with neither side really doing enough to deserve to claim the victory. Penalties are just around the corner and it will be the harshest of exits for one of these sides.
CROSSBAR! OH MY WORD! Chile come close to winning it as Pinilla turns outside the Brazil box before striking one towards goal, but his effort hits the crossbar!
Ramires fires wide for Brazil and that should be just about that. What a match!
FULL-TIME: Brazil 1-1 Chile (match heads for penalties)
Incredible, just incredible. This last-16 clash will be decided by penalties. What drama!
Time for someone to step forward and make themselves a hero. It all comes down to this one shootout. Will it be Brazil or Chile that advance into the quarter-finals of the World Cup? Stay with us!
Cesar cannot hold back the tears at the moment. The pressure on these Brazilian players is incredible. You cannot even begin to imagine the pressure on these players at this particular moment.
Here we go then. Penalties are just about to occur. Is it Brazil? Or is it Chile?
GOAL! Luiz sends Brazil ahead with a fine effort into the corner of the net.
SAVE! Pinilla hits his effort straight at Cesar.
MISS! Willian fires his effort wide of the post. Incredible!
SAVE! Wonderful save from Cesar as he denies Sanchez. WOW!
GOAL! Marcelo sends Brazil 2-0 ahead by finding the top of the net.
GOAL! Aranguiz gets Chile on the board by finding the top corner. Stunner.
SAVE! Bravo denies Hulk! Chile could level in the next pen!
GOAL! We are all level at 2-2 as Diaz beats Cesar.
GOAL! Neymar beats Bravo to send Brazil 3-2 ahead.
POST! Jara hits the post and Brazil go through to the quarter-finals!
Incredible, just incredible. What can you say about this sport? Jara hits the post and Chile go through to the quarter-finals of the World Cup. This stadium has just erupted.
And wouldn't you believe it. Neymar's penalty proved to be the winner for Neymar. It just had to be him didn't it. It just had to be. Is this Brazil's World Cup? The Selecao are through to the quarter-finals.
Wow, wow. I can now catch my breath! Thanks for joining Sports Mole for that incredible feast of football, but be sure to remain with us for Colombia against Uruguay. Until next time!
