Brazil beats Chile in penalty kicks!

Brazil beats Chile in penalty kicks!

After 120 grueling minutes in Belo Horizonte, the fates of Brazil and Chile were decided in penalty kicks.

David Luiz gave Brazil an early lead with his first career international goal in the 18th minute, but the host country surrendered an equalizer after Hulk gave the ball away in dangerous territory. Alexis Sanchez’s strike kept Chile alive, but Brazil had a number of chances to snatch a winner. Hulk, who was seemingly at the center of everything (both good and bad) for Brazil, had what would have been a game-winning goal disallowed in the 55th minute. Referee Howard Webb ruled that Hulk  handled the ball with his arm, and the game remained scoreless.

Both teams grew tired in extra time, and by the 110th minute there were players lying all over the pitch, completely exhausted. Chilean substitute nearly stole the game in the 120th minute, but his shot hit the crossbar.

Brazilian goalkeeper Julio Cesar had tears in his eyes prior to the penalty kick shootout, and Brazil elected to shoot first.

David Luiz scored the first penalty with a long run-up, and Cesar saved Chile’s first penalty from Pinilla.

In the next round, Willian made the keeper dive the wrong way but dragged his penalty wide left. Cesar saved another from Alexis Sanchez.

Marcelo converted to make it 2-1 Brazil, but Charles Aránguiz blasted his penalty in the roof of the net to keep Chile alive.

Claudio Bravo saved Hulk’s low shot, and Marcelo Díaz scored to draw Chile level.

Neymar, Brazil’s fifth penalty taker, stutter-stepped his way to the ball and scored with a low drive to the left side. With Chile’s World Cup life on the line, Gonzalo Jara hit the right post, sending Brazil through to the quarterfinals.