Brazil progress as Chile pay penalty

Brazil advanced to the World Cup quarterfinals after prevailing 3-2 on penalties against Chile following a 1-1 draw in Belo Horizonte.

Julio Cesar saved from both Mauricio Pinilla and Alexis Sanchez either side of a Willian miss to put Brazil in charge, but Claudio Bravo blocked Hulk's effort. However, after Neymar had converted, Gonzalo Jara hit the post with the final penalty to send the hosts through.

Brazil, who had won every one of their three previous World Cup meetings with Chile, carried the greater threat in the opening stages, and they had their lead on 19 minutes: David Luiz was credited with the goal after the ball was diverted into the net following Thiago Silva's flick-on from a Neymar corner.

However, their advantage did not last long. Hulk gave away possession following a defensive throw-in, allowing Eduardo Vargas to play in Alexis Sanchez, who was allowed time to pick his spot.

It proved a frantic first half with chances at both ends, and while Brazil, and Neymar in particular, had the lion's share, they were unable to find the killer touch required to restore their advantage. Fred passed up perhaps the best chance on 40 minutes, blazing over with the goal gaping after a loose ball had fallen into his path.

Brazil thought they were back ahead nine minutes into the second half when Hulk diverted the ball home, but referee Howard Webb -- who had earlier denied Hulk a penalty -- penalised the striker for handball.

The decision appeared to affect the Selecao for a spell, but as the game approached its conclusion they were able to reassert themselves, with Claudio Bravo making a string of saves.

The match went to extra time, but the pattern changed little, with Luiz Felipe Scolari's men on the front foot for the most part but struggling to carve out clear chances.

La Roja came close to snatching it in the dying seconds of extra time when Mauricio Pinilla crashed a shot against the crossbar, but the match was decided by a shootout and the hosts made it through for their seventh successive quarterfinal.

More to follow...

© PA Sport