Brazil 3-0 Chile – Brave Chile’s charge ended by rampant Brazil

Chile were helpless to dispel pre-match predictions as Brazil ran out comfortable winners in Johannesburg.  With their gung-ho style suiting Brazil’s electric counter attacking football and Dunga’s immaculate and ruthless record against Marcelo Bielsa’s side to date, Chile were largely un-fancied despite the enterprising football that has won the hearts of football purists across the globe and a well deserved place in the second round but Brazil’s professionalism shone through to not give Chile even a sniff.

The early exchanges were relatively even as Brazil looked the more likely to break through, with a flurry of corners bombarding Claudio Bravo’s goal. It was the Chileans however who looked a more lively and potent threat with much of the possession.

This was short lived however as Brazil grew into the occasion and Chile’s defending became desperate as a number of timely last ditch tackles were all which stopped Brazil from breaking the deadlock. It was one of the numerous corners that Brazil had that paved the way for their comfortable win, as Juan’s powerful header flew past Claudio Bravo in the 34th minute.

Just four minutes later, the game was as good as over, as Robinho sprung forward as he did all night, finding Kaka who wonderfully directed the ball into Luis Fabiano who made no mistake to round Bravo and add to his impressive goal tally for the tournament. It was a devastating spell of counter attacking football from Brazil to deliver a bitter blow to Chile. Bielsa’s young side showed hints of a lack of experience, which allowed Brazil to further threaten the Chilean goal before half time.

As the sides re-emerged for the second half Bielsa injected a further wave of energy to Chile with a stirring team talk, and substitutions as expected with his pro-active style. Jorge Valdivia was one of two introduced. Valdivia was to be at the heart of Chile’s second half renaissance as they continued to pluck away despite the two goal deficit. Chile played with a great pride and attitude throughout the tournament and despite the scoreline did not go out with a whimper. Chile in fact had much more of the possession, but one must not underestimate the ruthlessness of Brazil as they added a third.

A surging run from Ramires dissected the Chilean defence before finding Robinho who passed the ball home with such composure and class. Robinho is relied on to provide flair for the Seleção and he did so exceptionally with another fantastic display. There were more chances, both for Brazil to add more, and to Chile for a consolation but the result was a fair one.

Brazil eased to the quarter finals as the five time winners charge gains yet more momentum ahead of a tie against Holland.

Chile however head home with their heads held high, their imaginative football having won a great deal of admirers. The style that Bielsa employed is unique in modern football but was successful as Chile emerged as the dark horses after early performances. As their perennial bogey team Brazil were Chile’s worst possible opponents however, and inevitably Brazil sent their fellow South Americans home with fond memories and a first World Cup win in 48 years. This young Chile squad look set for a lively future, whilst more immediatel, Brazil look set for a lively fortnight in South Africa.

Brazil, Chile, Round of 16, World Cup 2010