Brazil probably should go ahead and saint those poles and crossbars within the next couple of days. They were the difference between heartbreak (and potential rioting) and glory for the country, who saw its team barely make it over Chile in penalty kicks.
If you tuned in for the second half, you pretty much missed most of the action. Chile was mostly in control for those 45 minutes. Neymar was in check and the home team was held silent. Plus, a goal by Hulk was discounted after getting called for a handball. But extra time? Sheesh.
Both teams had a variety of chances, but what's going to be haunting Chile for a while is those final few minutes. The team was so close; it doesn't even make sense how close they were. Tied 1-1, Mauricio Pinilla shot a potential game-winner in the final minute of extra time. He ended up getting denied by the crossbar. So to penalty kicks we go.
After a series of saves and a bad miss from Brazil, the home country was in position to clinch the game if it scored its final two penalty kicks. It just wasn't Hulk's day though, as his shot was saved. Chile took advantage by scoring the next goal and was on the verge of tying the game with one more.
Chile's Gonzalo Jara had the nation's hopes on his shoulders. Now, many from that nation are in tears because his shot to the right got rejected by the pole.
Inches were the difference between this:
David Luiz and Neymar celebrate Brazil's win. #BRAvCHI pic.twitter.com/61EmNieCHC
And this:
Respect to Chile, they played a fantastic match. ✊ pic.twitter.com/kFtez2RqBo
But props to Chile on a great match.
