Brazil survive Chile, referee

As expected, it turned out to be a spill-thrill contest. Brazil barely prevailed in an epic match against Chile, who fought neck and neck till the end of 120 minutes at 1-1 before going down in the shootout 3-2.

Neymar of Brazil is embraced by manager Luis Felipe Scolari following the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Round of 16 match between Brazil and Chile at Estadio Mineirao on June 28, 2014 in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Photo: Getty Images

Chileans almost came close to breaking the Brazil hearts at the final minutes of end extra time when a scorching Pinilla shot came off the right side of the post with Julio Cesar at his total mercy.  The way the match progressed it looked like that Chileans were about to make a history by beating Brazil for the first time on their soil. Playing fast and furious football, Chile showed why Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari was so uncomfortable about taking on them so early in the tournament.

HALF-TIME IN BELO HORIZONTE: #BRA 1-1 #CHI #BRACHI #WorldCup #joinin pic.twitter.com/TuYIHVp2iu

— FIFAWorldCup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 28, 2014

Brazil started off well with a David Luiz scrambler helping them to go up 1-0 from a low, Neymar corner but Sanchez took no time to draw level. Chile took full advantage of a toothless Brazil forward Fred to turn the table on their South American neighbours. Fred, who was a hero in the hosts' Confederations Cup, remained a pale shadow of himself. And this Fred problem nearly pushed Brazil out of the round of 16. Chile defence just moved up to shut down the midfield supply-line of Oscar and Luiz Gustavo to Neymar. It greatly helped playmaker Arthuro Vidal and Sanchez to test the Brazilian fort time and again with forays of counter-attacks. Thankfully for Scolari, his prized defender David Luiz played like a champion along with skipper Thiago Silva.

WATCH: Relive #BRACHI with our #WorldCup video highlights @CBF_Futebol @ANFPChile - http://t.co/QTNG6oGhjQ pic.twitter.com/KwZMIE3K3e

— FIFAWorldCup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 29, 2014

However, it was Julio Cesar who became the toast of Brazil in the end. Brazil are never a side that feel at ease in the lottery stage of the game. Pressure on the veteran keeper was way too high. His tears before the shootout only reflected how passionately he is involved with his game.  The World Cup would not have to go on without its hosts as he fended off two Chilean shots. What a great way to return coach's trust in him amid uproar over his inclusion.

We spoke with #BRA goalkeeper Julio Cesar after his role in yesterday’s penalty shoot-out - http://t.co/IqHy9ek0xr pic.twitter.com/7poPaWt4RD

— FIFAWorldCup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 29, 2014

But Chile owe a big one to the referee for taking match to the extra time and giving them a chance to try their luck at shootout. Brazil should have gone 2-1 up 10 minutes into the second half when Marcelo lifted a long, diagonal pass over the Chile defence to Hulk, who looked incredible for the first time in the tournament. He controlled the ball with his chest and shoulder before rolling it into the goal with his left-foot. His arms were raised as he cushioned down the ball and perhaps that swayed referee’s mind in blowing his whistle for a handball. Brazil were denied a legitimate goal and Hulk given a yellow card.

Arturo Vidal of Chile and his teammates thank their supporters after the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil round of 16 match between Brazil and Chile at Estadio Mineirao on June 28, 2014 in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Photo: Getty Images

Brazil will now take on Colombia, who got rid of Uruguay in the other match of the day. But Scolari needs to do a lot of fixing before that match.

ROAD TO MARACANA: #BRACOL is our 1st quarter-final: #NED #MEX #CRC #GRE battle it out today - http://t.co/6SzBTvX7DZ pic.twitter.com/5L0JTmukvK

— FIFAWorldCup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 29, 2014