2014 FIFA World Cup REVIEW: Jara’s Missed Penalty Sinks Chile’s Hopes

June 28, 2014; Belo Horizonte, BRAZIL; Fans of Brazil cheer during the round of sixteen match against Chile in the 2014 World Cup at Estadio Mineirao. Mandatory Credit: Tim Groothuis/Witters Sport via USA TODAY Sports

Chile’s World Cup dream comes to a screeching halt as Gonzalo Jara failed to convert the final shot to keep his nation alive during the penalty shootout. With Brazil leading the shootout 3-2, Jara needed to score to push the penalties to the sixth round, but his shot deflected off the right post, marking an abrupt end for Chile. Brazil will advance to the quarterfinals despite looking unnerved throughout this match, committing a whopping 28 fouls, having possession for only 48% of the match, and completing 73% of their passes. Chile looked like a better side, as they pressured Brazil constantly and forced them to make sloppy decisions.

Luiz celebrates his first goal of the World Cup, giving Brazil a 1-0 lead.

In the fist half, Brazil opened the score sheet in the 18^th minute thanks to the head of David Luiz. Neymar delivered a pinpoint set piece from the left corner to Thiago Silva who then flicked the ball behind with his head. Luiz stood at the back post to knock it in the net at ease.

Sanchez celebrates after scoring the game-tying goal.

However, Chile answered back in the 32^nd minute off a crafty play between Eduardo Vargas and Alexis Sanchez. Marcelo delivered a throw-in near the corner flag to Hulk, but Vargas snuck up on the giant right wing and stole the ball from Hulk. He then delivered a short pass to Sanchez who was open in the box. Sanchez stopped the ball and slotted a shot to the bottom left corner of the goal past a diving Julio Cesar to tie the game 1-1.

10 minutes after the start of the second half, Brazil thought to have taken the lead after Hulk received a long ball in the box, played it off his shoulder and barely volleyed it in the bottom left corner of the goal. However, referee Howard Webb controversially ruled it a handball and handed Hulk a yellow card, possibly due to the fact that ball bounced off his bicep.

Charles Aranguiz almost gave Chile the lead in the 65^th minute when Isla cut into the box and passed back to the Chilean midfielder. Aranguiz slid a bulleting shot, but saw it saved by Cesar.

Later in the 74^th minute, Hulk delivered a cross into the box from the left, but Jo missed the ball by inches as he lunged forward.

Hulk almost got on the score sheet in the 84th when he juked past two defenders and burst into the penalty area. He delivered a right-footed shot at goal, but saw his effort saved by Claudio Bravo.

Extra time provided little to offer as a gassed out Chile played conservatively to take the match to penalties while Brazil desperately looked to find the net. The game was almost sealed in the 120th minute when Mauricio Pinilla tried to outpace his defender at the edge of the penalty box and drilled a shot that bounced off the top of the goal post.

Man of the Match

If Gonzalo Jara made his penalty, Claudio Bravo would have earned the man of the match for his solid performance. Instead the honor will go to Julio Cesar who also clocked in a wonderful performance as well, making crucial saves during the game and blocking two shots in the penalty shootout.

Tweet of the Match