Well you can’t beat the drama of a penalty shoot out. Host nation Brazil surviving a roller coaster of emotion to edge out Chile.
But the new star of the tournament is James Rodriguez who scored twice as Colombia finished off Uruguay – the first a wonder goal and the best of the tournament so far.
An outstanding start to the round of 16 began with the match between Brazil and Chile. And an early strike by David Luiz.
Alexis Sanchez made it all square when he punished slack defending with a clinical finish
This was a pulsating match that could have gone either way. Huge controversy in the second half when referee Howard Webb cancelled out a goal by Hulk for handball.
A decision that dispels any suggestion of a bias towards the host nation
Then came a spectacular strike by Pinilla in the final minute of injury time that crashed against the Brazil crossbar. . .
the host nation inches away from going out.
No goals in extra time meant penalties and both sides missed twice before Neymar made it 3-2 and Gonzalo Jara hit the post with the final kick
Brazil just about deserve their place in the quarter finals – butr huge respect for Chile who played magnificently in this tournament especially Sanchez.
In the quarter finals they’ll play Colombia who were too good for a Uruguayan side missing the banned Luis Suarez. Rodriguez opened the scoring with an extraordinary strike that really was the best of the best. And his second wasn’t bad either – the finishing touch to a brilliant team goal. It ended 2-nil, Colombia holding off a spirited Uruguayan fightback that failed to get them on the scoresheet
Brazil will start as favourites when they meet the Colombians in the quarter final. But anything is possible for Colombia while they’ve got James Rodriguez.
