And BRAZIL HAVE THE LEAD!

1 - 0

Make that 2 - 0!

HALFTIME WHISTLE -


BRAZIL - 2
(Juan 35')
(Luis Fabiano 38')


CHILE - 0


Much, much better. I am so glad that the South Americans carry on their tradition of playing smooth, fluent and attacking football. Wiped out the memories of the slow, drudging first game of today already.
It was pretty much even-stevens for the first 30-odd minutes, with both teams having almost equal chances at each other's goals. Chile were surprisingly good in their repeated attacks, and pretty solid in defense.
Then the Brazil thunder struck. Twice. Within 4 minutes.
A superb corner cross by Maicon was headed in near to perfection by Juan straight past the GK into the net. 1 - 0 Brazil.
And as if in reply, Robinho made a superb run into the Chilean defense again and sent it to Kaka, who touched it gently to Luis Fabiano with the GK out. Fabiano dribbled it easily away and eased it nicely into the goal. 2 - 0.

And that's how the scoreline stayed till the whistle.

The two rapid goals rattled up the Chilean players a bit as they started fumbling and making some unforced errors. The break will do them some good in calming their nerves. Hopefully they will come out all guns blazing.

Doesn't matter. They're doomed. :cool:

Bye bye, Netherlands.

Why am I here?

Oh yes, now I remember...


3 - 0 BRAZIL!

Robinho scores!

FULL TIME - Match #54 (ROUND OF 16 - #6) -



Chile simply had no answer to the brilliance of their continental cousins. They were outplayed, outsmarted and out-thought in every aspect of their game. They did have some chances at pulling one back, but the game was always ahead of them.
Brazil were brilliant. After the first 30 minutes, they hit their stride and how! The finest example came from Ramires who made a breathtaking run straight through the heart of the Chilean defense and pierced it nicely, then turned it to Robinho who scored effortlessly in the 59th minute. Robinho went into the goal-scoring charts, but it was Ramires who effected it.
A small example of the immense confidence and self-belief Brazil are carrying with them. What the hell was THIS team thinking by playing out a dull goalless draw against Portugal?!

And I have to agree with Angra. It looks curtains for Netherlands in their Quarter-Final, seeing how red-hot Brazil are running at the moment.

btw, if you are feeling the faint, stirring rumblings of a Brazil - Argentina Final, I would say those are pretty deep and strong tremors you are feeling. Even though Germany or Spain might look to upset that applecart, nevertheless, if you are predicting that particular final, I am willing to side with you.

The final menu to be dished out in the Round of 16 menu reads...




Let's see your predictions.


On paper, Paraguay look solid. But the way Japan controls this controversial ball and those fantastic free-kicks in their last match will mean this could turn out to be a really tough encounter. I ll stick my neck out and still go with Paraguay.
And the second one will be another real cracker! Two teams who will go all out in their quest for victory. I ll say Spain have a slight edge, but it would be a real tough nut to crack Portugal. Still, I ll go with Spain for this one.
Two very nicely poised and even matches to finish off the Round of 16. Looks delicious.


Nite, folks.

Couple of tough picks to make.

I'm going against my initial two thoughts and going with Japan and Spain.

Paraguay
Spain