Tuesday, May 22nd, 2012
Chilean coach Marcelo Bielsa really does believe in beautiful football, full of positive, attacking intent. His Chile side are made that way and he will not compromise.
They were made for Brazil in the last 16 of the World Cup, with Dunga’s side winning 3-0 and looking ominously strong in the process.
Chile, as ever, started well, pinging the ball round brightly and taking the game to their fellow South Americans. But when beautiful football collides with poor defending from set pieces there is only one winner – pragmatism. Brazil’s full-back Maicon swung in a corner, defender Juan eluded his marker and planted in a tremendous header from six yards out to make it 1-0 in 34 minutes.
The second Brazilian goal was about passing football. Robinho (pictured, right), broken down the left, and popped the ball across to Kaka. A gentlle put precise touch released Luis Fabiano, who rounded the keeper with nonchalant ease. The second goal arrived four minutes after the first and Chile’s hopes were gone.
But still Bielsa would be positive, throwing on another attacker at half time to try and rescue his side.
Before an hour was gone Brazil had broken through again. Ramires driving run from the half way line had committed four Chilean defenders by the time he reached the edge of the penalty area. As the ball was slipped to Robinho, his finish was an elegant pass into the corner of the net. This man is a far cry from the peripheral creature seen at Manchester City.
Pity Chile, who had to face the two tournament favourites, Brazil and Spain, in successive matches. They added hugely to the tournament. Brazil, though, have a solid team framework the players seem to know, appreciate and understand, which is allied to some individuals who seem full of confidence and natural ability. The Netherlands await.