The host nation Brazil, play against fellow South American side Chile in an intriguing match-up on this Saturday afternoon.
It's the start of the knock-out rounds, meaning that only one of these two teams will progress to the quarter-finals.
Here are the other Last 16 matches to be played -
Colombia vs Uruguay - later today
Netherlands vs Mexico and Costa Rica vs Greece - tomorrow
France vs Nigeria and Germany vs Algeria - both on Monday
Argentina vs Switzerland and Belgium vs USA - Tuesday
Here are the team line-ups for today's match:
Brazil: Julio Cesar, Dani Alves, Thiago Silva, Luiz, Marcelo, Fernandinho, Gustavo, Hulk, Oscar, Neymar and Fred.
Subs: Jefferson, Paulinho, Dante, Maxwell, Henrique, Ramires, Hernanes, Willian, Bernard, Jo, Maicon and Victor.
Chile: Bravo, Mena, Isla, Silva, Alexis, Vidal, Vargas, Medel, Jara, Aranguiz and Diaz.
Subs: Toselli, Albornoz, Carmona, Pinilla, Valdivia, Rojas, Orellana, Beausejour, Gutierrez, Fuenzalida, Paredes and Herrera.
Referee: Howard Webb (from England)
16:50 - There will be increased interest for this game as there are many key players for both sides; Chile have the likes of Alexis Sanchez and Arturo Vidal while the hosts will be under a lot of pressure to succeed in-front of their home support.
16:55 - Howard Webb walks out of the tunnel first, alongside his officials for the match. Both sets of teams walk out, to loud applause and noise from the crowd inside Belo Horizonte.
16:57 - National anthems time. Chile first, to a chorus of boos from the Brazilian supporters, unsurprising.
16:59 - Passionate, loud and proud from Brazil - they've worked hard to get there and they need to win today to get into the quarter-finals.
0: Chile kick-off the match, and the knock-out stages has begun!
1: Manchester City defensive midfielder Fernandinho starts for the first time during the competition for Brazil today; ahead of Premier League rival Paulinho, of Tottenham.
2: David Luiz shakes off a back injury to start again for Brazil in the centre of defence, alongside future club team-mate Thiago Silva.
3: Aranguiz goes down after being clattered by Fernandinho, replays show that it was an accidental clash and referee Howard Webb thinks long and hard before giving a Chile free-kick, without showing any cards luckily enough so early on.
4: Neymar goes down near the centre circle, after being fouled by Aranguiz. Free-kick to Brazil.
5: A half-chance for Brazil goes narrowly wide! A poor partial clearance falls into the path of Real Madrid left-back Marcelo who shoots first-time from 25 yards out, but his effort fizzes out for a goal-kick.
7: Neymar jogs off towards the touchline, as he is receiving treatment from the physio from the earlier tackle - looking as if he is in serious pain. The spray is coming out, as well as the water.
8: Safe to say that it would be a disaster for Brazil if their star man was injured at such an important time for them - he is joint top of the goal-scoring at this World Cup, with 4 goals in 3 matches and he will be expected to help spur the Brazilians to a famous home victory this year.
9: Neymar jogs back onto the pitch, grimacing but trying to jog his knock off - hopefully he'll be okay.
10: Chile look organised and comfortable at the back, and Neymar looks okay to continue.
11: A half-hearted penalty appeal is waved play on by the referee, after an attempted through ball into the box from the flank by Barcelona forward Alexis Sanchez falls into the gloves of goalkeeper Julio Cesar; despite Valencia striker Eduardo Vargas falling to ground after clear contact from the oncoming David Luiz.
12: Another penalty appeal, this time from Brazil. A quick 1-2 pass between Hulk and Marcelo on the edge of the area is blocked by a last-gasp challenge in the area, and Hulk drops to ground - Howard Webb tells him to get up.
14: Half-chance for Brazil, a free-kick from 20 yards out on the far side of the pitch is whipped into the box by Neymar - but goalkeeper Claudio Bravo jumps highest and comfortably catches the delivery, as Chile get players forward.
15: A Brazil counter attack could have resulted with a goal! Neymar wins the ball near the centre circle, runs in-behind the last two Chilean defenders and only has the goalkeeper to beat, but he hesitates and gives Chile a chance to get back unaware.
16: First yellow card of the match goes to Chilean defender Eugenio Mena, who purposely blocked the ball to stop an attempted cross into the box. Free-kick for Brazil.
18: GOAL! 1-0 Brazil, David Luiz! Chile fail to clear the danger from a set-piece, and the ball bounces into the path of David Luiz at the far post who flicks the ball on from close range into the bottom corner of the net, out of Bravo's reach!
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| First goal: Luiz runs away to celebrate after scoring to break the deadlock at the far post |
20: And the replays show that it could be classed as an own goal, after Luiz and Jara were close together and the ball flicked off both players. Own goal or Luiz?
24: Counter attack for Brazil - the resulting shot from Neymar is dragged wide of the post.
26: Chile do look organised at the back, like I have said previously. But, they look just as vulnerable on the counter attack as they look dangerous on it.
28: Powerful tackle by Vidal on Neymar, who flies onto the turf in discomfort as a result of the wild swing from the Juventus midfielder.
29: Neymar lies down on the ground, receiving some help to his feet as Brazil manager Scolari screams at Vidal, gesturing as to why he fouled Neymar.
30: It's clearly obvious to see that Scolari knows how vital the Barcelona striker is to the team, as does his team-mates.
They all look in shock every time Neymar goes down, in the hope that he is not badly injured.
31: Fernandinho is arguably lucky not to be in the referee's book, after his second late tackle of the match. Howard Webb waves play on as Chile play the advantage rule as they still have the ball.
32: GOAL! Chile back in the match! Barcelona forward Alexis Sanchez makes the score 1-1, clinical in the box - making a chance out of nothing.
A poor throw-in by Brazil is picked off by the Chileans near the touchline, before a through ball from Vargas is thread into the path of Sanchez who does not hesitate to slot the ball past Cesar into the bottom corner of the net.
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| Clinical: Sanchez slots the ball past Cesar into the net, equalising |
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| Top-class forward: Sanchez celebrates his goal, created out of a defensive mistake by Brazil |
34: Hulk has looked sloppy on the ball today, and it was evident beforehand that Sanchez would provide an attacking threat throughout.
35: Great defending by Chile, to clear the danger as a cross into the box falls into the path of Neymar - who heads the ball towards goal. Just past the post, as he is closed down well and forced to rush his effort on-goal.
38: Chile have had their fair share of possession, and have passed the ball better that their opponents so far - but Brazil have had the most chances with 6.
39: Another half-chance almost results in Brazil going back in-front before half-time!
Neymar does well to control the ball and evade two challenges from Chilean defenders, before he is tackled in the area and the ball falls into the path of striker Fred, who mis-connects with the strike and it swerves over the bar!
40: Chilean defender Francisco Silva is the second player to be booked, after a late challenge on Neymar. He, along with Mena will both miss the quarter-finals, IF Chile manage to beat Brazil today.
41: CHANCE! Barcelona full-back Dani Alves with a long-range effort, 30 yards out but Bravo does well to parry the shot over the bar and out for a corner.
42: The corner comes of nothing, as Chile clear the danger.
45: The fourth official indicates for 2 minutes of stoppage time to be added on.
45+1: Another half-chance, this time for Chile; David Luiz fails to clear the danger with a panc clearance, and a nice lay-off flick falls into the path of Aranguiz who attempts to have a shot from close range towards goal - blocked and out for a corner.
45+2: The referee blows his whistle, to end the first-half of action between these two sides.
Brazil have had more of the notable goal-scoring chances in the half, but Chile have been clinical with their only real chance of the game - and look organised as a team unit. Can they provide a shock?
18:05 - The Chilean players are already jogging back onto the pich, their opponents still talking to each other in the tunnel.
18:08 - Brazil eventually walk out of the tunnel, ready for the second-half.
45: Second-half has begun! If the match continues with the same intensity as the first 45, this game could become a real spectacle to watch.
46: Quick reminder that there is another knock-out stage match later on tonight. Between Colombia and Uruguay, which promises to be an intriguing match to watch.
47: Uruguay will be without talisman striker Luis Suarez, after his silly behaviour and violent conduct in the previous match against Italy - he has been banned for 9 international matches and prevented from all footballing activity for 4 months, if you didn't know already. Big blow for both his nation, and his current club Liverpool.
48: Meanwhile, Colombia have been in impressive form in their group stage so far - can they do the same in the knock-out rounds? The likes of on-form James Rodriguez, Cuadrado and Guarin all in their ranks. Interesting.
49: Half-chance for Brazil, as Fernandinho lets a shot fly from 25 yards out towards goal while he slips onto the turf - the effort swerves wide of Bravo's goal.
50: Fair play to Chile, but looking forward in the tournament quickly for a moment. IF Brazil do go on to win today, I highly doubt they will go all the way and win the competition because of their defensive frailties.
51: They are not an organised unit and make too many mistakes in that part of the field, against the best nations they will suffer, as they have done in the past.
54: GOAL! Brazil take the lead again! Scruffy contact by Hulk inside the area, but his low volley into the area trickles past Bravo into the net! 2-1!
55: Wait, no! Referee Howard Webb runs over to the touchline, with a yellow card in his hand. He gave the goal previously, but the goal has now been disallowed! Still 1-1, as Webb brandishes a yellow card to Hulk, for an attempted handball to control the ball before shooting.
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| Controversy: Hulk had a goal disallowed, as he was adjudged to handle the ball to control it |
Meanwhile, Chile are making a substitution:
Eduardo Vargas OFF
Felipe Gutierrez ON
57: A big call by the referee, but it was not exactly Howard Webb's fault as Brazil try to understand why the goal was not given. Scolari is fuming on the touchline, Webb DID say the goal had counted, but the linesman on the far side had his flag up.
59: Another yellow card in this match, which is soon turning into a feisty encounter. A late challenge by Luiz Gustavo on Arturo Vidal - and a yellow card for the former Bayern midfielder, currently playing for Wolfsburg.
63: Brazil SUB -
Fred OFF
Jo ON
64: GOAL-BOUND SAVE! A super stop by goalkeeper Julio Cesar, who reacts quickly to palm away an effort from Aranguiz, from close range. Chile almost in-front after that shot, and Brazil are now on the back foot.
65: Half-hearted penalty appeal from Brazil; again from Hulk as he is shoulder barged off the ball by Aranguiz in the area and drops to ground.
66: However, Howard Webb says play on, much to the discontent of both Hulk and the Brazil supporters around the ground.
68: Just over 20 minutes plus stoppage time remain in an enthralling end-to-end match between two teams who are eager to prove a point. Chile have looked impressive this year, and have not been pushovers at all today - any mistakes now could be costly for either side.
71: Brazil SUB -
Fernandinho OFF
Ramires ON
72: Tactical substitution for Brazil; Ramires replaces Fernandinho who has played well today - limps off as if he is carrying a knock.
73: CHANCE! Great inviting cross into the box by Hulk, falls into the path of Jo who lurks near the far post to try and connect with the delivery - but a last-gasp block by a Chilean defender ensures that Jo cannot get there in time to shoot.
74: Jo stands in disbelief, as the referee points to the spot for a goal-kick. Replays show that it actually was the correct decision, he was put off by the attempt to block his shot and failed to connect with the delivery. Probably would have scored if he had shot properly aswell.
77: Chile happy to keep the ball in midfield, as they look for space with the game starting to open up. Brazil have looked off the boil since the disallowed goal, and they could be exploited if they do not keep their composure.
80: Half-chance for Brazil is parried away before being caught by Bravo, after a diagonal cross into the box towards the movement of Neymar is headed into the Barcelona goalkeeper Bravo's path.
81: Brazil have dominated the stats in terms of shots on-goal, but not really taken their chances as of yet.
83: CHANCE! Hulk does well to waltzes past the Chilean defence, before having an effort on-goal parried away by Bravo!
85: 5 minutes plus stoppages to separate the two teams, otherwise extra time and possibly penalties...
87: Chile SUB -
Arturo Vidal OFF
Mauricio Pinilla ON
89: Chile are doing their best to get players forward, Brazil look fatigued and are trying to clear the ball away.
90: The fourth official has signalled for 3 minutes of stoppage time.
90+1: Looks as though the possibility of extra time has become a reality.
90+3: And there it is. Howard Webb blows his whistle; and there are at least 30 minutes of more late drama left to go.
19:03 - And it begins once again. 30 minutes remain, for either side to score and win the game. Otherwise, the match will go to a dramatic ending - with penalties.
93: A 50-50 challenge for the ball ends badly for Chilean goalkeeper Bravo; he collides with striker Jo who kicks at the ball in the air. Slightly harsh decision by the referee, who gives Jo a yellow card for is troubles.
94: Bravo eventually gets to his feet, luckily for Chile as he is okay to continue with the match.
103: Another yellow card, as Pinilla is booked for a blatant trip.
105: 1 minute of stoppage time to be added on, as Alves is booked for a foul on Pinilla.
106: Half-time in extra time and the scoreline is still the same. 15 minutes remaining, but Brazil have dominated extra time so far.
105: Brazil SUB -
Oscar OFF
Willian ON
108: A real shame for Chile; Cardiff defensive-midfielder Gary Medel, who has worked hard today is being replaced by Jose Rojas. He is stretchered off, with suspected cramp. He is applauded off the field, and this could be the last of him in this tournament.
110: Brazil need to take advantage, and quickly. Chile have lost their pivotal players in midfield - both Vidal and Medel have gone off and they should attack the Chilean goal for the remainder of the game.
117: Brazil have dominated for the most part of the extra time period, but Chile have played well throughout, especially in the defensive third.
120: 2 minutes of stoppage time to play. Desperation for Brazil; they are hoping that they can snatch a late winner now.
121: Chile will be happy for penalties now, especially as they are under more pressure on their goal.
122: Full-time. Penalties are needed, and it's a really dramatic situation out there. The stress, the pressure and the expectation for both teams right now. Just wow.
19:40 - Cannot wait for the penalties now, both teams need to win.
19:42 - Cameras are showing some pretty nervous Brazilian supporters in the crowd; if they don't win today, imagine the outcry.
19:43 - Julio Cesar and Claudio Bravo are the two goalkeepers for either side, time to be a hero for your country.
19:44 - Both sets of players are struggling with cramp, just a few minutes to go before the penalties are taken. 120 minutes of lung-busting football.
PENALTIES - Brazil vs Chile:
- GOAL! 1-0 to Brazil, slotted into the bottom corner of the net by David Luiz.
- SAVED! Still 1-0. Pinilla looked hesitant with his run-up, and his shot was blocked by Julio Cesar.
- MISSED! Willian fails to hit the target, his shot narrowly wide of the post. Still 1-0.
- SAVED! And it's somehow still 1-0! Sanchez with a fierce drive into the corner of the net, but Julio Cesar reads his effort well enough to stop the shot.
- GOAL! 2-0 to Brazil, thanks to a cooly slotted strike from Marcelo. Advantage to Brazil.
- WHAT A STRIKE! 2-1, Chile suddenly back in it. What a power strike by Araguiz, Cesar would have broken his hand trying to save that.
- SAVED! Hulk steps up to take it, but his shot is blocked by the legs of Bravo! Bravo.
- GOAL! Marcelo Diaz makes it 2-2, and it's just got a whole lot more interesting..
- GOAL! The golden boy Neymar sends the goalkeeper the wrong way, with a stuttered slot into the net. 3-2 to Brazil, Chile NEED to score now otherwise they are OUT.
- OFF THE POST! Heartbreak for Jara, as his effort towards goal beats Cesar but not the post. Chile are dramatically OUT!
Unbelievable scenes at the moment; Brazil players with relief etched across their faces. They live to fight another day, against the winner of Colombia vs Uruguay next Friday night.
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| Relief: Marcelo runs wildly after seeing Jara's penalty hit the post, while Neymar starts crying |
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| Stark contrast: Despite having played remarkably well, Chile were unlucky and lost on penalties |
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