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Day in 100 words or less Welcome back Brazil 2014. Oh how we missed you. Gone for just a day, you returned for us all to enjoy on Saturday, as a mini Copa America took place to start the knock out stages. You didnt return with a little tease. You didnt flirt with us, showing brief moments that will take our breath away. No, no. You were even more gorgeous than we remembered, handing us a game that brought all of our emotions to the core and a sensational, radiant maestro who continues to shine light on all that is glorious about you. Brazil 1-1 Chile (Brazil win 3-2 on pens) After arguably the greatest group stage to ever grace a World Cup we could have understood if the World Cups knock-out stages had given us a couple of games low on drama, particularly with what was on the line. What a load of nonsense. Brazil 2014 has laughed in the face of hyperbole at past World Cups, tactical trends and many other stereotypes and it was at it again on Saturday, handing us an instant classic the moment the knock out stages began. There is nothing like a World Cup. Nothing. Part of what makes it so incredible special is watching teams dance so close to that line of elimination. On Saturday in the Belo Horizonte sunshine, the host nation danced precariously close to that line. It is a line that past champions have flirted with often, including in the last 16. Back in 2006, Italy needed a 95th minute controversial winner from Francesco Totti to send Australia home and in 1998 holders France couldnt get by Paraguay until a 113th minute golden goal winner by Laurent Blanc. Brazil clearly have a long way to go to be added to that list but the millions of Brazilians watching this game have their mind on one thing and one thing only - the World Cup trophy. Before Saturday, the mandate was clear. Win four games and lift the trophy inside the Maracana on July 13th. Easier said than done. Chile were always the team they didnt want to face. When the draw was made, many looked at a possible Brazil-Spain knockout game but Luiz Felipe Scolari feared Chile more. On Saturday, we found out why. For a nation that expects, the atmosphere was like a carnival at kick-off. There was very little sense of tension. Brazil came out of the blocks flying, pressing high, recovering balls quickly and countering through the blistering speed of Neymar. A goal seemed inevitable and it came through the route all Chile fans feared. Neymars corner, flicked on by Thiago Silva, and poked in by David Luiz at the back post ignited the carnival further. Brazil were in complete control and Chile were shell-shocked, overawed by the occasion. Then another error on Brazils left side of their defence and the lethal combination of Eduardo Vargas and Alexis Sanchez gave them the goal they needed. Chiles nerves were gone and their confidence blossomed. Brazil, through Hulk, had some of the games better chances in the second half but Chile were the better side. The carnival disappeared and the tension flooded the stadium. Eleven players in yellow with the weight of over 200 million people on their shoulders. Chile grew stronger sensing an opportunity. Jorge Sampaoli, their wonderfully animated coach, did what he could but he was powerless. Deep in thought must have been what could have been if Arturo Vidal was anywhere close to the player Juventus fans have been lucky to watch closely. Clearly not fit, the talisman was withdrawn from the cauldron close to the end of 90 minutes and it was a cruel blow for such a special player who clearly could have had a massive influence on this game if not for knee surgery last month. Extra time came, Chile tired, Brazil tightened and penalties were inevitable, even though Mauricio Pinilla smashed the bar in the final seconds. The tension was unbearable for many and then referee Howard Webb got to do what he looked destined to do four years ago. The lottery of penalties it was called by the commentator. How naive. As the game came to a climax, both sides will have statistical analysis on each of the players. Even prepared writers had the stats. Julio Cesar had stopped six of 18 penalties in the last five years. Claudio Bravo had faced 16 spot kicks and prevented three. These stats and plenty more make the experience and education of preparing for a shootout much more worthwhile. For example, here is how Gareth Wheeler and I prepared for the penalties on TSN Radio. Seven of the last eight winners in World Cup shootouts went first and Brazil won the toss and did exactly that. David Luizs opener was worth much more than just one goal. When Julio Cesar saved from Pinilla the odds stacked heavily against the visitors. Only four of the previous 22 World Cup shootouts had seen a team miss first and advance. Chile would get it back to 2-2 through four shootouts but Brazil still had the advantage, knowing a goal would put their opponents in a must score scenario. That pressure fell on Neymar. As the television screens worldwide showed Marcelo Diaz celebrating his penalty, the face of the Brazilian side broke away from his teammates and made the lonely walk by himself. From the moment the eighth penalty was kicked, Neymar had 33 seconds to think about whatever entered his mind. Then he received the ball off the referee and placed it down. 52 seconds had now ticked by before he started his run up. He did a little jig of a dance, oh so close to the line of elimination, checked his run, waiting for the keeper to move but it never happened, forcing him to choose a side. Naturally, Neymar went to his natural side (right footed players hitting it to the left) sliding it to the keepers right. David Luiz was their to greet him as he walked back, a very important sign of unity and intimidation as Chiles fifth taker walked by.Gonzalo Jara then had to score. He went to his unnatural side, guessed correctly by Julio Cesar, but the post kept the ball out and Brazil partied long into the night. Brazil had escaped. They were, once again, miles away from the standard they need to reach but now they are only three games away from their goal. Julio Cesar, Thiago Silva, Hulk and Neymar stood out for the Brazilians while many others didnt. A move to 4-3-3 in the second half, with Oscar, centrally and deeper, seems to be the right way going forward but Neymars boys will need to be much, much better to stay in this tournament. After all, he is coming up against another absolute star number ten in yellow... Colombia 2-0 Uruguay Uruguay made no friends in the wake of the latest Luis Suarez biting incident. Oscar Washington Tabarez is a fine gentleman who has done wonders for that country and that federation but his 12 minute rant at a press conference on Friday was sad to see. It was seen as a way of firing up his team but, in truth, they were lifeless in attack once again. It was always going to be difficult for the team to come from behind, much like against Costa Rica (and not against England and Italy) and once one moment of brilliance turned the game, Uruguay were very close to joining Suarez at home. James Rodriguez is now the undisputed player of the tournament so far. A man who wasnt even born the last, and only, time Colombia played a knock out round at the World Cup (1990). His goal changed the game and changed the path for his country as they marched down a road to the World Cup quarter finals for the first time ever. It was a goal you will see over and over again. A goal made by spatial awareness, supreme football intelligence and incredible technique. 27:18 James moves into space between the lines... 27:24 The play develops and still he finds space in that area, constantly moving... 27:27 Still operating between the lines, showing for the ball... 27:31 Here is the brilliance. Ball finally comes his way and here is "the look". A glance behind to see if any defenders are coming tight behind him. Knowing they are not he plays out what is about to happen in his mind before the ball reaches him... Setting himself up for the best goal of the World Cup so far... Man of the day Nominees... Neymar - his pace was a constant threat for Chile and his penalty ended up sending them home. Claudio Bravo - the Chilean goalkeeper was excellent throughout the match and made a big save in the shootout. Julio Cesar - made two superb stops to turn the tide in the shootout. James Rodriguez - a wonderful strike followed by a tap in he helped create meant he, fittingly, carried Colombia into the last eight. Juan Cuadrado - Buried in the shadow of James, the winger has been superb in this tournament and was no different against Uruguay. The winner... Julio Cesar - Seen as the villain of the 2010 World Cup exit, the Brazilian goalkeeper was trusted by his manager to be the number one at the World Cup even when he was on the bench at QPR. He returned that trust and guided Brazil over an enormous hurdle. What comes next? Netherlands vs Mexico (12pm/9am) and Greece vs Costa Rica (4pm/1pm). Burning question for Sunday Do the Netherlands have the midfield trio to be able to match up and keep the ball off Mexicos effective midfield three? Stat of Day 17 Eight of the last nine teams to win a World Cup penalty shootout have taken the first penalty. Logan Paulsen Jersey . With the Rangers already leading 2-0, Carey Price was taken down early in the second period of New Yorks 7-2 pounding of the Canadiens in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference final on Saturday afternoon. Justin Bethel Falcons Jersey . Wheeler scored two goals, including the winner, as the Winnipeg Jets beat the Minnesota Wild 6-4 on Friday in a game that featured a seven-goal first period. http://www.falconsauthenticofficialonline.com/authentic-brandon-fusco-jersey.html . The 33-year-old defender has spent his entire career at Chelsea, scoring 57 goals in 621 appearances. He regained his regular starting place under Jose Mourinho in the season that ended at the weekend without Chelsea winning a trophy. Ito Smith Jersey . He chirped to the caddie of Brandt Snedeker about their money game, a Mickelson tradition at the majors. Lefty was in good spirits Monday at the British Open, except for having to return the claret jug. Justin Bethel Jersey .Y. - Referee Ed Hochuli referred to replay official Tom Sifferman by his nickname Jungle Boy, which was heard on the in-stadium microphone during the Arizona Cardinals-Carolina Panthers NFC wild-card game Saturday.SAN FRANCISCO -- Gregor Blanco supplied the speed. Hunter Pence, Michael Morse and Brandon Crawford provided the pop. And on a warm, windless afternoon along the bay, AT&T Park played awfully small for the Giants. Pence, Morse and Crawford homered as Blanco accomplished a rare feat on the bases, powering San Francisco past the Atlanta Braves 10-4 on Wednesday. "Its always fun to score a lot of runs," Crawford said. Blanco became the fourth player for San Francisco to steal three bases and score three runs in a game. Bobby Bonds, Kevin Mitchell and Darren Lewis are the others. "He wreaked havoc," Giants manager Bruce Bochy said. Blanco, best known for his defence during the 2012 World Series, had struggled most of the season. But with centre fielder Angel Pagan given a day off to rest his sore right knee, Blanco got back to doing what he does best: getting on base and being aggressive. "Thats the kind of player I am. Thats how I can be every single day," said Blanco, who singled and walked twice from the leadoff spot. "I just was out of my game a little bit and I just reminded myself, This is who you are. This is the kind of player you should be." The scoring surge gave Madison Bumgarner (5-3) more than enough room for error. Bumgarner allowed four runs and five hits in five innings, striking out five and walking one. Three relievers kept the Braves scoreless over the final four innings as the Giants continued to dominate the matchup of NL division leaders. San Francisco finished 5-1 against Atlanta this season. "The offence picked me up today big time," Bumgarner said. Julio Teheran (2-3) lasted only 3 1-3 innings for the Braves. He gave up five runs -- four earned -- and seven hits in his second loss to the Giants this season. "I had a hard time with my grip here and in Los Angeles," Teheran said. "I was trying to find a way to get through it. Its not an excuse. Its this type of weather. I had a hard time." The Giants totalled 15 hits and six walks in an all-around display of offence. Pence finished with four hits and three RBIs, Crawford collected threee hits and three RBIs, and Morse tied the injured Brandon Belt for the team lead with nine home runs.dddddddddddd Freddie Freeman and Chris Johnson hit RBI doubles to give the Braves a 2-0 lead in the first. The Giants responded in the bottom half, scoring three runs, sending nine batters to the plate and forcing Teheran to throw 41 pitches. Blanco extended San Franciscos lead to 4-2 when he walked leading off the second, stole second and third and scored after catcher Evan Gattis sailed his throw to third into left field. The Braves had three extra-base hits in a two-run fourth capped by Andrelton Simmons tying two-out triple just past the glove of a diving Blanco in right-centre. In the fifth, the Braves landed on the wrong side of the transfer rule, which has come under increased scrutiny this season with baseballs expanded replay. Second base umpire Ron Kulpa called out Tyler Pastornicky on a forceout, though Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez argued that Brandon Hicks never closed his glove before dropping the ball as he tried to throw to first for a double play. "If I had to do it over, I could have asked that (the umpires) get together and ask for help. Maybe someone saw it differently," Gonzalez said. Blanco added to his big day in the fifth with an RBI single off Alex Wood, then stole second and scored on Pences two-out single. Morse stretched San Franciscos lead to 8-4, and Crawford added a two-run homer with the 66th "splash hit" in Giants history into McCovey Cove in the eighth. "I dont think there were any cheap homers," Pence said. NOTES: Giants 3B Pablo Sandoval left the game in the sixth with a sore left big toe. He is expected to be in the lineup Thursday, Bochy said. ... Braves CF B.J. Upton was ejected in the sixth after arguing with home plate umpire Lance Barrett following his third strikeout. ... Braves RF Jason Heyward had the day off. ... RHP Matt Cain (0-3, 4.25 ERA) starts for the Giants on Thursday in the opener of a four-game series against the Marlins. ... The Braves are off Thursday before beginning a three-game series at St. Louis on Friday. Wholesale Hoodies NFL Shirts Outlet Jerseys NFL Wholesale Cheap NFL Jerseys Free Shipping Wholesale Jerseys Cheap Cheap NFL Jerseys China Wholesale Jerseys Wholesale NFL Jerseys Cheap NFL Jerseys China Cheap NFL Jerseys ' ' '