World Cup 2010: Brazil 2-0 Chile - Half Time Report
Two goals within the space of 4 minutes have virtually decided the fate of this second round tie between Chile and Brazil. Although Chile got off to a better start, putting pressure on the 5 times World Cup winners, they were unable to break the Brazilians down. When the Brazilians finally had enough of their spell of pressure, they broke through the Chilean defence, not once but twice.
In the first 20 minutes, the Chileans had the majority of the possession, with Sanchez looking very impressive on the right side. The Chileans were very energetic and tried not to give the Brazilians any space at all to move the ball. Through this tactic, they had successfully managed to keep the central attacking threat of Kaka and Robinho under control.
However, it took a set-play to break the deadlock and not the trickery of either Kaka or Robinho. The marking was virtually non-existent for Juan's goal in the 34th minute but it was still a great leap from the Brazilian full-back, and then a powerful header which went beyond the reach of the Chilean goalkeeper, Bravo. The goal came at a crucial stage in the half, as the Brazilians were starting to gain a foothold in midfield, with their characteristic one touch passing in midfield. Most of the play was going through the right flank, with Maicon working particularly hard to try and penetrate the Chilean defence.
The second goal came on a counter attack when Robinho was fed the ball down the left. He turned and saw Kaka's run just on the edge of the penalty area. Kaka laid the ball on a plate for Fabiano with a sublime first touch through ball which Fabiano took around the goalkeeper, before slotting it into the back of the net.
With the score at 2-0, it looks like there's no coming back for the Chilean's who were perhaps unlucky to be going to their dressing rooms 2-0 down after playing so well in the opening stages.
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