Brazil vs. Chile: Score, Grades and Reaction from 2015 International Friendly

Brazil edged out Chile in a tight affair at the Emirates in London on Sunday, winning the friendly fixture 1-0 with a goal by substitute Roberto Firmino. 

Chile fielded a much stronger team than the one that recently lost 2-0 to Iran, while Brazil included their Barcelona superstar, Neymar.

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#SelecaoBrasileira XI Jefferson; Danilo, Miranda, Thiago Silva, Marcelo; Souza, Fernandinho, Coutinho, Douglas Costa, Luiz Adriano, Neymar

— B/R Football (@br_football) March 29, 2015"

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#Chile XI Bravo; Medel, Jara, Albornoz; Isla, Millar, Aranguiz, Mena; Vidal; Alexis, Hernández

— B/R Football (@br_football) March 29, 2015"

Tim Ireland/Associated Press

Despite its "friendly" status, there is very rarely such a game between two dominant South American nations, and the pace of the contest reflected the rivalry from the outset. 

Amy Lawrence of The Guardian commented on the carnival atmosphere in North London:

The competitive nature of the contest suited both teams in the opening gambit, with Brazil working hard to close down their opponents and press with a high line. However, each side lacked the final product, with neither creating much in the opposing penalty areas.

Brazil had a valid shout for a penalty as Gary Medel appeared to stumble and handball twice in quick succession, but the referee waved play on, to the dismay of Neymar and company.

Tim Ireland/Associated Press

Medel and Neymar were involved in the most controversial moment of the game. The Chilean hard man clearly stamped on the Barca player's calf after a tackle, leaving the Brazilian writhing in agony. But once again, the officials missed the incident, and Medel escaped without any punishment.

Meanwhile in the first period, Alexis Sanchez was struggling on his Arsenal home pitch, looking fatigued and quieter than his normal self and leaving Chile somewhat hamstrung.

Douglas Costa had the best chance of the first half, but the talented attacker fluffed his lines and fired wide. Bleacher Report's Matt Jones recapped the action:

The first half ended with the score at 0-0, with both teams performing below their expected standards after a fast start.

The second half saw the introduction of former Real Madrid and Manchester City superstar Robinho, brought on for a run out on the hour mark with Firmino.

Kirsty Wigglesworth/Associated Press

However, it was the Chileans who seemed more likely to break the deadlock, as Sanchez began to improve his possession and threat.

Lawrence commented on this, and the Chilean's effervescence :

But as the play swung towards Chile, the Brazilians pulled the classic counter punch and took the lead through Firmino. The striker gave a composed effort, rounding the goalkeeper and finishing calmly.

The Illustrated Game captured the moment on social media, with football writer Jonas Giaever describing the striker's excellent play:

Chile continued to push forward in response, but they constantly left themselves open for the counter as Brazil soaked up their attack. Firmino went close for Brazil again, only to waste an opportunity on the break, and Neymar had a curling free-kick whistle past the post in the final seconds of the match.

The Chileans could not find a way back into the contest, and Dunga's men made it yet another win after their horrendous exit from their home-soil World Cup.

Brazil were second-best with the ball at their feet, but they got the win despite Chile's efforts. 

Selected Player Ratings

Alexis Sanchez: B-

Tim Ireland/Associated Press

The Arsenal man looked tired in the first half but became more influential as the game progressed. Chile could not offer the Gunners attacker the support he needed as Brazil shut the door tightly.

Neymar: C

He was kicked from pillar to post, but the Barca man was unconvincing on the day. He could not find his best form as Chile dealt with him any way they could. 

Roberto Firmino: A-

A cameo appearance for the prolific striker, and he did not waste his opportunity to perform, scoring once and going close with a couple additional efforts.

Post-Match Reaction

Brazil coach Dunga was satisfied with his team's work, and gave specific praise to attacker Firmino, who scored the winning goal. The manager said he has the ability to play for some of the best clubs in the world, as posted by My Football Views on Youtube:

Brazil have now won their last eight matches under Dunga, but the style of football is still not what you expect from a classic Selecao team.