Penalties still fairest way to break deadlock

IT SPEAKS volumes about just how tight the knockout stage of the World Cup can be, with three of the first four elimination matches over the weekend needing a penalty kick to determine the winner.

Hosts Brazil can count their lucky stars that they are still alive and kicking after squeaking past Chile by the narrowest of margins on Sunday morning.

Having survived a last-gasp shot by Chilean striker Mauricio Pinilla that rattled the woodwork, the game ended 1-1 at the end of extra time and it meant the first penalty shootout of this year's World Cup would take place.