When they hit the bars in Rio, Sao Paolo, Brasilia and that place in the forest where England played Italy, the Brazil fans might not care to remember that they came within the thickness of a crossbar of going out of their own tournament.
Home early would have meant a short trek for most, not thousands of air miles and hours for reflection.
But the host nation is still in, coming through the first shoot out of the first game of the knockout phase.
And it was a good 'un.
Chile could have won it, should have won it at the end of extra time. Hulk was denied a good goal, a few decent penalty shouts were turned down by the only Englishman still with an active role to play in this World Cup.
The penalties were a mixed bag. A couple gave the keeper no chance, Willian's gave the keeper nothing to do, the final losing one smacked against the post.
A great game befitting a great World Cup. The hosts are in the Quarter Finals, which is the least their nation will have expected. But it could have gone so horribly wrong....
Home early would have meant a short trek for most, not thousands of air miles and hours for reflection.
But the host nation is still in, coming through the first shoot out of the first game of the knockout phase.
And it was a good 'un.
Chile could have won it, should have won it at the end of extra time. Hulk was denied a good goal, a few decent penalty shouts were turned down by the only Englishman still with an active role to play in this World Cup.
The penalties were a mixed bag. A couple gave the keeper no chance, Willian's gave the keeper nothing to do, the final losing one smacked against the post.
A great game befitting a great World Cup. The hosts are in the Quarter Finals, which is the least their nation will have expected. But it could have gone so horribly wrong....
