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Brazil 1-0 Chile - Match report

Alexis Sanchez in action for Chile against Brazil

By Max Jones at Emirates Stadium

Firmino scored a 75th-minute winner as Brazil beat Chile 1-0 at Emirates Stadium on Sunday.

Alexis Sanchez and Neymar went close either side of half-time before the Hoffenheim playmaker calmly rounded Claudio Bravo to secure the victory in front of 60,000 fans in north London.

It was the first time the sides had met since last summer’s World Cup and all eyes would inevitably be on global superstars - and former Barcelona team-mates - Alexis and Neymar, while Gabriel was also on Brazil's bench.

Chile were seeking revenge after that last-16 defeat but were also looking to gather momentum ahead of their home Copa America in July. However, Brazil had made many changes to the side that was comprehensively beaten by Germany just nine months ago.

Dunga - returning to the manager’s post after a four-year absence - has restored stability and, after an impressive comeback against France on Thursday, there is a sense that the selecao now believe in themselves again.

That is certainly how they began in north London. Neymar combined his trademark flair with hard work but his numerous early counter-attacks were stifled by Gary Medel and Miiko Alboronoz.

It took 25 minutes for Brazil’s captain to force Bravo into his only first-half save when his whipped free-kick looked to be creeping in at the far post before the goalkeeper got a crucial fingertip to it.

Douglas Costa then had the best chance of the half but after controlling Marcelo’s looping cross on his chest, the forward sliced his volley into the side netting.

Alexis and Chile sprung to life after the break. The forward cut inside, burst past three defenders and found Pablo Hernandez in the box, but the forward was quickly tackled by Thiago Silva.

Arsenal’s top goalscorer looked hungry to add to his 26 international goals and went close minutes later, driving towards the Brazil goal before sending a low strike wide.

Alexis’ influence on the game was growing by the second and, after being brought down by Miranda on the edge of the box, he curled the resulting free-kick inches away from the top corner before stinging Jefferson’s palms from another set-piece moments later.

But the Chilean’s efforts proved to be in vain when Brazil took the lead with 15 minutes left. Danilo slid a 30-yard pass through to Firmino who rounded Bravo with his first touch and coolly rolled into the net with his second.

Dunga’s side could have doubled their advantage when the duo combined again minutes later but Firmino dragged his shot wide after being found in the box by the right back.

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