Selecao Scores Three Against La Roja, Books Quarterfinal Match With Oranjemen

When it mattered, Brazil have stepped it up. The Selecao did just enough against North Korea, they turned it on against Ivory Coast and then conserve energy with a draw against Portugal. Chile were touted as a much harder opposition than Brazil's group opponents. The lively and quick short passes are trademarks of Chile's attacking football and have been one of the highlights of this World Cup. Chile was expected to test the South American champions footballing-wise.

With such high stakes, Brazil proved that they are made of sterner stuff these days. They made quick work of La Roja. First, they withstood an early flurry of  Chile attacks. Gilberto Silva, Ramires, Juan and Lucio knuckled down and in typical European style, rendered the Chilean attacks ineffectual. Once that occurred, Brazil could then develop their own attacks to trouble the Chile defence, devoid of suspended stalwarts Gary Medel and Waldo Ponce.

Luis Fabiano stayed on course for the Golden Boot with his third goal in four matches. O Fabuloso's goal came off a superb move involving Brazil's "Big Three" of Robinho, Kaka and Fabiano. This was proof enough that Brazil are capable purveyors of the beautiful game. In truth, once Brazil scored the second goal, the match was all over. That three-minute salvo from Brazil knocked the stuffing out of a young Chile side. The third Brazilian goal was the icing on the cake and a thing of beauty as well. Ramires, deputising for Felipe Melo, dribbled the ball samba-style, leaving five Chile players in his wake before laying the ball expertly for Robinho's curler.

Chile's progressive football needed a finisher and hence Humberto Suazo was recalled to the starting lineup. Unfortunately, Suazo could not produce his prolific form and his hamstring injury prior to the tournament meant he would not be at his best. That has been the story of Chile's World Cup, great attacking playmaking but lacking that quality finishing.

Kaka started his rehabilitation process in the opening match against the Chollimas. In this match, he looked to be near his best form. The physical aggression that he was experiencing on the pitch made it difficult but Kaka had his best game against Chile yesterday. In the opening match, his first touch and movement was close to non-existent. The touch, control and movement were all back in synchronicity against Chile and Brazil benefited from Kaka.

The last time Chile and Brazil met, Brazil won 4-1. This time round, it was 3-0 and Brazil look capable of playing even better. The attacking style may not be reminiscent of jogo bonito yet it is efficient and more importantly, Dunga's way have the word "Champions" written all over it.

Apart from Robinho, all the players who started for Brazil against Chile, play in Europe. So why shouldn't Dunga employ a more European style of modern football while still embracing the joyful passing and ball caressing skills of Brazilian football? He has successfully married these two strengths and created a team that goes out and wins tournaments.

What pleases the Brazilian public and press, winning matches or gaining admirers? I know which one English fans would prefer.