Hosts Brazil have been pegged back by Chile at half time in their last 16 World Cup clash in Belo Horizonte.

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After a hot-tempered start to the game, Brazil left-back Marcelo was the first to have a shot when he fired wide from 20 yards.

Moments later, Marcelo Diaz audaciously volleyed at goal from 30 yards and dipped his effort a yard or so wide of the upright.

Hulk then appealed for a Brazil penalty when he tumbled in the area, but English referee Howard Webb felt that there wasn't sufficient contact from Mauricio Isla.

Brazil took the lead in the 18th minute when Neymar's corner was flicked goalwards by Thiago Silva and bundled home at the back post by centre-back partner David Luiz - his first goal for his country.

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Replays indicated that it may have been an own goal by Gonzalo Jara, but Luiz was credited with the goal as it was unclear who diverted the ball into the net.

Chile were level in the 32nd minute when Hulk conceded possession cheaply in his own half, gifting the ball to Eduardo Vargas, who fed Alexis Sanchez to roll the ball into the corner from 12 yards.

Neymar had a chance to restore Brazil's lead but his header from the centre of the box was deflected just wide.

Brazil ended the half on top and went close on two further occasions through Fred and Dani Alves.

Just before the break, Chile could have stolen the lead when Charles Aranguiz was found in the area but got crowded out inside the six-yard box.

Follow the second half with our live text coverage here.

Written by
Pascal Lemesre