JOHANNESBURG // Galvanised by the arrival of the World Cup's knockout stage, Brazil showed their true, thrilling pedigree in disposing of Chile. They put the labour of overcoming North Korea by the narrowest margin, the bruises sustained against Ivory Coast and the dullness of their draw against Portugal behind them as goals from Juan, Luis Fabiano and Robinho set up a quarter-final with Holland. The Brazilians will take belief and swagger into that contest. Their creative instincts were aroused last night, with Kaka rediscovering his gift for subtle touches and sophisticated runs and Robinho effervescent. Both thrived on the fine promptings they received from an inventive midfield. There are, contrary to some of the propaganda about Dunga's squad, plenty of cavaliers alongside his hardier roundheads.
Brazil would be forgiven for regarding the centre of Johannesburg with suspicion - many travellers do, though for reasons of safety - because whenever they are obliged to play at Ellis Park, the temperature seems to drop. Last night felt not quite as cold as the evening Brazil played North Korea, but it was not mild. A brisk start was needed for the sake of good circulation. A lively start there was, too. The inclusion of both Dani Alves and Ramires in the Brazilian midfield promised more animation - Felipe Melo was absent through injury - and provided it. An Alves pass picked out Luis Fabiano, who, taking advantage of a Pablo Contreras slip, aimed wide of the target. Ramires had a shot from distance; so did Gilberto Silva, from which Bravo saved well. All this before the half-hour, when Lucio felt miffed not to earn a penalty after Contreras wrapped his legs around the Brazil captain.
Brazil's umbrage with Howard Webb, the referee, did not last long, although it was worsened when Kaka received his third yellow card of the tournament for a challenge on Arturo Vidal. Ten minutes from half time, Brazil led, Juan, the centre-back, rising above some hefty pushing and shoving in the Chile penalty area, as Maicon swung in a corner, to head past Bravo. Quickly, it became two. Luis Fabiano's third goal of the tournament celebrated the best of Brazil's front trio. Robinho streaked clear down the left wing, eased his way, ball at his feet, towards the penalty area, and picked out Kaka.
Kaka immediately slid a pass into the stride of Luis Fabiano, a ball weighted and timed to keep the striker on-side but to invite him straight into a duel with Bravo. The Sevilla striker rounded the goalkeeper and the rest was simple. Chile had experienced the best Brazil display of the tournament so far. The Chileans had not been cowed initially, and though their opportunities were restricted to what they could manage on the break, Jean Beausejour had kept Julio Cesar on his toes with a long-range effort and the Brazil goalkeeper had pouched a snap shot from Humberto Suazo.
But these were anecdotes, rendered mere footnotes once Ramires, picking the ball up in his own half, snaked his way to the edge of the Chile 18-yard-box and squared the ball to Robinho, who, first time, bent a right-foot shot beyond Bravo's reach for number three. sports@thenational.ae Man of the match Kaka (Brazil)