WORLD CUP 2014: HEARTBREAK FOR MEDEL AND CHILE

City’s Gary Medel and Chile missed out on a World Cup quarter-final place by the narrowest of margins as they lost on penalties to hosts Brazil in Belo Horizonte.

Putting his body on the line for his country, Medel passed a late fitness test to marshal the Chilean defence before being forced off on a stretcher in the second half of extra-time - the bandages and strapping clear to see as Gary gave everything he had to try and see his country to a first victory over Brazil in the country in 95 years.

But La Roja would miss out by the smallest of margins. After substitute Mauricio Pinilla rattled the crossbar with a thunderous effort with just 20 seconds of extra-time to play, Brazil went on to win the tie on penalties as a fifth spot-kick from Gonzalo Jara struck the upright, seeing the host nation progress.

Medel has proved pivotal for Jose Sampaoli’s side in the tournament playing every minute of La Roja’s group stage fixtures against Australia, Spain and the Netherlands before playing through the pain barrier to almost see his country through to the quarter-finals.