Brazil got lucky, admits Scolari

"If you don't exploit the few opportunities you get, you can go out. We almost paid the price in the 118th minute when the ball hit the bar," said Scolari, whose side triumphed 3-2 in a shoot-out at the Mineirao Stadium in Belo Horizonte after a 1-1 draw over 90 minutes and extra time.

Brazil squandered several chances, converting just one of 13 attempts on target due to poor finishing and good goalkeeping by Chile's Claudio Bravo.

And they survived when Chile substitute Mauricio Pinilla crashed a shot off the woodwork with penalties approaching.

In the shoot-out, Willian and Hulk both missed for the tournament hosts but goalkeeper Julio Cesar made two crucial saves from Pinilla and Alexis Sanchez before Gonzalo Jara hit the post when he had to score to keep Chile in it.

"We had three or four chances to score a (second) goal and didn't do it. We had even possession and more shots on goal, but when you don't score you always run more of a risk," Scolari said before praising his side for coping with the extreme pressure.

"This is a new team and even the most experienced players feel pressure. If you say you don't, you are lying.

"Willian took a penalty and missed it but he will gain experience from it. Now let's see if we can make less mistakes in the next matches, because if we make errors we will give away chances and might not be so lucky.

"Chile were brilliant. They are a well-organised team and it was a very balanced game," he said.

Brazil may have the woodwork to thank for two crucial interventions in the game, but goalkeeper Julio Cesar played a huge role.

He broke down in tears just before starring in the shoot-out, and was also outstanding during the game itself, notably denying Charles Aranguiz in the second half with the score 1-1.