The host nation found itself in a dramatic penalty shoot-out against Chile on Saturday in the first knock-out stage game of the tournament.
The match, screened on BBC One, was watched by an average of 7.7 million viewers yesterday evening. David Luiz scored in the 18th minute, giving Brazil hope that they would win the match easily. However Sanchez scored for Chile in the 32nd minute of the game levelling everything out.
After no goal was scored during extra time, the dreaded penalty shoot-out played out as Brazil and the world watched to see if the country which is dominated by football would crash out of the World Cup 2014.
Thankfully for the nation of Brazil, they won 3-2 on penalties. The climax of the game witnessed by over 12 million viewers, registered a whopping 56% share. Brazil now progress to the quarter finals.
With England’s early exit after being eliminated during the group stages, there had been concern whether the remainder of the tournament would draw in the crowds for BBC One and ITV. Last night’s figures prove there is still excitement for the World Cup 2014.
