Chile’s Mauricio Pinilla gets a tattoo of his crossbar shot against Brazil

When the World Cup ends, no matter the result, people will remember that Julio Cesar put in a heroic effort that knocked Chile out on penalties and put Brazil through. But millions of Chileans, and few others worldwide, will remember the game for a moment that nearly made history. It’ll be a story told by Chileans for generations to come about how they so nearly did the unthinkable and knocked the mighty Brazilian out in their own backyard.

Yes, this almost took place. With the clock ticking and just seconds left for a penalty shootout, Mauricio Pinilla struck a shot that beat Julio Cesar in goal but agonizingly came back off the crossbar. Pinilla was inches away from being a cult-hero back home.

The striker won’t ever forget this, and as a result has gone on two tattoo the moment on his back to remember the time when the scoreline nearly read Brazil 0-1 Chile (Pinilla 120′). Now if he is looking for ideas to ever get it removed, he will have to undergo painful procedures for laser tattoo removal, which only experts (similar to the ones available at the various Toronto’s best tattoo removal clinics) will be able to provide.

Nevertheless, Pinilla’s goal has indeed made him a hero, not only for his country but also for football fans worldwide. Chile has always been one of those countries which has given Brazil and Argentina a run for their money in world tournaments, and Pinilla’s ascent as the newly found hero, could very well be the start of a new era for Chilean football!

Photos via @conejosanchez23