0' Its the match that nearly didn't happen for Brasil, but the host nation fans won't care how their team got here, only that they did and they dispatch CONMEBOL colleagues Colombia to move on for a match against Germany. They've never clashed in a world cup competition, mainly because this is the farthest Colombia have ever progressed. Brasil, despite their dominant history, do not look as strong as their fans would like, and will have to play better today than they did against Chile. Excellent support from the crowd, as they once again drown out the music during the anthems. Excellent environment, and Colombia would do well to strike first and take the crowd out of the match.
7' Its a dream start for Brasil and a nightmare for Colombia. A corner kick finds Thiago Silva open on the far post to knock it in after a bounce. Poor defending from Colombia and they'll need to respond quickly to keep themselves alive, as Brasil are feeding off of the massive energy and support being given by the home crowd.
20' Nearly two for Brasil, and Colombia have not settled into the game well at all. Brasil with all of the possession, and play almost exclusively in Colombias half. Brasil defending well the few times they've had to, but Colombia looking very much out classed right now. A very open game though, but Colombia unable to get a ball into the box for a chance at a shot on goal, and unable to hold onto the ball well.
35' Julio Cesar still without any work, and the Colombians still lacking that final one or two touches to threaten the goal. The match turning very physical though, with plenty of fouls, and perhaps a little bit of acting as well. Brasil finding a lot of room in Colombian defense, but as of yet unable to increase their lead. Neymar relatively quite thus far, but perhaps going down a bit too easily more than once, and that's not the type of performance you want from your star. He's not the only one though, as his opposite number Rodriguez also doing a bit too much acting on the ground thus far.
45' Still only the early goal at the half, and Colombia are lucky for that. They've been playing quite recklessly but have not looked threatening yet at all while looking very vulnerable in defense. Brasil not really being challenged today, and perhaps not playing much stronger than their previous performance, as Colombia is making it easy for them.
60' Colombia playing better now, but perhaps that's a result of Brasil laying the foot off the gas. Still plenty of space for Brasil to find in the Colombian defense, but Colombia now with some good possession in their attacking third, but still lacking the finishing touch. Plenty of fouls still though, but no cards yet, and plenty of diving accompanying that.
66' A Colombian goal taken back due to the offsides flag. It came from a set piece, and brasil unable to clear the ball well, and it bounces around in front of goal and eventually ends in the back of the net, but still disallowed. Its sloppy from Colombia to be offside on the set piece. Minutes later, its David Luis who puts Brasil up, likely for good. Its an absolutely sensational freekick from distance. Perhaps its poor keeping from the keeper, as he's beat on his own side. And the fans erupt and its likely to be a party all over the entire country tonight.
80' Its one back for Colombia. Its a penalty earned after Julio Cesar takes out a Gutierrez in the box. Gutierrez had already gotten his shot off though, and it was going wide. Rodriguez converts, and that's his sixth in this tournament, one in every match as well. Brasil on the defense, and Colombia would do well to keep the pressure, but Brasil hoping to defend well and strike on the counter.
Final' It's all over, Brasil on through to the semifinal, but hardly in convincing fashion. Colombia turning it on in the last ten minutes, with a couple of excellent chances, but too little too late. Brasil having on by a thread. And its two mistakes on set pieces by Colombia that they take advantage of. They'll have to do better if they want to beat Germany.
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