Everything you need to know about Brazil-Colombia

In one of the most anticipated games of the tournament, Brazil will take on Colombia for a chance to go to the semifinals of the World Cup. 

Brazil got here by taking care of business in Group A and then hanging on for a penalty-shootout win over Chile in the first round of the knockut stages.
 

Colombia has cruised so far this tournament, winning their group easily and then dispatching a Luis Suarez-less Uruguay in the first knockout game. 

This should be a thriller. 

Key Match

James Rodriguez vs. Thiago Silva 

The tournament’s most electrifying attacking player will be trying to get past one of the world’s most highly-rated defenders. This is going to be fun.

Colombia’s James Rodriguez has been a revelation this tournament, as the AS Monaco playmaker has scored five goals and notched two assists in four games so far, which are video game numbers. 

He’s also captured the hearts of the Colombian fans, who are a few goals away from electing him president.

Brazilian defender Thiago Silva also plays his club football in France for Paris Saint-Germain, and the central defender will take pride in halting Rodriguez’s incredible run of form. 

Thiago Silva may take a yellow card if it means sending a message to Rodriguez and trying to deny him the ball in dangerous places on the field. 

 Players to Watch 

Neymar

 

The Brazilian superstar had an almost impossible amount of hype entering this tournament, and he’s all but lived up to it. Neymar has scored four goals in the first four games of the tournament, and has been the focal point of Brazil’s attack. 

He struggled to find space to create against Chile, but he will look to find room to work and time to create magic in the open field. If Colombia gives him that time and space, he’ll score. He doesn’t need a lot to make something happen. 

 Cuadrado

James Rodriguez has stolen the headlines, but his attacking counterpart Cuadrado is just as dangerous a player. The AC Fiorentina maestro is one of the most lethal dribblers in the game, and if Brazil focuses too much of its attention on Rodriguez, Cuadrado could find himself with room to work. 

He already has one goal this tournament and will be looking to add to his tally. 

History 

History is strongly on the side of Brazil in this match. The two teams have squared off 14 times before, and Colombia has won just once, back in 1991.
 

A 2012 friendly between the two teams got testy

That being said, the last four meetings have all ended in draws, and Colombia is riding high on confidence heading into this game. They saw Chile nearly knock off Brazil, and will think they can end the hosts’ run. 

Prediction 

I think Colombia is too hot running in, and Brazil looked emotionally spent after the PKs with Chile. Colombia will do just a bit too much and beat Brazil 2-1.