World Cup 2014: Brazil Defeats Colombia, 2-1

It was not always pretty, but Brazil cleared its toughest hurdle so far at the World Cup, beating Colombia, 2-1, in Fortaleza and advancing to the semifinals.

Brazil calmed its nervous fans with a goal just six minutes in as Thiago Silva found himself unmarked on a corner and pushed in an easy chance.

With the goal in hand, Brazil was able to concentrate on effectively shutting down Colombia's star, James Rodriguez, who came into the game leading all World Cup scorers with five goals.

In the 68th minute of a choppy game, came a sublime moment. David Luiz rocketed in a perfect free kick into the upper corner of the goal from 35 yards out. Brazil led by 2-0 and seemed to be in control.

But Colombia was given new life when Brazil keeper Julio Cesar fouled Carlos Bacca in the box.

Rodriguez duly converted the penalty, his sixth goal of the tournament, and Colombia began to pour on the attacks.

But despite a few half chances, it could not find a breakthrough in the minutes that remained. Brazil advances to face Germany in the first semifinal on Tuesday.

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS

• 6': Goal Brazil!

  Brazil is in the lead in the first 10 minutes! It’s Thiago Silva! Directly off the corner, by Neymar of course, Thiago Silva’s marker, Sanchez, simply misses him, the ball lands at his feet and he taps it in with ease.
   REPLAY

  Possession Gained or kept Lost

• 69': Goal! Brazil Is Up 2-0

  Photo

  

  Brazil’s David Luiz celebrated his goal on a free kick.CreditVanderlei Almeida/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images

  David Luiz takes a free kick from 30 meters or more, and he puts it dead in the upper corner. Absolutely perfect! Rodriguez had fouled Hulk for the kick.
  And it’s a huge turnaround, because only a minute before Colombia had a goal disallowed for offside! Despite the immediate flag, the players kept scrapping at the ball and Yepes eventually put it in, but it didn’t count.
  Colombia is in a huge hole now!
   REPLAY

  Possession Gained or kept Lost

• 79': Penalty for Colombia! 2-1!

  Penalty to Colombia! This one might not be over yet. Carlos Bacca, who just entered the game for Gutierrez, beat David Luiz of all people and was brought down by keeper Julio Cesar. Yellow for the keeper and James Rodriguez will take!
  Julio Cesar guesses wrong and it’s 2-1!
   REPLAY

  Possession Gained or kept Lost

  The run-up to the foul and Rodríguez’s sixth goal of the tournament on a penalty kick.
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  Brazil's Thiago Silva scored the first goal of the match. Pool photo by

  GOALS

  •  7’ Thiago Silva
  •  68’ David Luiz

   

  •  80’ James Rodríguez(penalty)

  STATS	Brazil	Colombia
  Shots (on goal)	13 (6)	11 (7)
  Fouls	31	23
  Corner Kicks	4	6
  Offsides	0	3
  Possession	51%	50%
  Yellow Cards	2	2
  Red Cards	0	0
  Saves	1	3

  BALL POSSESSION

  51% Brazil

  50% Colombia

  WHAT’S AT STAKE

  A tough semifinal against Germany.
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