Brazil moved into the semifinal of the World Cup, holding on late for a 2-1 victory over Colombia on Friday. The explosive attack that Los Cafeteros had shown throughout the tournament never really materialized as Brazil scored early thanks to Thiago Silva, and put the match away late on a stunning David Luiz free kick. A late penalty gave Colombia hope, but the equalizer wouldn't come.
Brazil wasted little time taking a lead, needing less than seven minutes to get the ball past David Ospina. Neymar's corner kick went to the far post, as virtually every Colombian defender went towards the near post. That left Silva unmarked with a ton of space, and he didn't waste the chance, putting the ball past Ospina to give Brazil a 1-0 lead.
Neymar Injured
Colombia nearly answered in the 11th minute when a poor clearance attempt led to Oscar giving the ball away to Juan Cuadrado right on the edge of the box. The midfielder's shot took a deflection, and went just wide of the post.
Ospina was challenged again in the 20th minute when Neymar hit Hulk making a run through the Colombia back line. The Zenit striker put hit shot on frame, but Ospina was able to make the save. The Colombia goalkeeper left a rebound, but was right back on his feet to collect the follow up shot from outside the box.
Brazil seemed to be playing with fire for much for the second half, coming close to allowing Colombia to find the equalizer. Then in the 69th minute, a moment of brilliance from David Luiz doubled the lead.
After James Rodriguez broke up a counter attack with a tackle, Brazil were awarded a free kick near the box. Luiz lined up his shot and curled a sensational shot over the wall and past Ospina to make it 2-0.
Colombia made a late surge, pulling within a goal in the 80th minute after Júlio César brought down Carlos Bacca in the box, giving Colombia a penalty. James Rodriguez stepped up and fired a shot past César to make it 2-1.
Silva will miss the semifinal against Germany after picking up a needless yellow card midway through the second half. Dante will likely get the start in his place. Neymar will also be an injury question mark after he was stretched off in the 88th minute following a collision that appeared to leave him with an injured back.
Brazil: César, Marcelo, Luiz, Silva, Maicon, Paulinho (Hernanes 86'), Fernandinho, Neymar (Henrique 88'), Oscar, Hulk (Ramires 83'), Fred
Goals: Silva (7'), Luiz (69')
Colombia: Ospina, Armero, Yepes, Zapata, Zuñiga, Rodriguez, Sanchez, Guarín, Cuadrado (Quintero 80'), Gutierrez (Bacca 70'), Ibarbo (Ramos 46')
Goals: Rodriguez (80')