It was never a dull moment when hosts Brazil took on neighbours Colombia in a feisty quarter-final clash of the FIFA World Cup 2014.
It was never a dull moment when hosts Brazil took on neighbours Colombia in a feisty quarter-final clash of the FIFA World Cup 2014.
Even as the hosts ran 2-1 winners over Colombia, the former know they have to raise the bar in the semi-finals with the likes of German opposition waiting. European powerhouse, Germany won a sluggish 1-0 over France, thanks to a Mats Hummels goal. Here’s the review of both the games:
France vs. Germany
Result – Germany win
Germany reached the semi-finals for a fourth straight World Cup by beating France 1-0 on Friday in a slow match settled by a first-half header from Mats Hummels.
The center back headed Toni Kroos’ free kick in off the underside of the bar in the 13th minute in one of the few chances created in muggy conditions at Maracana Stadium.
Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer punched away Karim Benzema’s powerful drive in injury time to preserve the lead. Next up for Germany are hosts, Brazil. France struggled to impose its attacking game in the face of a robust, experienced Germany side that seemed more comfortable on the big stage. The result also meant that Germany made it to the semi-final of the World Cup for the fourth consecutive time.
Brazil vs. Colombia
Result – Brazil victory
Brazil made their way into the World Cup semi-finals for the first time in 12 years, with goals coming from defenders Thiago Silva and David Luiz in a 2-1 win over Colombia on Friday.
Brazil, who had been eliminated in the quarterfinals at the last two World Cups, will next play Germany on Tuesday in Belo Horizonte. Silva gave Brazil the lead in the seventh minute, scoring with his left knee after a corner from Neymar passed through the Colombian defense. Luiz added the second from a free kick in the 69th, sending a swerving long-range shot off the side of his foot into the top of the net.
Colombian starlet James Rodriguez converted from the penalty spot in the 80th minute but it was all too late. Bad news though for the hosts was that their star striker Neymar was ruled out from the rest of the games due to a broken vertebrae while Thiago Silva will miss the semi-final after picking up a booking.
Brazil is trying to become the first host to win the World Cup since France in 1998. At the last two World Cups, Brazil lost to the Netherlands in the quarterfinals in 2010 and to France in 2006. But the Selecao could rewrite history, if they can overturn the German side that will look to play from the word ‘go’.
