Two defenders scored to send Brazil into semi finals
A sensational David Luiz free kick took Brazil into the World Cup semi-finals with a 2-1 victory over Colombia but Brazil's celebrations were curtailed when they learned that their talisman Neymar is ruled out of the tournament with a broken vertebrae.
They will also be without their captain Thiago Silva, who is suspended for Tuesday’s (Jul 5) semi-final against Germany after he followed up his first World Cup goal with his second yellow card of the tournament.
Roared off on by a fervent home crowd who turned the stadium into a sea of yellow, the hosts made a fast start and were ahead inside seven minutes.
Just as in their last 16 clash with Chile, a Neymar corner kick finished at the back post and Silva escaped the clutches of Carlos Sanchez to bundle the ball home.
Silva then had defensive duties as he got the slightest of touches to Juan Cuadrado’sdrive to turn it behind as Colombia tried to react.
Pekerman’s men could have been further behind moments later, as David Ospina got down well to parry Hulk’s effort before making a more comfortable save from Oscar.
Silva had to intervene once more to break up a flowing Colombia counter-attack led by Rodriguez, but Cuadrado's poor pass allowed the Brazilian captain to intercept when he had two free teammates waiting for a cross.
Chances at both ends dried up in the second-half, despite the game still being played at a frenetic pace.
Brazil were dealt a huge blow when Silva was booked for barging into Ospina as he sought to clear the ball.
Brazilian nerves were settled in the 69th minute when Luiz sent a wonderful dipping free-kick high past Ospina from fully 30 metres.
Yet, Colombia were back in the game 10 minutes from time when substitute Carlos Bacca was upended by Julio Cesar inside the area but he could do nothing to stop Rodriguez rolling home his sixth goal of the tournament from the resulting penalty.
Despite that last glimmer of hope, Brazil held on to win the game 2-1.
Source: AFP, YouTube
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