That was entertaining.
Two South American powers went blow-for-blow in a World Cup quarterfinal at the Estadio Castelao, but Brazil's guile from set pieces proved the difference as the hosts knocked off Colombia 2-1 on goals by defenders Thiago Silva and David Luiz to advance to a semifinal date against Germany on July 8.
CARLOS SANCHEZ CAUGHT BALL-WATCHING: That's the only explanation for Brazil captain Thiago Silva being wide open on the far post to push home the opener in the 7th minute on a Neymar corner kick. It was the first time Colombia trailed in the entire World Cup.
NO TIME TO CATCH YOUR BREATH: That goal was just the start of what would turn into a back-and-forth affair during the first half. But it was Brazil who had the best looks through Hulk (20th minute and 28th minute).
DAVID LUIZ DOES IT AGAIN: The game toned down in the second half and the central defender was charged with taking a centrally positioned set piece in the 68th minute, catching Colombia goalkeeper David Ospina leaning the wrong way. The strike sent the crwod into delirium and gave him another excuse to kick at another corner flag.
BRAZIL MISS THIAGO SILVA VS. GERMANY ... AND MAYBE NEYMAR?: Cards were hard to come by early on for controversial Spanish referee Carlos Carballo. But the first one handed out to Thiago Silva will cost him a semifinal appearance. Expect Bayern Munich's Dante to take his place.
As if that wasn't enough to worry about, Neymar took a blow to the back from Colombia right back Juan Zuniga in the closing minutes and was stretchered off the field.
JAMES TAKES GOLDEN BOOT LEAD: Colombia's best player gave his team hope late in the match, filtering a pass to Carlos Bacca, who was brought down by Brazil goalkeeper Julio Cesar in the 78th minute. But Rodriguez stepped up to net the spot kick two minutes later, his 6th World Cup goal.
He left the field in tears, but his performance earned him the respect of many of the Brazilian contingent.
