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And so the road to Rio is a little further travelled. Brazil, somehow, have stumbled their way into the semi-finals courtesy of a nervy 2-1 win over Colombia. But they’ll face Germany without their young talisman Neymar, who sustained a nasty blow to his lower spine and is now out for the rest of the tournament.
For seventy minutes, this was a mostly forgettable contest, littered with fouls, free-kicks and sub-par soccer. Brazil’s play was disjointed, promising attacks breaking down after a heavy touch or misplaced pass. While Fred’s name was on the team sheet, he was barely noticeable on the pitch, ensconced in Mario Yepes’ pocket: centre back David Luiz showed more flair and attacking prowess in one mazy run out of defense than the Brazilian Number 9 has all tournament.
And yet, after seven minutes, they found themselves in the lead. Running behind the stationary Carlos Sanchez, Thiago Silva met Neymar’s corner unmarked and bundled the ball home off his knee. Fortaleza, and the rest of Brazil with it, rejoiced.
Thiago Silva celebrates his goal versus Columbia; however, he will sit out the semi-finals match after receiving his second yellow card of the tournament (Photo: ESPN Broadcast)
Colombia simply failed to get going for the first hour, playing Brazil on their reputation rather than current form. Their best football came almost exclusively through James Rodriguez down the middle, though he was mercilessly kicked about the park by the combative Fernandinho. How the Manchester City midfielder escaped a booking is difficult to explain.
When Brazil extended their lead on 69 minutes, the game appeared up. Striking the ball with his instep, David Luiz melted a 25-yard free kick that dipped and wiggled into the top right corner. A sense of inevitability pervaded the stadium; the Maracana was Brazil’s destiny.
Luiz has ended his World Cup scoring drought in dramatic fashion this tournament, with 2 goals in the last 5 matches (Photo: ESPN Broadcast)
It was only then, two down with twenty minutes to go, that Colombia remembered how to play. Through Rodriguez and substitute Carlos Bacca, the Colombians forced Brazil deeper and deeper, Fernandinho and Paulinho treading on their back four’s toes. On 78 minutes, Colombian pressure told, as Julio Cesar brought down Bacca in the penalty box. Rodriguez converted the penalty. Cue Brazilian nerves.
The Rodriguez-Bacca double-act almost paid dividends again two minutes later, the latter meeting the former’s cross to head just wide. Colombia sent wave after wave of attack forward, desperately searching out the equalizer. Brazil hung on. Just.
A show of respect between two World Cup icons; David Luiz comforts James Rodriguez after the two exchanged jerseys (Photo: ESPN Broadcast)
But the win has come at a price. Thiago Silva picked up a second yellow card for the tournament and is now suspended for the semi final. Of far greater concern, Neymar left the field on a stretcher after 88 minutes and will play no further part in this World Cup. The18 has already passed comment on this Brazilian side’s distinct lack of attacking talent, but it bears repeating: without their young talisman, Brazil are bereft of ideas going forward. Neymar has either scored or set up half of Brazil’s goals; David Luiz is their next top scorer.
Marcelo comes to Neymar's aid after a back injury suffered at the 88' mark, which will take him out of the rest of the World Cup (Photo: @JOEdotie | Twitter)
Shorn of his inspirational number 10, Big Phil Scolari will need to muster all his motivational and organizational talents to see Brazil across the line. Fred, Hulk and Jo are no substitute for the Barca man’s pace, skill and imagination.
