While one South American outfit is struggling, the other is thriving as Brazil needed to go to penalties for their win against Chile in the second round while Colombia beat Uruguay, another South American team 2-0. Brazil will be hoping to keep alive its quest for their sixth World Cup title while Colombia will be hoping to extend their best ever run at the tournament, having reached the quarter finals for the first time.
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Despite reaching the quarter finals in six consecutive World Cup competitions, one cause for concern for the home fans might be the fact that the Selecao have been eliminated at this stage in the last two and the team itself is doing nothing to rid their fears. Brazil have not had the convincing tournament many were expecting and are far from the big favourites at this stage. A controversial opening day win, followed by a goalless draw against Mexico and a comfortable win in the last group game over Cameroon resulted in the Brazilians winning the group- level on points with Mexico. The tight knockout match against fellow South Americans Chile followed, with the Brazilians needing to be bailed out by first the crossbar, as it denied Mauricio Pinilla right at the death and later, goalkeeper Julio Cesar during the penalty shootout. Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari is concerned at the inexperience of his young squad and organized a team meeting with a psychologist on Tuesday to try to help them cope with the pressure.
Colombia, on the other hand, have been solid all tournament with eleven goals from their four wins so far- second only to the Netherlands who have scored 12. AS Monaco forward James Rodriguez is currently the top scorer at the World Cup with five goals including his first goal against Uruguay, a sublime volley from the edge of the box which is a real contender for the goal of the tournament. While the Colombian defense has been touted as their weak link, they have conceded only two goals in four games while their opponents on Friday have conceded three.
TEAM NEWS
Brazil will be missing tenacious midfield Luiz Gustavo as he is out suspended. This will be a big blow for Scolari as the 26-year old would have been tasked with marshalling James Rodriguez for this match. Manchester City midfielder Fernandinho is expected to start in place of Gustavo and should be paired with Chelsea workhorse Ramirez. More worryingly for Brazil is the fitness of poster boy Neymar who has been walking around with a heavily bandaged knee but the Barcelona forward is expected to play on Friday.
Colombia coach Jose Peckerman has no injury or suspension worries and will have a full squad to choose from.
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Probable Lineups
Brazil (4-3-3): Julio Cesar; Marcelo, Luiz, Silva, Alves; Fernandinho, Ramirez, Oscar; Neymar, Fred, Hulk
Colombia (4-4-1-1): Ospina; Armero, Yepes, Zapata, Zuniga; Cuadrado, Sanchez, Aguilar, Ibarbo; Rodriguez; Gutierrez
PREDICTION
With the red hot form of the Colombians, I think they will finally be the ones to knock host nation Brazil out of the tournament. Especially with the lack of fitness of star forward Neymar.
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