My World Cup Review

Brazil 2 : 1 Columbia

The second quarter final as Brazil take on Columbia who many have capped as Brazils toughest game yet. And it is also the battle of the number 10's. Neymar against Rodriguez. 

As expected the atmosphere is deafening. Support for both teams amplified.  Will Brazil cope with the expectations?  Tempo is high from the off and Brazil are into the flow straight away and a delicate pass through the Columbian defence set the tone of the game. Everyone looks to be in the mood. An early corner for Brazil found its way through to Silva who reacted well to poke in. The hosts lead. They are passing the ball well, crisp, slick. Brazil are not allowing Columbia to take any control on the game. There were no real chances for Columbia during the first half as Brazil succeeded in making them rush their play and in doing so, restricted them in their attacks. 

The second half started and there were the odd challenge from both teams which broke the play up so the game lost it's fluidity. It took a good 10 minutes for the game to pick up. The tempo picked up again and Columbia attacked with pace. They won a free kick and as it was taken the flag went up for offside. None of the players knew and as the ball went in they were livid that it didn't count. There will be questions asked about the referee in tonight's game as when Rodriguez committed a foul (his first) he was booked, and he remonstrated that he had been targeted throughout the match and seemed as though no punishment was given. The free kick from Luiz was a thunderbolt. Struck with power, the ball dipped and swerved and there was nothing Ospina could do. Emotions are high and in Luiz's celebration you could see what it means to the hosts. The last 10 minutes were made extremely interesting as Columbia were awarded a penalty as Cesar brought down Bacca and Rodriguez very cooly dispatched. Columbia had to push on at Brazil, but they didn't help themselves as even though time was against them, they continued to give away silly free kicks. And this resulted in Brazils poster boy being taken off on a stretcher after being kneed in the back. He looked in pain.   With 5 minutes added time, Scolari was furious, it gave Columba the chance to get that equaliser. A free kick was whipped but Yepes headed sky high. Full time was called. 

The party continued for Brazil as they now face Germany in the semi final. Their fist semi final since they won their last cup world 12 years ago. Can a well structured German squad stand in the way? 

My World Cup Review

Columbia 2 : 0 Uruguay

The winner of these two take on Brazil in the quarter final. Columbia who have become a fans favourite through their style and celebrations take on a Suarez-less Uruguay. 

A very attack minded Columbia set out what they had in mind for this game. They drove at the Uruguayan goal with jinxing runs. The only way Uruguay could stop them was to take them out. Uruguay struggled to get into the game and the absence of a Mr Suarez was an obvious factor to their lack of creativity as it was his goals that took them through. The opening goal will be considered for goal of the tournament as the highly rated James Rodriguez controlled a ball on his chest, spun and struck a sweet volley which rocketed off the bar, into the goal. GOALLLLLLL! This goal sparked Uruguay into life and they finally forced themselves on the Columbia's goal but with no end result. 

At the start of the second half Uruguay started in a more positive manor and had a few half chances. Columbia did well to shut them out and on the 50th minute they extended their lead with a lovely team goal. Cute passing, and unselfish attitude lead to a tap in for Rodrigeuz for his second. From that moment Columbia eased off the gas which allowed Uruguay to attack more. There where numerous opportunities for Uruguay but they could not convert any chances. They were running out if ideas and could not make that crucial break to give them any chance to get back into the game. 

So the first game of the quarter final is Brazil and Columbia. The way Columbia have been playing this should turn out to be a great game. And wear your sun glasses as it going to be yellow.