Photo: James Rodriguez and Neymar (Getty Images)
In a clash that has been built on two of the young superstars of world football, Colombia will be hoping the inspiration from the 20th anniversary of Andres Escobar’s death gets them passed hosts Brazil. For coach Jose Pekerman it will be even sweeter to get the better of Brazil not just to be in the semis but he is an Argentine which means Brazil is the greatest enemy.
The Brazilians have not really caught the eye just yet and it remains to be seen if they can lift their game in this fixture. However, history tells us that when the Selecao gets to the last 8 they normally go a lot further but they have been eliminated at this stage in the last two World Cups. Luiz Felipe Scolari will hope his team peaks at the right time and they must perform at a higher standard if they are to get the better of this well-oiled Colombian machine. Brazil has hit the net eight times so far with their golden boy Neymar accountable for half the tally.
The Colombians have been the standouts of the tournament thus far. They have improved with every game, playing some exciting and scintillating football much to the pleasure of their coach and fans. James Rodriguez has been their star in the absence of Radamel Falcao leading the golden boot race with 5 goals and two assists as well. Colombia has six different scorers so far hitting the back if the net 11 times with Juan Cuadrado their chief creator with four assists and also a goal. They have conceded just twice in their four games making them very difficult opponents to beat.
The Selecao are expected to have Julio Cesar in goal after his heroics in the penalty shoot-out win with captain Thiago Silva and David Luiz in central defense. The attacking full back should retain their place in the first eleven so Dani Alves and Marcelo will feature.
Fernandinho is expected to partner Luiz Gustavo in the middle of the park for Scolari as they form the most balanced and effective partnership sitting in front the back four. Oscar has gone quiet since his goal in the first game against Croatia and he must have an outstanding outing if Brazil are to progress. Again, Neymar will be their main source of inspiration and danger but Hulk and Fred must step up and take some of the pressure off the 22 year old Barcelona youngster.
The safe hands of David Ospina will provide Los Cafeteros their insurance between the sticks. The partnership of skipper Mario Yepes and Cristian Zapata has flourished and is expected to stand firm against Brazil with Pablo Armero at left back and Juan Camilio Zuniga operating on the right.
Carlos Sanchez, also known as La Roca (The Rock), will be the hard man in the middle of the park hoping to protect the back four from Neymar and company and he should be partnered by Abel Aguilar. Rodriguez who is no doubt the player of the tournament so far is the main man in attack and he will be assisted by Cuadrado and striker Jackson Martinez. Victor Ibarbo should return to the first eleven to add a bit more power in attack as well as to help out in defense.
The game has been built on the battle between the 22 year old youngsters Neymar and Rodriguez. The latter has outshone Brazil’s hope so far but the Barcelona attacker could take it all away in this fixture. The Maracana will be covered with yellow as it is the dominant colour of both teams but Colombian fans will take with them something to remember, their hero of the past Andres Escobar. They will be using his legacy as added motivation and will hope their heroes of the present day can go on to do great things that will help to cover the dark cloud over the history of Colombian Football.
Brazil for the first time may feel as though they are entering a World Cup match as underdogs. Colombia is very much the team to beat but Brazil has history and tradition on their side and will be counting on that as well as their fans to get them over the line. It is gonna be a difficult game against a fellow South American team which is always unpredictable. They got lucky against Chile but this time around they will have to perform at their best because Colombia are in fine form with players capable of winning a match through sheer individual brilliance and has the depth to go all the way.
Players to Watch
Brazil – Neymar, Oscar, Luiz Gustavo
Colombia – James Rodriguez, Juan Cuadrado, Carlos Sanchez
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