Brazil v Colombia, Quarterfinal, Rio 2016 - Brazil are in the semifinals

All I can say, it was not football. Colombia were too physical and disturbed the charm of football. Their target was Neymar who was the victim of ugly challenges and then, the other Brazilians tasted the same fate. The reply of the Brazilians was not friendly as well. Neymar provoked provoked a mass brawl between the two teams after a heavy challenge on Andres Roa. It was an ugly sight as the refrees intervened to settle down the issue, but the physicality was still evident.

But despite such a rugby-style of play triggered by the Colombians, Brazil managed to net two goals. Neymar opened the account via a direct freekick. The Brazilian poster boy was off and running, but the Colombians seemed to determined to bring back the nightmares of 2014.

But Neymar had been the centre of attraction yet again, as he picked Luan out in the center of the park with a gorgeous pass and Luan took a long-range rip that Bonilla had no chance to stop.

Brazil’s central defenders, Marquinhos and Rodrigo Caio had a fantastic game. At the start of the second half, Brazil moved forward to press, but Colombia caught them in the counterattack. 

Marquinhos and Caio made some important tackles while the goalkeeper, Weverton made terrific saves, but his habit of punching the ball rather than grabbing it like Sweden’s ex-goalkeeper Ravelli might invite trouble.

Brazil maintained their free-flowing style though it was not as spectacular as the game against Denmark. You can’t do much when the opposition players are playing on the pitch wrestling rather than football. Brazil have advanced into the semifinals defying all the odds. This Selecao side means business under Rogerio Micale.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar