Day 23 - Brazil v Colombia

Pre-Match Thoughts
Once again the host nation steps up, having counted themselves lucky to swerve a shock defeat to Chile. In open play, they've won half their games, while Colombia have been victorious in all four, though tonight is a bigger fish than what they've been hooking so far.

Naturally, the attention will fall on both Neymar and James Rodriquez, who have been stand out players so far in essentially functional teams. Of course, the occasion may end up in a footballing bonanza as both go all out for victory to prevent extra time and the additional leg work/exhaustion that brings with it. Or it could end up another slightly tedious affair like today's earlier game. It'd be a shame if a World Cup that's so far been very entertaining in the main would drizzle out in the later rounds.

I think this one could go all the way, with 1-1 the score at 120 minutes. I need to pick up my prediction skills after backing France last time!

Drink?
Budvar!

First Half
The early goal may prove decisive, with the Brazilian captain bundling the ball home from a corner. It seems to have release a bit of a pressure valve in the team, who have been the best side here. Colombia look nervous and uncertain, especially when on the attack.

Colombia are going to have the chill the fuck out if they are to stand any chance of scoring here. Both star men have yet to make any kind of mark on the game, so the Colombians have to make sure to get their man rolling while keeping Neymar quiet.

Second Half
It all seemed to be the same story as the first when David Luiz slammed in an unstoppable free kick. Most of the time, they end up in the back of the stand, but law of averages states they have to go in eventually. Colombia seemed undisciplined, never testing the Brazil keeper... until a ball was put through and a penalty was won. Rodriquez kept his nerve to put it away - scoring in his fifth game in a row.

Yet even after the goal, Colombia continued to give away stupid fouls which hampered their odds for getting the equaliser, though one of them did manage to result in Neymar being carted off.

But it was their lack of discipline that led to them being unable to muster any real pressure, which is disappointing given their previous performances. For some reason, I've taken a dislike to their Brazilian side, perhaps due to the whole media nonsense about this being their "fate" to win the World Cup.

Result
2-1 to Brazil, who will play Germany in the semi-final.

Minor Triumph of the Day
I won a pound on a quiz machine in a pub.