Written by @Chadley_N for @Hollywoodbets. Follow them both on Twitter and Facebook now!
Brazil vs Colombia | Friday 04 July | Estádio Castelão, Fortaleza | 22:00
Hosts Brazil take on the invincible Colombians in yet another all South American clash for both sides as the first quarter-final kicks off in Fortaleza. A nervous Brazil team beat Chile 3-2 on penalties to reach the World Cup quarter-finals after an epic battle that left Neymar and his teammates in tears. James Rodriguez scored twice to put Colombia into the last eight for the first time in their history with a 2-0 victory over Uruguay on Saturday.
To Win (90mins)
Brazil 8/10
Draw 26/10
Colombia 34/10
Brazil
Brazil were dominated and put under pressure for long periods of the game in their Round of 16 encounter, and the Chileans failed to capitalise in the way they did against Spain in the group stages. It’s as if the Brazilians were shown too much respect. The Selecao managed to create a few chances, but the fact is that they are lacking a proper game plan. There is no more buildup from the back and players once again resorted to long balls to Neymar. Brazil have been far too reliant on the golden boy to deliver the goods, and when he fails to pull goals out of a hat, things can get ugly quickly. Hulk and Fred have to start making things happen and putting away chances because Neymar is likely to get marked more and more tightly as Brazil progress through the tournament. Hulk did show that he can produce the goods against Chile with a number of good movements into the box and one goal disallowed for handball, but will have to start translating his enterprising play into goals. Oscar, who had a standout performance in Brazil’s opener against Croatia, has failed to deliver since and we could see Luiz Felipe Scolari opt to start with his club teammate Willian in the number ten role. Colombia will be yet another major test for Brazil, just as Chile were. Scolari may trust his players, but he cannot afford to let caution get the better of him with the stakes so high.
Colombia
A sublime James Rodriguez gave his team the lead with a stunning long-range volley on the turn in the 28th minute and added the second from close range shortly after the break as Colombia dominated a Uruguayan side that sorely missed banned striker Luis Suarez. Colombia are the in-form team at the moment and look more like a team united than Brazil. Against Uruguay, Colombia impressed with some lovely build-up play and passing moves. Although both Colombian goals were scored by Rodriguez, who is arguably the best player of the tournament so far, Los Cafeteros are not as reliant on their star as Brazil are on Neymar. Rodriguez is one of the most talented players in this World Cup, his passing is superb and it is really interesting how deceptive he can be – Rodriguez can look absent from the game but can pounce and catch his markers unaware. He now has a tournament-leading five goals in Brazil which has further enhanced his status as perhaps the tournament’s biggest revelation. Yet, he fits into a disciplined Colombian structure. Mario Yepes has been a rock at the back. He is a leader and helps manage the defence, while Pablo Armero at left back is another standout. Armero can be a bit of a loose cannon at times but is certainly a talented player. Juan Cuadrado is a creative force from midfield and has four assists at the tournament, the most by any player. And all of this without Radamel Falcao. Los Cafeteros must fancy their chances after seeing Chile take Brazil down to the wire in Belo Horizonte.
VERDICT: Colombia 34/10
Colombia head into the game on the back of four wins and very convincing displays. They have scored eleven goals and conceded only two. Form-wise, Colombia are arguably the best team going into the quarter-finals. This is probably the best Colombian team to have ever graced a World Cup and they should have enough to beat an average Brazil side. Colombia are tipped for the win.
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