FIFA World Cup 2014 Quarter Final: Brazil 2-1 Colombia- Five Talking Points

Brazil marched into the semi-finals thanks to goals from their two centre backs Thiago Silva and David Luiz in a spirited display from everyone in a Yellow shirt. Although James Rodriguez pulled a goal back for Colombia, the hosts managed to see off a spirited come back and march into their first semi-final since 2002, a year in which they went all the way and won the World Cup.Here are the five major talking points from the game.

#1 Brazils energy and enthusiasm on display

Brazil’s game against Colombia was billed as their biggest test yet. Not only were they taking on a free-flowing attacking team, but also perhaps the team of the tournament so far. With the amount of pressure on the team to win, one wouldn’t have been surprised if the hosts started tentatively. Instead, what Brazil got off the blocks swiftly;starting the game with the energy and swerve that has been lacking in their play so far this tournament.

The early goal was a credit to their frenetic start in which they should have scored at least a couple more. It was almost as if all the pent-up anger and drive of all the players had been channelled with one big aim, get through to the semi-finals. And get through they did, through a combination of some good set-piece play, sustained pressure on the opposition and a few lucky breaks afforded to them by the referee. It was neither the player-crunching Holland of 2010, nor was it the vintage Brazil of 1982. Instead, it was a game in which tactics almost went out of the window, to be replaced by sheer passion, something that might just help Brazil get the two wins they need to claim their sixth World Cup crown.