By Tam Nguyen, Nguoi Viet
By the time this game starts on Friday, Brazil and Colombia will know whether the winner will meet France or Germany in the World Cup semifinals. Brazil escaped with a 3-2 win over Chile in penalty kicks, and Colombia defeated Uruguay, 2-0, to advance to the quarterfinals. Will Brazil have what it takes to move host nation to the semis?
Brazil celebrates after defeating Chile in a penalty shootout last Saturday to advance to the World Cup quarterfinals. (Photo by Paul Gilham/Getty Images)
Kickoff: 1 p.m. PDT, ESPN
Players to watch
BRAZIL: Neymar is on a roll, leading the team in goals for the tournament with four. Neymar recorded a goal in the penalty-kick shootout to edge a tough Chile team. Neymar had great chances to score during regulation but couldn’t find the net; he again will be set up in the box and has to figure a way to break free of the defenders for the easy shots on goals.
COLOMBIA: James Rodriguez led Colombia over Uruguay, scoring two goals from long range and from just inside the goalkeeper box. Rodriguez again will be found in the box, getting in position to receive the ball for the high-percentage scoring chances.
Keys to victory
BRAZIL: The Brazilians must keep attacking the front of the net and generate lots of shots on goals ― but only take shots if there is a clear lane. They can’t let the Colombians set up their offense and be aggressive on defense.
COLOMBIA: Colombia must block out the shooting and passing lanes of the Brazilians, who can convert their shots or set up plays even with obstacles in their way. The offense must generate more scoring chances against the tough Brazilian defense and score early to stand a chance of escaping with a win.
Prediction: Colombia will not be able to stop the assault of Brazil’s offense. Brazil will have the upper hand in terms of scoring chances. It will be too much for the Colombians, who likely will fall and run out of magic in the tournament.
Final score: Brazil 2, Colombia 1
Do you agree or disagree with this prediction and analysis? Share your comments below.
WORLD CUP SCHEDULE
(All times Pacific)
Quarterfinals
Friday, July 4
9 a.m.: France vs. Germany at Estadio do Maracana, Rio de Janeiro (ESPN2)
1 p.m.: Brazil vs. Colombia at Estadio Castelao, Fortaleza (ESPN)
Saturday, July 5
9 a.m.: Argentina-Switzerland winner vs. Belgium-United States winner at Estadio Nacional Mane Garrincha, Brasilia (ABC)
1 p.m. Netherlands vs. Costa Rica at Arena Fonte Nova, Salvador (ESPN)
Semifinals
Tuesday, July 8
1 p.m.: Quarterfinal winners at Estadio Mineirao, Belo Horizonte (ESPN)
Wednesday, July 9
1 p.m.: Quarterfinal winners at Arena Corinthians, Sao Paulo (ESPN)
Third-Place Game
Saturday, July 12
1 p.m.: Semifinal losers at Estadio Nacional Mane Garrincha, Brasilia (ESPN)
Final
Sunday, July 13
1 p.m.: Semifinal winners at Estadio do Maracana, Rio de Janeiro (ABC)
