Colombia is set to face Brazil in the first FIFA 2014 World Cup quarter final match on July 4, Friday.
The host, Brazil, is still the favorite to win although their previous matches have not been as amazing as fans expected. According to The Epoch Times, the team has been depending heavily on Neymar but if their superstar is not his usual self, the Brazilian squad tends to collapse. Colombia, on the other hand, although lacking in expectations from football fans, has been more consistent and showed winning form throughout the tournament. James Rodriguez is fast emerging to be its premier player and set to earn the Golden Boot.
Brazil has to divide the effort among Neymar, Hulk and Fred. The Colombian team might form their defense around the mediocre showing of Neymar. As Brazil's star gets marked, they need to create a diversion and let Hulk deliver just as he did against Chile. His great ball handling skills, however, should translate into goals for Brazil to pull off a victory. James Rodriguez is expected to score at least one goal for Colombia and his teammates will be equally reliable should he be marked early in the game.
Fernandinho, midfielder for Brazil, was cautioned to stay close to James Rodriguez and prevent him to make plays if they intend to survive the match. Colombia has overcome the odds and finished at No. 1 in Group C. They had a beautiful 2-0 win against Uruguay, with all goals made by Rodriguez. So far, Rodriguez has five goals in just four games.
In a report by The Independent, Fernandinho said, "I played against him in the Champions League. It was at the start of his time in Europe and he wasn't yet a first-choice for Porto." He added, "Already in that game he showed his technical quality with his left foot. In this World Cup he is showing everyone that the money Monaco paid for him was well invested. The less space he gets against us, the better it will be for Brazil."
According to Fernandinho, the Brazilian squad does not have difficulty easing off the pressure forming around them to win their sixth World Cup title in their own land. He said that they have been preparing since they formed the team on May 26. They worked on both the physical and psychological aspects of their game. He shared that it is a big responsibility to represent a country of 200 million people and that they aim to stay focused especially when it comes to penalties.
Live streaming will be available on ESPN, Univision, First Row Live and BBC.
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