Colombia and Brazil Survive

Brazil vs Chile

In Brazil's opening 3 matches they struggled to get off to quick starts. In this match the Brazilians came out with intensity and found the opener after just 18 minutes. Neymar's corner kick was flicked on by Thiago Silva towards the back post, where David Luis was waiting to turn the ball in (http://gfycat.com/FarFluidIndianglassfish). His first World Cup goal gave Brazil the early lead they were looking for, against a Chilean side who looked to his them on the counter. After the goal Brazil seemed to be in control of the game. Brazil weren't able to break Chile down and grab another, but their high defensive intensity kept Chile from getting any clear cut chances, until the 32nd minute that is. Marcelo took a throw deep inside his own half to Hulk. Hulk's weak back pass was picked off by Vargas, who found Sanchez alone in the box. Sanchez's shot to the far post wasn't powerful, but the placement beat Julio Cesar and tied the game up at 1-1 (http://gfycat.com/OptimalPastelBittern). After the goal Chile came into the game more. Brazil looked shocked, and their play fell off dramatically. Chile's goal silenced the crowd and put Brazil on their heels. The second half was dominated by Chile, who looked the more likely to go on and find a winner. Brazil looked sloppy and disjoint during the 2nd half. Neymar disappeared, and the only player who was creating any chances was Hulk. Despite a lack luster performance the Brazilians were able to survive until penalties, thanks to an absolutely heroic performance from Julio Cesar. The Brazilians were able to keep their nerve better than the Chileans, who put in an effort deserving of a win. The shootout ended 3-2 to Brazil and they march on to play Colombia in the quarter-finals (http://gfycat.com/OptimalPastelBittern). 

Colombia vs Uruguay

Colombia came into the game looking like one of the top teams in the competition, and they didn't disappoint in this match. Uruguay were without Luis Suarez up front and without him they really struggled to create any kind of offense. Colombia dominated the entire game, and in the 28th minute James Rodriguez scored one of the goals of the tournament. He brought the ball down out of the air with his chest and hit the ball on the volley from about 25 yards out. His strike beat the goalkeeper and bounced in off of the crossbar (http://gfycat.com/YearlyFabulousCaiman). The break through goal always looked like it would be enough to beat Uruguay, who really struggled to create clear cut opportunities. When James doubled the Colombian lead with his 5th goal of the tournament, the game was put out of reach. In the 50th minute, a floated ball to the back post from Armero was headed smartly, back across the goal and James was left with a simple tap in (http://gfycat.com/EarnestWateryCopperbutterfly). The Colombians played Uruguay off the field and set themselves up for a date with Brazil in the quarterfinals.