LIVE TV
India
Fortaleza: David Luiz blasted a sensational free-kick into the net from 35 yards as Brazil knocked out South American rivals Colombia 2-1 to set up a FIFA World Cup semifinal clash with Germany, here on Friday.
Luiz doubled the Brazilian lead with his spectacular free kick that crashed into the top right of the net in the 69th minute while skipper Thiago Silva's first half strike on a Neymar corner kick had put the hosts ahead.
Colombia pulled one back when James Rodriguez converted a penalty in the 80th minute but Brazilians held nerves in the tense remaining time to set up a last-four clash with European powerhouse Germany, who ousted old rivals France 1-0 in Rio De Janeiro early in the day.
The hosts though have some worries going into Tuesday's showdown as Brazilian skipper Silva will miss the last-four clash due to double booking and Neymar's fitness is under cloud after he was carried off on a stretcher following a rough challenge from Colombian defender Juan Camillo Zuniga late in the second half.
Neymar, kneed on the back by Zubiga, was taken to a hospital to undergo tests.
In a fast and frenetic quarterfinal clash, Brazil came up with its best show so far in the home tournament even as Colombia put up a spirited fight.
Young Colombia striker Rodriguez was gutted as he left the field in tears before exchanging his shirt with Luiz, who consoled the rival player.
Rodriguez scored his sixth goal of the tournament but his penalty was not enough to keep his side alive in the tournament.
Silva struck as early as in the seventh minute when Neymar's corner was missed by Luiz in the middle but the home skipper smashed in with knee.
Silva became the first captain to score for Brazil in a World Cup game in 20 years and it was Brazil's quickest World Cup goal since Ronaldo scored in the fifth minute against Ghana in 2006.
It was slack defence from Colombia as Silva was allowed to drift in at the back post.
