The World Cup is getting real for Brazil. The hometown team was expected to impress in the tournament, but so far they seem to just be getting by. That will change in the quarterfinals match against Colombia, a team with plenty to prove. Brazil has a lot of expectations placed on them after they won the Confederation's Cup and now must step up and be the team everyone thought they were if they want to continue on in the World Cup.
Brazil needed penalty kicks to get past Chile in the knockout stage of the tournament. They enter the match without any injury concerns, but might not have the luxury of getting to penalty kicks this time around. They need to score fast against Colombia who plan on doing the same against them. Brazil has not altered their lineup so far in this tournament despite underperforming. They will likely keep the same 11 on the field against Colombia as well.
Brazil's biggest challenge will be James Rodriguez who is well on his way to earning a player of the tournament nod. the midfielder has appeared unstoppable at this point in the tournament, shutting down defenders and keeping Colombia on the attacking side of the ball. Brazil will have to step up. The absence of Luiz Gustavo will hurt that effort, meaning his replacement is going to be challenged all game. However, Brazil can counter with Neymar who is clearly outperforming the rest of his teammates.
Colombia eased through the knockout stage with a convincing win against Uruguay. They remained committed to a creative offense that has excelled against its opponents. They have done everything possible to look like serious contenders to win in this World Cup and aim to continue that display against Brazil. Their lineup will remain unchanged. Jackson Martinez will continue starting over Victor Ibarbo after impressing in the last two matches.
By default, Brazil is expected to win this match and head to a showdown against Germany. Being the hometown team, they will always be favored, but so far they have just scooted by in the World Cup and they cannot afford to continue that style of play. Colombia is making a statement during their tournament run and could cause an upset in the quarterfinals.
