As for the reason FIFA World Cup 2014 host Brazil started with more difficulty and struggle than expected, the team is surrounded by doubts regarding the quarterfinal match against Colombia this coming 4th of July. Colombia, on the other hand, is positive and upbeat after convincing four notable performances and four straight wins.
Brazil's last match against Chile was an anybody's game-only by a penalty shootout did the host team win the game; while Colombia's win over Uruguay was very convincing. Nevertheless, Brazil is still in hopes of winning the sixth World Cup title as these South American rivals play off against each other on Friday.
Brazil, however, is far from the favorites despite the tradition and its home-field advantage due to their lackluster start and an uncomfortable opening win against Croatia, a draw with Mexico and a win over Cameroon in the group stage preceded the tight knockout match against Chile, when the team advanced on penalties.
Luiz Felipe Scolari-the Brazil coach-said that it is normal for the people to demand that the team play better. "It is also normal that we have been seeing in this World Cup so far. There were a lot of even matches. There is no difference between teams that have tradition and world titles and the rest of the teams. Matches are being decided on penalties, in the final minutes, on mistakes." he added.
Colombia won all of its matches without really any difficulty. "We're very happy because we are making history," said Colombia midfielder James Rodriguez. "We want to do even more because this is a team that really wants to win."
So far, Colombia has beaten Brazil only twice-the last time was in 1991 Copa America-but the teams have drawn the last four matches they played, including in a 2012 friendly in New York.
