Fortaleza (Brazil), July 5: Hosts Brazil ended Colombia's dream run in this World Cup on Friday by handing them a 2-1 defeat at the Estadio Castelao here. The win took Brazil to the last four of the World Cup, first time since 2002, and they will meet three-time champions Germany in a titanic semi-final clash at Belo Horizonte on July 8. Germany beat France 1-0 in an earlier quarterfinal clash.

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[Read: Germany beat France 1-0]

Brazilian skipper Thiago Silva scored the first goal just seven minutes into the game while his centre-back partner David Luiz doubled the lead with a brilliant free-kick in the 69th minute.
Colombia pulled one back in the 80th minute when James Rodriguez, the find of this edition, scored from a penalty which was gifted to Colombia after Brazilian goalkeeper Julio Cesar brought down Carlos Bacca but couldn't find the equalizer. Rodriguez finished his World Cup campaign with six goals and will remain a main contender for the Golden Boots.

Both Brazil and Colombia went on the offensive from the word go but it was Brazil who made the early strike when Silva converted a Neymar corner. The hosts looked pumped up for the contest and the criticism they had faced after their earlier games might have boosted them up.

Neymar displayed some of his magic touches in the first half but was not so effective after the break. He was taken off the ground in a stretcher after suffering a blow and the entire Brazil would be eager to hear his status before the team takes the field against the Germans.

The absence of Silva in the next match would be another concern for Luiz Felipe Scolari. Silva was shown his second yellow card of the tournament and would have to sit out in the next match.

For Colombia, Rodriguez was the man to look for. He ran through the Brazilian defence a number of times in his quest for an equalizer. However, he was shown a yellow card as the game progressed towards an end. Colombian goalkeeper David Ospina had a decent day but for the brilliant free-kick of Luiz that gave him no chance to react.

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