Brazil’s Olympic footballing dream received a massive lift on Saturday. Following the women’s dramatic shootout victory over Australia on Friday, Brazil’s men followed the example of Marta and company to reach the semi-finals of their own competition.
Having struggled through group play with draws against Iraq and South Africa, Neymar and his teammates sprung to life with devastating efficiency against continental rivals Colombia.
Neymar set the tone with a sensational free kick only 12 minutes into the game. The Barcelona star had yet to register a goal in three matches at these Games, but there was absolutely nothing Colombian goalkeeper Cristian Bonilla could do to prevent Neymar from curling his long-range effort into the left-hand side of the net.
But he did great tho https://t.co/rLTyUekUlS
— kyungsoojung-noonnie (@paru_vivo) August 14, 2016
These two sides have had a recent history of testy affairs. At the 2014 World Cup, Neymar was infamously injured in Brazil’s 2-1 quarter-final victory. At the 2015 Copa America, Neymar was sent off against Colombia in the group stage and suspended for four games.
It should come as no surprise then that Neymar was at the center of another early fracas between the two teams. His late foul almost triggered a massive first half brawl that resulted in five yellow cards being shown.
Brazil ensured their passage to Rio when Luan scored with a spectacular lob on 83 minutes. Neymar was involved in the buildup but all credit must go to the Gremio forward.
Brazil will play Honduras on Wednesday, August 17th in Rio. In the other semi-final, Nigeria will play Germany on that same day in Sao Paulo.
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