Brazil vs Colombia 4th July 9pm

Before the World Cup, it was Brazil that were expected to dazzle on home turf. Their victory at the Confederations Cup last summer was highly impressive; achieved not so much in typically South American fashion as a European one, based on simply overpowering opponents through tireless pressing and lightning quick passing. However, it's yet to quite come together for the Seleção at the World Cup. The party has been excellent, but the hosts a little off-colour.

So far Luiz Felipe Scolari has largely resisted the urge to greatly alter his favoured starting lineup, despite Brazil's continued underperformance. The one change he did make against Chile was introducing Fernandinho in place of the ineffectual Paulinho, though the latter will likely return to Scolari's 11 against Colombia in the absence of suspended midfield anchorman Luiz Gustavo.

Fortunately, their quarterfinal opponents Colombia have stepped up to offer more than enough excitement; providing the Latin flair to counter Brazil's brutal functionalism. So far, they've been richly rewarded. Unlike Brazil, who relied on a traumatic penalty shootout win over Chile to make the quarterfinals, Colombia cruised past (an admittedly much weaker) Uruguay, and look like serious contenders to win the tournament. Heading into Friday's game, it's tough to see Brazil stopping them.Neither side is believed to have any injury concerns, meaning Colombia will likely be unchanged from their quarterfinal victory over Uruguay. Jackson Martínez will likely keep his place over Víctor Ibarbo on the left of their attack after impressing in the last couple of matches.

James Rodriguez has been high flying for the Colombian team scoring five goals in four matches and his performance has made them not to miss Radamel Falcao that much in the tournament. Both teams last met each other in a friendly game in 2012 and it ended in a 1-1 draw. Brazil is expected to qualify but I see Colombia to be a tough nut to crack. I expect the game to reach an extra time and perhaps end via penalty shoot outs.

Verdict: DRAW