World Cup Preview - Brazil vs. Colombia Quarterfinal Match in 2014 FIFA World Cup

Brazillian star player Neymar is battling with a thigh injury and is a huge doubt for a very important clash against a Colombia team who has been one of the best, if not the best team at this World Cup. Brazil were only seconds from being dumped out, but they have the crossbar to thank, as it denied Mauricio Pinilla a goal right at the death. Brazil then needed some clutch saves from Julio Cesar in a penalty shootout to see them into the quarterfinals.

Now Brazil really needs to start playing like world champions if they want to lift the trophy. This will be Brazil's toughest opponent as the Colombians put on a clinic on Saturday as they defeated Uruguay 2-0. If Brazil wants to win, they need to rely less on Neymar who will not be 100% fit even if he does decide to play on Saturday. 

Brazil will be returning to Fortaleza, the city where they drew against Mexico only 2.5 weeks ago. The performance against Mexico raised many questions within the Brazilian camp as the offensive end of the ball lacked a finishing touch. Brazil only come in tied for fourth with most goals scored this World Cup as they have only bagged 7. This is significantly down compared to their 2013 Confederations Cup group stage as they scored 9 goals.

While one South American powerhouse is struggling, another upcoming one is thriving. Colombia's 2-0 win over Uruguay confirmed that they are a force to be reckoned with. It was another brilliant performance for James Rodriguez as the 22 year old lit up the pitch in Rio de Janerio, scoring two goals, including one marvelous volley. The volley is heavily being discussed as goal of the tournament as Rodriguez chested a header and shot it off the crossbar and in.

Unlike most teams, Colombia have not failed to start off slow in the opening half of their matches. Colombia get off to fast starts as they control the tempo of the game and make teams chase the ball, thus tiring themselves out. Over this World Cup, we have seen that Brazil have struggled in the first 30-45 minutes of the match. If they can't get started fast, they could be in trouble by a Colombia team who has a fast attack and can make teams pay. Should Colombia advance, they will take on the winner of France/Germany. In their round of 16 encounters, both teams started off very slow as France needed a Paul Pogba header and a Joseph Yobo own goal to secure their spot in the next round. Germany on the other hand, went 120 minutes with Algeria and pulled out a 2-1 victory, as Andre Schurrle and Mesut Ozil scored for the Germans.

While Colombia's offense has been electrifying to watch, there has been an unacknowledged hero in 25 year old goalie David Ospina. While everyone is caught up with the heroics of Kaylor Navas, Guillermo Ochoa Vincent Enyeama. and even Rais  Mbolhi, the 25 year old shot stopper as been making a name for himself. Similar to Ochoa, he is out of contract and up for grabs, as teams will fight for his signature when the World Cup is said and done. Take a look below at how the following keepers have done this World Cup.