FIFA World Cup 2014: Brazil eases past Colombia to enter semis

Hosts Brazil scored 2 goals while Colombia can only score 1.

REUTERS adds

A stunning second-half free kick from Brazil’s David Luiz sealed a 2-1 win over Colombia in a frantic World Cup quarter-final on Friday, keeping the hosts on track for a sixth world title.

Captain Thiago Silva bundled in Neymar’s corner at the back post to put the hosts ahead in the seventh minute before Luiz thundered home a dipping 30-metre free kick midway through the second half at the Castelao arena.

Colombia had a goal disallowed before in-form James Rodriguez dragged his side back into the match from the penalty spot with just over 10 minutes remaining, his sixth goal of the tournament.

Brazil forward Neymar was carried off on a stretcher in the closing stages but the hosts hung on to set up a semi-final against Germany, who beat France 1-0 earlier on Friday in Rio de Janeiro-