Brazil in the semi-finals

Neymar may be the man expected to score the goals for Brazil, but it was the Selecao's defensive pair that fired the goals to lead the host nation into the World Cup semi-finals.

Brazil captain Thiago Silva's close range effort in the seventh minute and David Luiz's scorching second-half free-kick proved just enough to secure their passage to the last-four.

It was far from smooth sailing for the five-time World Cup winners, who survived a late barrage from a spirited Colombia side that pulled one back from a James Rodriguez penalty with 10 minutes remaining.

The closing stages were dominated by the Colombians but Brazil held firm to keep their World Cup dream alive.

Brazil will face arguably their biggest test of the tournament when they take on Germany - who defeated France in the earlier quarter-final - for a place in the final - on Sunday July 13.