Brazil forward Neymar competes for the ball against an Iraqi defender. (Photo : Getty Images)
Gold medal favorites Brazil will take on a tough challenge from hard-fighting side Colombia in the quarterfinals of the 2016 Rio Summer Olympics men's football tournament. The match will be held at the Arena Corinthians in São Paulo on Saturday, August 13.
Brazil started the Games on a quiet note with two straight goalless draws against South Africa and Iraq before finally finding their form in the final group stage game versus Denmark, 4-0, at the Itaipava Arena Fonte Nova in Salvador on Wednesday, as per The Guardian.
Forward Gabriel Barbosa, or Gabigol, netted a brace at the 28th and 80th minutes to lead the Seleção charge while frontline-mate Gabriel Jesus and center back Luan each added a goal at the 40th and 50th minutes respectively to complete the Brazilians' four-goal haul.
Atletico Mineiro Douglas Santos provided two assists in the match while Luan had one.
Team captain Neymar did not score but he remains to be the glue that kept the squad together during the crucial match against the Danish side as head coach Rogério Micale switched from a 4-3-3 to a 4-2-3-1 formation with the Barcelona superstar up front.
Meanwhile, Colombia also pulled off a crucial 2-0 win over Group B leaders Nigeria at the Arena Corinthians also on Wednesday, via Goal.
Team skipper Teofilo Gutierrez netted the opening goal right at the fourth minute to give head coach Carlos Restrepo's side the early lead in the match. Forward Dorlan Pabon doubled the lead three minutes after the hour mark with a penalty kick.
Los Cafeteros needed to win against the Dream Team in order to qualify in the last eight of the competitions after they opened the tournament with two straight 2-2 draws with Sweden and Japan.
Colombia was a favorite to advance in the semifinals during the pre-tournament predictions, but facing the host nation in the quarters could be a tricky one for the visitors.
The game is expected to be close with lots of chances for both sides as the two teams are evenly matched. However, the odds favor the hosts to prevail if not via a penalty shootout or by only a single point.
The predicted result is a tough 2-1 decision for Brazil.
Brazil starting lineup (4-2-3-1 formation): Weverton; Zeca, Marquinhos, Caio, Santos; Augusto, Walace; Gabriel, Luan, Jesus; Neymar
Colombia starting lineup (4-2-3-1 formation): Bonilla; Palacios, D. Balanta, Tesillo, Borja; Barrios, K. Balanta; Roa, Gutierrez, Pabon; Preciado
