The excitement of the 2014 World Cup resumes tonight with the first semi-final but let's look at how the last four was formed in four exciting quarter-finals.
A match-up that would have been a fitting final saw an all-European tie between France and Germany with a tight game featuring only a single goal as Germany went in front in the 12th minute with a fine headed effort from Hummels. Despite a good response from the French, they were unable to breakthrough and bowed out of the competition while Germany are just two wins away from a first title since 1990.
A battle between two South Americans saw host nation Brazil take on the in-form Colombia and it was the hosts who made the better start as they went in front after only seven minutes with a strike from Silva and extended the lead with a spectacular free-kick from Luiz in the 68th minute. Colombia responded well and gave themselves hope when Rodriguez converted from the penalty spot but they were unable to level as the hosts advanced.
In the first of two Euro-American ties, Argentina took on Belgium with Higuain putting the South
Americans in front inside 8 minutes and a tight game ensured the early goal proved to be the only difference between the sides but meant there prospect of an all South American final was still on the cards.
The second Euro-American tie had many predicting an easy stroll for Holland as they took on surprise package Costa Rica but a tight game saw the sides not only remain level at the end of 90 minutes thanks to some fine saves by Costa Rican stopper Reyes, but play out an exciting extra time period in which Holland came closest to breaking the deadlock with a stunning effort from Sneijder striking the crossbar.
The prospect of penalties saw a strange change for Holland with Krul coming on in place of the superb Cillessen due to his superior stature and at first, it made no difference as Borges converted the first spot kick with Van Persie responding for Holland.
Krul's size did pay off as he saved Ruiz's effort with Holland going ahead through Robben's strike but Gonzalez levelled for Costa Rica putting pressure on Sneijder. The Dutch attacker shrugged off the pressure to convert as did Bolanos making it 3-3.
Kuyt put the Dutch in front at 4-3 meaning Umana had to score to keep his side in the shootout but a fine save from Krul sealed the win for Holland who advance to the last four.
A match-up that would have been a fitting final saw an all-European tie between France and Germany with a tight game featuring only a single goal as Germany went in front in the 12th minute with a fine headed effort from Hummels. Despite a good response from the French, they were unable to breakthrough and bowed out of the competition while Germany are just two wins away from a first title since 1990.A battle between two South Americans saw host nation Brazil take on the in-form Colombia and it was the hosts who made the better start as they went in front after only seven minutes with a strike from Silva and extended the lead with a spectacular free-kick from Luiz in the 68th minute. Colombia responded well and gave themselves hope when Rodriguez converted from the penalty spot but they were unable to level as the hosts advanced.
In the first of two Euro-American ties, Argentina took on Belgium with Higuain putting the South Americans in front inside 8 minutes and a tight game ensured the early goal proved to be the only difference between the sides but meant there prospect of an all South American final was still on the cards.
The second Euro-American tie had many predicting an easy stroll for Holland as they took on surprise package Costa Rica but a tight game saw the sides not only remain level at the end of 90 minutes thanks to some fine saves by Costa Rican stopper Reyes, but play out an exciting extra time period in which Holland came closest to breaking the deadlock with a stunning effort from Sneijder striking the crossbar.
The prospect of penalties saw a strange change for Holland with Krul coming on in place of the superb Cillessen due to his superior stature and at first, it made no difference as Borges converted the first spot kick with Van Persie responding for Holland.
Krul's size did pay off as he saved Ruiz's effort with Holland going ahead through Robben's strike but Gonzalez levelled for Costa Rica putting pressure on Sneijder. The Dutch attacker shrugged off the pressure to convert as did Bolanos making it 3-3.
Kuyt put the Dutch in front at 4-3 meaning Umana had to score to keep his side in the shootout but a fine save from Krul sealed the win for Holland who advance to the last four.
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