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'No one believed in us' - Scolari buoyant as Brazil reach semi-finals
By Robin Bairner in Fortaleza
Jul 5, 2014 1:40:00 AM
The 65-year-old hailed his team's effort over the 90 minutes against Colombia, though he admits they could have taken a more reserved approach after scoring their second goal
Luiz Felipe Scolari was left delighted with the way his Brazil players took the game to Colombia and advanced to the semi-finals of the World Cup.
A battling 2-1 win over Jose Pekerman's side sealed the Selecao's spot in the last four on Friday, where they will face 2002 beaten finalists Germany, who overcame France.
Scolari was furious with Brazilian media in the build-up to the last-eight encounter following criticism of his side's displays so far and was thrilled with the way they performed on the night in Fortaleza.
"No one believed in us," he told reporters. "These players have skills and do this with a lot of dedication.
"We have a tough game ahead of us, but what we have foreseen, Germany was in our path to play in the final – and they know that."
Scolari admits his side could have allowed themselves to take their foot off the accelerator when David Luiz struck the second goal of the night, though he says he has come to expect the same high-intensity work-rate from his charges.
"I'm going to look at our players and expect them to recover. The rhythm in the second half when we scored and we went 2-0 up and we could have slowed the game down, we accelerated.
"We don't need to do that. We don't need a player who stops the ball because he might not run. My team runs a lot.
"To slow the game down a bit [is necessary] but you can't forget that for one and a half years we've been working with these players."
Brazil got off to a fantastic start when Thiago Silva scored in the first seven minutes following another awe-inspiring rendition of the national anthem, but Scolari says he is not all that surprised to see the Brazil faithful so vociferous in their support.
"For many years Brazil has been trying to embed in children that they have to respect their anthem. And when we see how the crowd reacted – the crowd in Fortaleza was excellent again – we have to say that it is important. We should consider our anthem important."
Colombia made a statement at World Cup, says Pekerman
By Robin Bairner in Fortaleza
Jul 5, 2014 12:50:00 AM
The 64-year-old coach is proud of his team’s showing in Brazil, insisting they are once again prominent on the world stage after a 16-year absence from the tournament
Jose Pekerman believes Colombia made a statement at the World Cup despite seeing their dreams dashed by hosts Brazil in the quarter-finals.
Los Cafeteros reached the last eight of the competition in their first appearance at the finals since 1998 following some impressive performances against the likes of Japan and Uruguay.
Their campaign in Brazil was brought to an end by the host nation following goals from Thiago Silva and David Luiz in a 2-1 win, but Pekerman was nothing less than delighted by their showing during the tournament.
"In regards to everything we did during the World Cup, after being absent for a long time, this team went a long way to reassess football in Colombia," Pekerman told reporters.
"We showed we have very talented players and we always competed with a significant spirit and we showed we came to play a wonderful World Cup and not just participate."
Despite his high spirits, the Argentinian was still raw over the defeat, which came about following a thoroughly-competitive clash in which Brazil committed 31 of the total of 54 fouls.
"This was a match in which we were going to have balance, and when you have good players on both sides, what happens is you create friction because of the competitiveness. Each player wants to win their duels.
"It's not easy to lead such a game, the tension was very high. Brazil needed the win, we aspired to the victory, and in every play there was a lot of intensity. That interrupted the game.
"These are two teams that can develop very good football, but this balance sometimes produces that sort of thing.
"The first goal is always key and Brazil calmed down and were able to create better moments. Colombia lost that sense of play... we were surprised by the [opening] goal."
James Rodriguez struck his sixth goal of the competition in the clash, moving him two clear of Neymar and Lionel Messi in the race for the Golden Boot.
The Monaco midfielder has enjoyed a sensational tournament and has reportedly attracted interest from some of the best teams in the world, and Pekerman believes this is just the start of what is to come for the 22-year-old.
"The work of James during this World Cup has been excellent and for a long time we have expected this of him. He's an outstanding player and a huge talent - and he has ambitions," added Pekerman.
"He dreams of being able to continue to show what he can do - and also the team, which backed him. I tried to calm him down because personally he deserves a huge congratulations.
"He is to be commended because we enjoy the way he plays and I have no doubt that he will show in future he can be one of the best."
Neymar OUT of World Cup with broken bone in his back after suffering injury in Brazil's quarter-final victory over Colombia
Juan Zuniga's challenge three minutes from time left Neymar hurt and in tears
He was carried off on a stretcher and taken to hospital before team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar confirmed his tournament is over
Neymar does not need surgery but is expected to be out for at least four weeks
Crowds gather outside Sao Carlos Hospital after Neymar is taken in
Brazil progress after 2-1 win despite Colombia comeback
Germany star Mesut Ozil tweets 'get well soon' to Neymar
By Neil Ashton Published: 22:14 GMT, 4 July 2014 | Updated: 03:48 GMT, 5 July 2014 Brazil superstar Neymar will miss the remainder of the World Cup with a broken bone in his back.
The 22-year-old, who had scored four times to lead his country to the quarter-finals, was carried off on a stretcher in the closing stages of Friday's 2-1 win over Colombia and taken to hospital.
And team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar told local media in Brazil that Neymar will not kick another ball at the finals, expecting his recovery period to be at least four weeks.
'It's not serious in the sense that it doesn't need surgery, but he'll need to immobilize it to recover,' he told SportTV. 'Unfortunately, he's not going to be able to play.
Agony: Neymar lies in agony after being kneed in the back just three mintues from the end
Stretchered off: Neymar is carried away by medics leaving all Brazilian fans in a state of panic
Carried away: Neymar was stretchered off the pitch and taken to hospital after Brazil's quarter-final win
Cynical: With the ball nowhere near Juan Zuniga smashes his knee into the lower part of Neymar's back
Man down: The Barcelona forward falls to the ground after the challenge that rules him out of the semi-final
End of the line: Neymar is carried down the tunnel with his World Cup over
'The exact time (to play again) can be four to six weeks, but it is too early to confirm this. Let's wait for other tests. This is the first diagnosis we had. Initially, we know he will not be able to play.’
The Barcelona forward had been struggling in the build-up to the all-South American clash with thigh and knee strains but was passed fit to start.
But he was carried off three minutes from the end after Juan Zuniga's knee landed in his lower back leaving him in tears.
Zuniga said: 'It was a normal move. I never meant to hurt a player. I was on the field, playing for the shirt from my country, not without the intent to injure. I was just defending my shirt.'
Brazil manager Luiz Felipe Soclari, speaking before Lasmar's interview, said: 'I don't think he'll be able to play in the next match.
Anxious wait: Brazil fans sit outside the Sao Carlos Hospital after Neymar is taken in
National icon: The Barcelona forward is by far the most popular player in Luiz Felipe Scolari's squad
Bittersweet: The elation at the victory was soon dampened as news filtered through of Neymar's injury
'He has been sent to a private clinic with the doctor because he was kneed in his lower back. He was crying in pain. It won't be easy for him to recover based on the fact that it's a back injury and with the pain he's in. Let's hope everything goes OK.
‘It might be that he could play in the final but at this moment, the next match is on July 8, I don’t think it is likely he can do it. But he is young, he has energy, he leads his life the right way and does all the right things. Let’s wait for the examination and see if there is something in the next 48 hours that can be done. In my opinion it’s going to be difficult.
'Us and them played a violent game, It was a corner kick when Neymar went in front and he came to stop the ball, but the referee decided and there is no point thinking about a punishment.
Complaints: Defender Marcelo gesticulates as his team's star man lies prone on the ground in Fortaleza
Treatment: Neymar was seen to on the pitch but had to be removed on a stretcher in the quarter-final
'We just hope that it isn't serious. But we just hope that in two or three days he will be able to rejoin us.
‘For the match against Germany it will be very difficult for Neymar to play based on what the doctor said. But we are not hopeful of this and if the injury is serious.
'It might be that he could play in the final but at this moment, the next match is on the 8th, I don’t think it is likely he can do it.
'But he is young, he has energy, he leads his life the right way and does all the right things. Let’s wait for the examination and see if there is something in the next 48 hours that can be done. In my opinion it’s going to be difficult.'
Crowds of Brazilian fans swelled outside the Sao Carlos Hospital in Fortaleza as news filtered through that their hero had been taken there.
Germany star Mesut Ozil, who is likely to start the semi-final against Brazil on Tuesday night, sent Neymar his best wishes on hearing the news, tweeting: 'Neymar, i am unhappy. get well soon.'
Perfect 10: Brazil fans were pinning their hopes on Neymar producing the goods in the latter stages
Captain Thiago Silva had opened the scoring in the first half before David Luiz's bullet free kick doubled Brazil's advantage after the break.
James Rodriguez pulled a goal back from the spot with 10 minutes remaining but Jose Pekerman's side could not find an equaliser.
Brazil will already be without the suspended Silva for the last-four showdown in Belo Horizonte.
Iced: Brazil's World Cup challenge will be significantly more difficult if they are without their key man
Concern: Colombian playmaker James Rodrigues shows sympathy to his opposite number
Manuel Neuer's wonder save from France striker Karim Benzema in added time seals Germany's spot in World Cup semi-finals for fourth tournament in a row
Germany goalkeeper pulled off a brilliant stop from Benzema in the dying stages to preserve Germany's one-goal lead
Joachim Low's side won the quarter-final 1-0 thanks to a goal from defender Mats Hummels
Afterwards Neuer said he made the save instinctively and that such things come naturally to him
Germany will face the winner of the match between Brazil and Colombia
By Charlie Scott Published: 19:09 GMT, 4 July 2014 | Updated: 21:21 GMT, 4 July 2014 Save of the tournament? Given the magnitude of the game (a World Cup quarter-final) and the timing (the 94th minute), it’s certainly a contender.
A heavy first touch took Karim Benzema wider than he would have liked, but his left-foot strike was still firm and true, the ball arrowing towards the roof of the net at Manuel Neuer’s near-post. The ice-cool German, however, had other ideas.
Focus: Neuer prepares himself as Benzema pulls back his left leg to shoot in the final moments of the game
Strike: Benzema hammers his shot at goal
Reactions: Neuer flings out his right arm to stop it
Au revoir: Neuer's fine save from Benzema was France's last chance of the game as Germany held out
MYSTIC LEHMANN PREDICTS SAVE
Sportsmail columnist Jens Lehmann analysed Neuer and Hugo Lloris before the game, and here is what he had to say...
Neuer has better, stronger arms. It can be the difference between clawing a ball off the line or it going in. The stronger your arms, the more likely you are to save powerful shots.
Flinging out his right arm, he brilliantly deflected Benzema’s shot away from goal, to preserve Germany’s narrow 1-0 lead and deflate French hopes as time ticked down to the final whistle.
Benzema could not believe it, turning away and looking to the heavens for an answer as to how Germany’s No 1 had swatted away his vicious strike so effortlessly.
France failed to conjure another chance of note, with Germany advancing to the semi-finals for the fourth World Cup in a row.
Celebrate: Germany's goalkeeper coach Andreas Koepke embraces Neuer and he waves to the fans
Ecstatic: Neuer and Bastian Schweinsteiger applaud the German fans after sealing a spot in the last four
After the game, Neuer, who was winning his 50th international cap, said: ‘It was just instinct. It comes naturally.’
Germany will face the winner of Friday’s match between Brazil and Colombia in the last four.
World Cup 2014: Argentina coach Alex Sabella hits back at critics who say his side is a one-man team
Sabella insists there is more to Argentina than Lionel Messi ahead of World Cup quarter-final against Belgium
Tetchy: Argentina coach Alex Sabella reacted angrily to claims that his team rely only on Lionel Messi Photo: EPA
By Patrick Johnson
8:39PM BST 04 Jul 2014
Alex Sabella, the Argentina coach, reacted tetchily on Friday to the suggestion his team have been too reliant on Lionel Messi during their passage to today’s quarter-final against Belgium in Brasilia.
At the 2010 World Cup, Argentina’s then-coach Diego Maradona spent large parts of the tournament defending the poverty of his star player’s performances; this time, Sabella has been riled by the opposite argument – that Messi’s brilliance is the only reason Argentina are still in the competition.
He said: “Four years ago he was criticised, now we say we are being told we greatly depend on Messi so it is not easy. Any team that has a player like Messi will depend a lot on him. He is the best player in the world but there is team work also.”
Messi has scored four of Argentina’s seven goals in Brazil and his run and pass gave Ángel di María the chance to score the decisive goal just as the last 16 game against Switzerland seemed set for penalties.
His remarkable form has been all the more valuable because of injury to Manchester City forward Sergio Agüero, who has now resumed training and hopes to be among the substitutes against Belgium, and the limp form of Gonzalo Higuain.
Of Agüero, Sabella said: “He’s doing pretty well. We’ll see how he responds today and then see if he’s able to be a member of the 23 on the bench.”
On Higuaín, who has been heavily criticised in Argentina for barely making an impression in the four games so far, Sabella was defensive. Higuaín’s form has been in sharp contrast to 2010, when he scored four times as Argentina reached the last eight.
Sabella noted at a news conference on Friday that Higuaín had run more than any other Argentina player in the 1-0 last-16 victory over Switzerland.
The player’s contribution to the team with his work rate and his tracking back was also important, the coach said, adding that Higuaín was “improving every day”.
He added: “He was in a lot of pain [after his injury, suffered playing for Napoli] and was unable to train at 100 per cent.
“He sacrificed himself for the team [against Switzerland] and was trying to occupy the spaces.
“We all have a lot of confidence in him because he is a great player. He is doing great work for the team but missing a goal. He has had chances but just hasn’t been able to convert them.”
Sabella, who is trying to avoid Argentina going at out at the quarter-final stage for the third successive competition, admitted he was fearful of Belgium’s threat and admitted his team needed to improve on the display against Switzerland.
“Yes it would be frustrating [to go out again], we have the hope, faith, confidence that we will move on to the next one,” he said.
“I believe that Belgium has a very good team, they have a golden generation. I remember in 1982 they also had a golden generation and beat Argentina,” he said, referring to the 1-0 win the Europeans claimed in the group phase in Barcelona.
“They have a lot of players that play in English and Spanish leagues. Very powerful team and we will have to be cautious when we don’t have the ball.”
Argentina v Belgium: Eden Hazard must deliver on the biggest stage if he is to stand alongside Lionel Messi
Eden Hazard is yet to replicate his Chelsea form for his country at this World Cup. If he finds it against Argentina, a semi-final place is within reach
Crunch time: Eden Hazard is capable of moments of individual brilliance that could decide Saturday's quarter-final Photo: AFP
By Alan Hansen
5:54PM BST 04 Jul 2014
Eden Hazard has performed in fits and starts for Belgium at this World Cup, but the team everybody tipped as dark horses in Brazil need their most talented player to rise to the occasion if they are to overcome Argentina on Saturday.
Make no mistake, Belgium could beat the Argentines and qualify for the semi-finals because the lack of an outstanding team at the tournament has made it the most open World Cup I can remember.
But for all the talk of Belgium being an emerging force and a potential winner in Brazil, they have not been anywhere near as good as many observers had suggested they would be.
Aside from Hazard and Vincent Kompany, who are the two genuine world-class players in the Belgian team, the rest of Marc Wilmots’ squad arrived in Brazil with their best form some way behind them.
If you were to go back 12-18 months, the likes of Jan Vertonghen, Thomas Vermaelen, Marouane Fellaini, Mousa Dembele, Kevin Mirallas and Romelu Lukaku were all producing performances in the Premier League that made you think that Belgium were on the verge of something really special.
Lukaku maintained his form at Everton for the majority of last season, but Hazard and Kompany aside, it has been a while now since the majority of the Belgian players hit the dizzy heights that had us all anticipating great things.
As a result, they have struggled to impress in Brazil, but nonetheless they have done well to reach the quarter-finals and secure a meeting with Argentina.
But this is where we will find out how good Belgium really are and whether they can live up to expectations by beating a major nation.
In reaching the last eight, they have only defeated Algeria, Russia and South Korea. In the second-round tie against the United States, they needed extra time to beat the Americans and almost threw away a 2-0 lead.
Argentina will make things much more difficult for Belgium than any of their four World Cup opponents to date, so this is the time when Hazard needs to show the quality he has displayed over the past two years for Chelsea.
As Lionel Messi showed by creating the extra-time winner for Ángel di María during Argentina’s laboured second-round victory over Switzerland, great players make the difference when games are tight.
Hazard is the only player in the Belgium team capable of producing that moment of magic which can prove the difference between making the semi-finals or going home.
He is nowhere near the bracket of greatness which Messi occupies, but he is an exciting player with pace and trickery and impressive strength for a little guy.
Hazard has not had a bad World Cup by any means, but he has not produced the moments that many of the other leading creative players have delivered.
But if he gets his act together against Argentina, Belgium will have a great chance because Alejandro Sabella’s team are no great shakes.
They obviously have Messi and the Barcelona forward has been the difference for them so far in Brazil. Stopping him is incredibly difficult, but the Swiss did as well as any team in terms of denying him time and space during their meeting in Sao Paulo.
To frustrate a player such as Messi, you have to make sure that when he gets past the first man, a second one is waiting to take the ball off him.
Gokhan Inler and Valon Behrami combined perfectly for the Swiss, until the very last moments when Messi was able to thread the ball through to Di María, but I am not convinced that Fellaini and Axel Witsel possess the same discipline to be able to stifle Messi.
Fellaini is the kind of player who is liable to earn an early yellow card and that would be disastrous against a player like Messi.
But Belgium do have the potential to come out on top in Brasilia and progress to the semi-finals.
For that to happen, all of those players who have to rediscover their best form must deliver and give Hazard the platform to make a difference.
It will be more difficult for Belgium to play with the same freedom that saw them create, and miss, so many chances against the Americans, though.
Kevin de Bruyne, Divock Origi and Lukaku all caused problems against the States with their pace, but Argentina will be better organised and deny the Belgians the time and space they enjoyed in the second-round victory.
Wilmots faces a big decision when deciding whether to stick with Origi as centre-forward or restore Lukaku to the team.
Origi has a long way to go before being the finished article. He has genuine pace, but is also raw and displayed some wayward finishing by missing many of his good chances against the Americans.
I can see why the likes of Liverpool have been linked with him because he is young and has potential, but you cannot ignore his rawness.
Lukaku made a difference after replacing Origi against the States, making one goal and scoring another against a tired defence, but whoever Wilmots selects up front, the key to Belgium’s hopes will be Hazard.
In a World Cup quarter-final, it is about top players taking full advantage of tight situations and Hazard is the only one wearing a Belgium shirt who can do that.
World Cup 2014: Germany at disadvantage in semi-final - Low
Germany coach Joachim Low believes Brazil will have an important advantage over the three-time champions in their World Cup semi-final on Tuesday.
A 1-0 win against France in Friday's quarter-final ensured Germany's place in the last four, where they will play the hosts in Belo Horizonte.
Speaking before Brazil's 2-1 last-eight victory over Colombia, Low said: "They will have a home advantage.
"The South Americans are fighting for their lives here."
After needing extra time to overcome Algeria in the last 16, Germany produced an improved performance against France, particularly in defence.
Mats Hummels headed home early in the first half, and Low's side restricted France to few clear-cut chances.
"There weren't many goalscoring opportunities, which was part of our plan," added Low.
"We didn't want to give France chances with the quality of strikers they possess. We closed them down well - and that was the key.
Germany are the first team in World Cup history to reach the semi-finals in four consecutive World Cups
"France gave everything to try to force the equaliser, but defenders Mats Hummels and Jerome Boateng were excellent and goalkeeper Manuel Neuer did well when called upon."
France coach Didier Deschamps felt there was not a great deal of difference between the two sides, but Germany's experience helped carry them through.
Germany have reached the knockout stage in every World Cup since 1982 whereas France, champions in 1998, went out in the group stage at two of the past three tournaments.
"They are used to playing big matches and have a more experienced team," said Deschamps.
"The players are a bit frustrated as there was not a massive gap but the adventure stops here.
"I am quite proud of what we have achieved so far. I'm hurt and disappointed but there are a lot of positive things happening with this team."
Argentina 1-0 Belgium: Higuain stunner seals semi-final berth
Jul 5, 2014 6:53:00 PM
The Napoli striker struck a superb goal in the first half and that was enough to see off a disappointing Red Devils side
Gonzalo Higuain's stunning strike sent Argentina into the semi-finals of the World Cup at the expense of Belgium, as Alejandro Sabella's men ran out 1-0 winners in Brasilia.
Much has been made of Argentina's reliance on mercurial captain Lionel Messi during the tournament in Brazil, but they proved they are no one-man team with an impressive display in Brasilia on Saturday.
Messi once again led by example as he equalled Diego Maradona's tally of 91 caps for his country, but it was Higuain who proved to be Argentina's match-winner with a fine early strike.
The Real Madrid striker also hit the crossbar in the second half as the South American nation produced arguably their best performance of the competition to secure a last-four spot against either the Netherlands or Costa Rica.
Argentina beat Belgium in the semi-finals in 1986 in the last meeting between the two sides, then went on to be crowned world champions, and on this evidence they are capable of repeating that feat for the first time since those finals in Mexico.
The Albiceleste came in for criticism following their disjointed display against Switzerland in the last 16, but started on the front foot and were rewarded when Higuain put them in front with a fine finish on eight minutes.
Unsurprisingly, Messi was involved, carrying the ball forward from the middle of the park and picking out Angel Di Maria, whose pass deflected invitingly for Higuain to swivel and dispatch a fierce effort into the far corner of the net.
Di Maria was then thwarted by a Kompany block after Messi had picked him out with a sublime pass and the Real Madrid winger injured himself in the process, with Enzo Perez introduced in his place.
Messi was at the heart of everything and blasted a free-kick just over the crossbar after being upended on the edge of the penalty area 39 minutes in.
Argentina were brimming with confidence, but they were almost caught out four minutes before the break, when Mirallas' powerful header flew narrowly wide after he was picked out by an inviting Jan Vertonghen cross.
Higuain was a real handful for the Belgium defence and almost doubled his side's lead with a stunning solo goal nine minutes into the second half.
The striker embarked on a bursting run, in which he skipped past Kompany all too easily before unleashing a venomous right-footed shot that struck the top of the crossbar.
Chances were few and far between up the other end, but Marouane Fellaini should have tested Sergio Romero when he headed off target after Vertonghen whipped in another dangerous cross.
Belgium threw men forward in an attempt to force extra time and saw a late deflected Kevin de Bruyne shot flash just wide.
Messi then spurned a chance to finish Belgium off three minutes into time added on when he raced clear, but Thibaut Courtois stood tall to thwart him.
Axel Witsel sliced a late volley over the bar from the edge of the box, leaving Argentina to hold on to seal their place in the semi-finals, where they will face the winner of the quarter-final between Netherlands and Costa Rica.
Netherlands 0-0 Costa Rica AET (Pens 4-3): Dutch through to semis after Krul gamble pays off
By Dom Farrell
Jul 5, 2014 11:50:00 PM
Louis Van Gaal's bold decision to bring the Newcastle goalkeeper on for Jasper Cillessen in extra-time was ultimately proved right after he became the shootout hero
Tim Krul was the unlikely hero as Netherlands secured a 4-3 shoot-out win over Costa Rica to book a World Cup semi-final place.
Over 120 goalless minutes in Salvador, Louis van Gaal's team struck the post or crossbar on three occasions and the Manchester United-bound manager unleashed an unexpected secret weapon from the bench during the dying seconds of extra time.
Krul, who has an unremarkable penalty record at Newcastle United, came on for Jasper Cillessen to save Costa Rica's second and last penalties from Celso Borges and Michael Umana. Robin van Persie, Arjen Robben, Wesley Sneijder and Dirk Kuyt were the Netherlands' flawless foursome.
It ends a remarkable journey for tournament outsiders Costa Rica, who won a group featuring Uruguay, Italy and England before beating Greece on spot-kicks.
But this proved a step too far as the Dutch, who had lost four of their previous five shootouts in major tournaments, banished their demons from 12 yards to book a semi-final appointment with Argentina
Costa Rica combined the organisation and attacking verve that has been their hallmark in Brazil, but ambition going forward left them exposed to Netherlands' incision on the break and indebted to inspirational goalkeeper Keylor Navas.
Jorge Luis Pinto's team were in confident mood as the game entered its final stages before Sneijder rattled the post from a free-kick to herald a late onslaught.
But Van Persie proved uncharacteristically wasteful in spurning three goalscoring opportunities, including one close-range sitter, as Netherlands failed in their bid to avoid an extra half hour.
Sneijder crashed a shot into the bar, while Costa Rica substitute Michael Urena threatened to snatch the headlines that would ultimately be Krul's.
Memphis Depay, starting after twice netting from the bench in this tournament, gave Van Persie the game's first clear opening in the 21st minute but Navas closed the angle well and stopped Sneijder's follow-up.
Navas saved well in the 29th minute as Van Persie and Depay reversed their earlier roles, while a frantic Dutch clearance as Johnny Acosta looked to turn home Celso Borges' set-piece knockdown underlined a developing end-to-end feel.
Sneijder took a more direct approach from a 38th-minute free-kick, conceded by Junior Diaz, but Navas - quelling fears surrounding a shoulder injury that dogged him earlier in the week - clawed superbly around the post.
Robben's admission that he dived during the Netherlands' win over Mexico in the previous round dominated the pre-match build-up and Umana followed Diaz into the book after he too fouled the forward, who cleverly set up Sneijder to blaze over from the resulting 53rd-minute set play.
It was Joel Campbell and not his illustrious opponent who went to ground easily in the 60th minute as a promising Diaz raid down the left came to nothing, before Giancarlo Gonzalez headed over from another fine Christian Bolanos delivery to increase Dutch anxiety.
There was contact from Gonzalez and another booking as Robben went to ground theatrically in the 81st minute. Sneijder watched his free-kick from the left-hand corner of the area cannon back off the post.
Van Persie was then denied by Navas and he somehow failed to connect with Sneijder's delicious 88th-minute cross.
The Manchester United man was not done there - after Navas punched his free-kick away in stoppage-time, Costa Rica midfielder Yeltsin Tejeda cleared Van Persie's shot off the goal line via the crossbar; Daley Blind's low centre having caused complete chaos.
The start of extra time brought little let-up and Navas produced further acrobatics to keep out Ron Vlaar's header, but a flap at the resulting corner showed the Levante man was not infallible.
Vlaar was unimpressed as Urena sought a penalty at his expense, although Pinto's men were restricted to a largely defensive brief as the additional period progressed.
Urena crafted his team's best chance, drawing a nerveless 117th-minute save from Cillessen at the end of a jinking run and penalties arrived after Sneijder rattled the crossbar from distance with Navas rooted to the spot.
And when the heat was on from 12 yards shortly afterwards, Krul was anything but.
The Colombia defender says he had no intention of injuring the Brazil star following his challenge which ended the 22-year-old's World Cup campaign on Friday
Juan Camilo Zuniga insists he did not mean to hurt Neymar after his challenge ended the Brazil star's World Cup.
In the closing stages of Friday's quarter-final clash, the Napoli defender crashed into the back of Neymar on the edge of the Brazil area, forcing the Barcelona ace to be stretchered off.
Hospital tests later confirmed the 22-year-old suffered a broken vertebra and will therefore be unable to compete in the semi-final against Germany, but Zuniga maintains his challenge was not an aggressive one.
"I didn't mean to hurt him. On the pitch, you have to make tough challenges, but it was not my intention to injure him," Zuniga said after the match.
"Brazil were going strong and so were we. It was a normal challenge, I just wanted to defend my country.
"I hope it's nothing too serious, he's a talent for Brazil and the world of football."
On Saturday, the Napoli defender posted a message of apology to Neymar on Instagram. "I deeply lament the sad injury suffered by Neymar in the match between Brazil and Colombia," it read. "I feel bad about this situation, which came about from a normal action which had no bad intention, no nastiness or imprudence on my part."
And he added: "I want to send you a special greeting, Neymar. I consider you one of the best players in the world. I hope you recover quickly and that you're back soon to excite us with your football - a sport full of virtues and qualities that I have put into practice during my 12 years as a professional."
Zuniga, who has received death threats from some radical fans on social media, also addressed Brazilian supporters, saying: "To the Brazilian fans who have seen one of their players, an exemplary human being, ruled out of the World Cup, I want to send a special message and also say thank you for all the support you gave Colombia in each of their games [at this World Cup]."
The disciplinary committee is set to examine Juan Camilo Zuniga's challenge on the Brazil star, which ruled him out of the rest of the World Cup
Fifa has confirmed it will analyse the incident in Friday's World Cup quarter-final which saw Neymar suffer a broken vertebra.
Colombia defender Juan Camilo Zuniga challenged the Brazil star from behind in the closing stages of the game, causing the back injury which has now ruled the Barcelona forward out of the tournament.
Zuniga insisted after the match he did not mean to hurt Neymar with the challenge, for which he escaped a yellow or red card, but Fifa has since revealed that their disciplinary committee will examine the incident to see if further action should be taken.
"The disciplinary committee is analysing the matter. The spirit of fair play is very important and we want to avoid difficult things on the field of play," said Fifa's head of media Delia Fischer at a briefing on Saturday.
Despite Zuniga's protestations that his challenge was honest, former Brazil striker Ronaldo claims the Colombian has a case to answer.
"The challenge was a very violent one – I believe there was an intention by the Colombian player to cause some harm," he told reporters in Brazil.
"I don't think it was normal football play, I don't know whether he had planned this beforehand but I do believe it was very aggressive, very violent."
Goals from David Luiz and Thiago Silva sealed a 2-1 win for Brazil on the night that secured their semi-final spot, where they will face Germany.
Someone call the referee, he didn't show up - Falcao
By Joe Wright
Jul 5, 2014 4:28:00 PM
The striker was less than impressed with Carlos Velasco Carballo during the 2-1 loss to Brazil, but wished Neymar a speedy recovery from injury
Monaco striker Radamel Falcao quipped that someone ought to call referee Carlos Velasco Carballo before his next game after he "didn't show up" for Colombia's 2-1 World Cup quarter-final defeat to Brazil.
Referee Carlos Velasco Carballo appeared reluctant to show yellow cards for much of the match, despite a huge number of fouls, with Colombia left particulary frustrated that a number of heavy challenges on James Rodriguez went unpunished.
Carballo also opted against showing Julio Cesar a red card when he brought down Carlos Bacca in front of goal for the penalty which James scored in the closing minutes - another decision which prompted a furious response in the Colombian press.
And Falcao, who missed the tournament in Brazil after failing to recover from a knee injury, was left deeply unimpressed by the officiating in Fortaleza.
"For the next game, remember to call the referee, because he did not show up today," he wrote on his official Twitter page.
Falcao also wished Neymar a quick recovery following the back injury which has ruled him out of the rest of the tournament and praised his compatriots for their efforts over the past month.
He said to Neymar: "Best wishes for a speedy recovery", before adding to his team-mates: "Thank you for what you have done, the best is yet to come."
Mourinho: Thiago Silva is more important to Brazil than Neymar
By Joe Wright
Jul 5, 2014 3:40:00 PM
The Chelsea boss believes the loss of the captain against Germany could be crucial for the hosts and has backed Dante as the correct choice to replace him in the semi-finals
The loss of Thiago Silva will hurt Brazil harder than the absence of Neymar, according to Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho.
The Selecao captain scored the opening goal of the quarter-final win over Colombia but picked up a yellow card for blocking goalkeeper David Ospina's kick in the second half, ruling him out of the semi-final clash with Germany.
Star forward Neymar has also been ruled out for the remainder of the World Cup after suffering a broken vertebrae in the closing minutes of Friday's match, but Mourinho believes the Paris Saint-Germain defender could prove the bigger loss in the last four.
"Brazil need Neymar because he is a player who can win one-on-one situations, cause imbalance in opponents, score goals and is fantastic with set-pieces," Mourinho was quoted as saying by Marca.
"But I would say that, probably, Thiago Silva is as or more important than Neymar at this moment.
"His will be an important absence because Brazil are based on that defensive structure. It's how Thiago gives great stability to the team."
Napoli utility man Henrique replaced the injured Neymar late on against Colombia and slotted into defence, but Mourinho believes Dante would be the correct choice to partner David Luiz in Thiago Silva's absence due to his knowledge of Germany's Bundesliga stars.
"Of course they have Henrique and Dante as options to play. Against Colombia Henrique was chosen, but Dante plays in Germany and knows a lot of the players he will face, both those of Bayern and the Bundesliga," the Portguese added.
Dark horses put out to pasture – Belgium's World Cup dream comes to abrupt end
Jul 5, 2014 7:19:00 PM
The Red Devils entered the tournament as many expert's tournament outsiders but they could not make it past the quarter-finals
By Stefan Coerts in Brasilia
Despite their failure to qualify for both the 2006 and 2010 World Cups, Belgium were tipped by so many as the dark horses for this summer’s edition that they could easily be described as one of the most heavily-backed teams in Brazil.
And looking at the quality available to head coach Marc Wilmots, Belgium fully deserved their dangerous floaters tag.
Centre-back Vincent Kompany is widely regarded as one of the best defenders in the world, Eden Hazard is one of the undisputed stars of the Premier League and players such as Romelu Lukaku and Adnan Januzaj are among the biggest talents around in the game. Throw in seasoned professionals like Dries Mertens, Marouane Fellaini and Daniel Van Buyten and you have a serious contender.
Yet regardless of all their individual class, the Red Devils never really got going in Brazil.
A comeback-win over Algeria was followed up by a hard-fought late victory over Russia, before they put South Korea to the sword in a game that effectively meant little as they had already booked their ticket for the knockout stages.
Wilmots’ men then showed what they are capable of in the round of 16 clash with USA as they created numerous chances and impressed with their free-flowing attacking football, even if they needed extra-time to see of the Americans following Tim Howard’s goalkeeping masterclass.
Yet when they were really tested for the first time in the quarter-finals against Argentina, Belgium came up short.
Alejandro Sabella’s men dominated from the start and it took them only eight minutes to beat Thibaut Courtois.
The fact that it was Gonzalo Higuain who broke the deadlock will only have been more painful for the Belgians.The Napoli man had failed to impress in the opening three weeks of the tournament and many had called for Sabella to drop the striker. Higuain kept on doing what he does best, however, and silenced his critics with a predatory finish from just inside the area.
Higuain continued to cause the Belgian defence all kinds of trouble throughout the game and came close to doubling his personal tally when he hit the crossbar, before he was eventually replaced by Fernando Gago.
Belgium, meanwhile, never really recovered from the former Real Madrid man’s opener. Hazard once more flattered to deceive as he created next to nothing and Kevin De Bruyne was unable to bail out his former Chelsea team-mate this time around. The Wolfsburg man put in a virtuoso performance against USA, but was unable to deliver the goods once more.
With their two main creative outlets both kept silent, Belgium never really looked like getting back in the game. Only when they started playing long balls for Lukaku and Fellaini in the final 20 minutes did they occasionally look dangerous, but to no avail.
Belgium’s golden generation can travel back home with a feeling of pride, however, after winning four out of five games and reaching the quarter-finals for the first time since 1986.
Saturday’s match at the Mane Garrincha showed that they still have room for improvement, but this is not the end for this group of players. There’s a European Championship coming up in France in two years’ time, before the 2018 World Cup will be played in Russia. Expect Belgium to be ready for them.
The Belgium coach could not hide his frustration after his team exited the World Cup at the quarter-final stage against the South Americans
By Stefan Coerts in Brasila
Belgium coach Marc Wilmots has labelled Argentina “an ordinary side” after they knocked the Europeans out of the World Cup on Saturday.
Gonzalo Higuain’s first-half strike proved the difference in their quarter-final clash in Brasilia with Belgium offering little going forward until the latter stages when they resorted to long-ball tactics to try to force an equaliser.
Even though he insisted he was “losing gracefully”, Wilmots also felt Italian referee Nicola Rizzoli was a factor in his team’s exit.
He said: “It’s hard to know how we lost. Firstly, we saw how experienced the Argentines are. They affected the rhythm of the game, breaking it up, taking 30 seconds to take a throw-in. And they were allowed to do it.
“We weren’t impressed by Argentina, they’re an ordinary side. But we lost.”
Wilmots felt Rizzoli should have done more to control Lionel Messi, in particular, after claiming the Barcelona star had got away with numerous fouls.
“He committed three or four fouls and the referee did nothing. Messi is a formidable player. He holds the ball well when they need that,” he said.
Wilmots did find time to praise his own side’s efforts, however, adding: “I’m proud of the lads. They put in a lot of effort and I can’t say anything bad about them. I want to thank the guys for how they fought. There were people crying in the dressing room.
“I think we made mistakes, but I always look to the team. We showed we’re a good side, but they didn’t let us have any space.”
The injured Brazil star has given an emotional address to the nation’s supporters following the news that his World Cup is over
Neymar has told Brazilfans that the national team will still win the World Cup despite his injury-enforced absence.
The iconic star was stretchered off in the final moments of the Selecao’s 2-1 quarter-final win over Colombia on Friday night and has been diagnosed with a broken vertebrae, which will keep him out for four to six weeks.
But while the entire country comes to terms with his absence from the semi-final against Germany on Tuesday, the player has sent a teary-eyed video message in which he insists Brazil can still go on to win the World Cup.
"Brazilian people, players, staff, fans. This is a hard moment, and I don't have the words to define what's going through my head and my heart,” Neymar told the fans via CBF TV.
“I just want to be back as fast as possible, when everyone least expects. I want to say thank you for the support, the love that everyone has shown for me, for all the messages.
He continued: “I'd like to tell you all that my dream is not over. It was interrupted, but it goes on. My dream is to be champion.
“My dream was also to play in a World Cup final. But it won't happen this time. I'm sure that they [Brazil] will win and be champions. And I'll be there, with them.
“And us, Brazilians, will all be celebrating this.”
Luis Felipe Scolari’s men face Germany in Belo Horizonte on Tuesday for a place in the final, with kick-off at 22:00CET.
Van Gaal: We told Krul about penalty ploy - but not Cillessen
Jul 6, 2014 1:38:00 AM
The Oranje coach has explained that the Newcastle goalkeeper knew he would be called upon for spot-kicks but his first-choice shot-stopper had been left out of the loop
By Mark Doyle in Salvador
Louis van Gaal has revealed that he told Tim Krul before Netherlands' World Cup quarter-final against Costa Rica that he would be called upon in the event of a penalty shootout - but not Jasper Cillessen.
The Dutch coach made the remarkable decision to substitute his first-choice goalkeeper with just seconds go to in extra-time at Arena Fonte Nova.
However, it proved a masterstroke, with Krul saving two of Costa Rica's five spot-kicks as Netherlands triumphed 4-3 on penalties to set up a semi-final showdown with Argentina.
"We thought this through beforehand," Van Gaal told reporters in Salvador. "Every player in my squad has certain skills and qualities. They don't always overlap but all thought that Tim would be the most appropriate keeper to stop penalties because he has a long reach.
"But we said nothing to Jasper because we didn't want to be faced with this information before the match because that would be disappointing for him.
"But every goalkeeper has his qualities and we felt that Tim had a longer reach and a better track record stopping penalties.
"So, we discussed all of this with Tim and we had him study Costa Rica's penalties [in their last-16 shootout success over Greece]. You will have seen that he dived in the right direction time and time again.
"So, all of us are a little bit proud that this play has helped us through."
Van Gaal also explained that it had been difficult for him to keep one substitution in reserve, given a number of his players were struggling with fatigue in extra-time.
"I had decided [to use Krul] before the 90 minutes had ended," he revealed. "I thought that we were playing well and had created lots of opportunities so I hadn't had have to make many subs, but there was a chance of penalties.
"I didn't feel Memphis [Depay] had played well so I brought in Jeremain [Lens] before the end of normal time. Of course, in extra-time I took into account that I shouldn't use all my subs so I could still use Tim.
"But we had some injuries and guys like Robin [van Persie] and Georginio [Wijnaldum] were exhausted. Bringing on Klaas was also a risk as we went to four defenders. So it was a risk, a bit tricky.
"Fortunately, it worked out. Because if it hadn't, I would have taken the wrong decision!"
Van Gaal also hailed his players for the way in which they had kept their composure, despite having hit the woodwork three times and been frustrated by Costa Rica's alleged time-wasting and persistent fouling.
"I believe that the players were more controlled than the technical staff," he joked. "My colleagues were jumping up and down all the time!
"But I felt that my players behaved marvelously - despite the delaying tactics; despite that the referee allowing all sorts of time-wasting to go unpunished. And I'm not even talking about his decision on all the fouls,
"So, hats off to my players. It was frustrating for us and there's a law in football that if you miss so many chances, the opponent beats you.
"But I saw the determination in my players to progress. They know exactly when they have to take responsibility and that's the key. It's not about me, or anyone else. It's about them.
"When I compare them to other teams I've coached, they are the strongest in terms of professionalism and taking on responsibility."
Netherlands next face Argentina in Sao Paulo. It was put to Van Gaal during his post-match press conference in Salvador that the Albiceleste will prove a more attack-minded adversary than Costa Rica - but the new Manchester United boss dismissed the notion that Lionel Messi and Co. always take the game to the opposition.
"I can't really give you my opinion of the second half as I only saw five minutes but I thought Belgium were the better side in the first half," Van Gaal said of the quarter-final clash in Brasilia earlier in the day.
"Argentina are obviously an excellent team, with great individuals, such as Messi. But if people say that Argentina attack all the time, well, that was not the case in my opinion in the first half."
Pinto: Keylor Navas is the best goalkeeper of the World Cup
Jul 6, 2014 1:24:00 AM
The Costa Rica coach was proud of his players but hit out at the standard of refereeing after their quarter-final defeat to Netherlands in Salvador on Saturday
By Mark Doyle in Salvador
Costa Rica coach Jorge Luis Pinto has hailed Keylor Navas as the best goalkeeper of the World Cup and has praised his team’s performances following the quarter-final defeat to Netherlands on Saturday.
Navas kept Costa Rica in the match against Oranje with a string of fine saves before Pinto’s side were defeated on penalties after the Dutch brought on Tim Krul as a surprise substitute to save two spot-kicks.
Pinto spoke of his pride in the Costa Rica players and picked out Levante stopper Navas for special praise during his post-match press conference in Salvador.
"I think Navas has been the best goalkeeper in this World Cup,” Pinto said.
"We're happy. We're proud. Of course, we're hurting because penalties are tough. But we've won ourselves [in that manner], so penalties, you have to accept them.
"I told my players that I was very proud of them and that the whole country is proud of them. We have given everything on the field.
“We came here having to play against huge countries - Italy, England, Netherlands - and we played them at their level. So we have to be proud of that."
Pinto, though, criticised the standard of refereeing during the World Cup and claimed Costa Rica should have had at least one penalty in the second-half when Joel Campbell went down under a challenge from Netherlands defender Bruno Martins Indi.
"We had a penalty [not given] against Italy that was clear, we had a penalty [not given] against Greece, and we should have had two today, so the refereeing has not been very good.
“I think that many people agree with us. There have been huge mistakes, mistake that shouldn't happen, so I think Fifa should study this.
“I respect all of the referees here but there have been big mistakes here, I'm sorry to say."
The Real Madrid winger is facing heartbreak in being ruled out of the tournament, according to his representative
Argentina star Angel Di Maria’s agent has claimed his client will miss the remainder of the World Cup after he sustained a thigh injury in Saturday’s 1-0 defeat of Belgium.
The Real Madrid winger lasted just 33 minutes of the quarter-final in Brasilia before limping out of the action.
His agent Eugenio Lopez, who works alongside Jorge Mendes, revealed to Goal Argentina that the 26-year-old had told him he had a torn thigh muscle, ruling him out of the rest of the tournament.
Argentina are due to face the winner of the Netherlands/Costa Rica tie in Sao Paulo on Wednesday with the final due to take place in Rio next Sunday.
Further tests will be carried out tomorrow after which it is expected the news will be confirmed by team doctors.
His absence would be a huge blow for a side already over-reliant on Lionel Messi.
Di Maria has played well in bursts in Brazil but has yet to replicate the form which helped Madrid to the Champions League crown in May.
One consolation for coach Alejandro Sabella is the fact that one of his other star forwards, Gonzalo Higuain, stepped up against the Belgians, grabbing the first-half winner with a clinical shot on the turn.
After the game Sabella admitted he had his fingers crossed that Di Maria would be fit enough to play a part in the tournament going forward.
“Di Maria's injury could be costly for us. Angel has a problem with his thigh and will undergo tests tomorrow," he explained.
