10 most memorable moments of the World Cup quarter-finals

Ahead of the semi-finals of the Brazil 2014 FIFA World Cup kicking off on Tuesday, we bring you the 10 most memorable moments of the quarter-finals, beginning from Thiago Silva’s thigh goal and ‘keeper Krul’s heroic penalty saves .

Never mind that about half of the moments are from the all South America affair between Brazil and Colombia. This is only proof that it was the game of the round!

1. Thigh-go  Silva

Brazil captain, Thiago Silva, delivered a sensational performance against Colombia to ensure the hosts are now just a step away from reaching the World Cup final. But it was not just his performance that caught the eye, his goal did, too.

Neymar’s corner after just seven minutes, aimed for the head of either Fred or David Luiz, missed both men and was directed into the Colombian net off Silva’s thigh. It sounds like a fluke, but the celebration wasn’t. The 29-year-old pointed to the emblem on his jersey shouting, “This is Brazil; this is Brazil.”

Yes, this, indeed, is Brazil!

2. Davido Luiz

Few days after his namesake, Davido, won the Best International Act: Africa BET Awards aka Black World Cup, David Luiz scored arguably the best free kick in the real World Cup in Brazil’s 2-1 win against Colombia.

Luiz has scored his fair share of free kicks during his career, but none will likely be as important as this one in Fortaleza and it is hard to think of one better either.

A lot has been said about the lack of fantasy in Luis Felipe Scolari’s team, but the free-kick delivered from 25 yards that curled and dipped beneath David Ospina’s crossbar was the equal to anything Rivellino produced for the finest Brazilian team of 1970.

Luiz’s celebration was wild and unhinged: a release of passion after a moment of brilliance.

3. Ney-marred

Juan Camilo Zuniga’s name is quite a mouthful, but it is on the lips of every Brazilian after being the country’s number-one public enemy. The Colombian would probably need a mask if he ever dreamt of returning to the beaches in Brasilia in order not to be spotted.

Poster boy, Neymar, was stretchered off and will miss the rest of the World Cup after fracturing his vertebra when he was kneed in the back by Zuniga.

Neymar may be 22, but he has dragged Brazil through this tournament so far. The Barcelona forward’s pace, trickery and eye for goal make him a nightmare to defend against. With four goals, the former Santos man is Brazil’s top scorer, and he also scored the crucial penalty to knock Chile out in the previous round.

Zuniga will pray Bernard or Willian offers same class with Neymar in the Selecao’s game with Germany or face eternal damnation from the Poster Boy numerous fans.

4. James and sidekicks

James Bond had Miss Moneypenny in 007 movies; James Rodriguez had a cricket in Brazil!

The Colombia star left the World Cup with six goals, a heavy heart and one unusual companion on his arm.

Rodriguez threw his side a lifeline late in the quarter-final defeat by Brazil when he scored a penalty and celebrated the strike unaware a huge green insect was celebrating with him.

The Monaco playmaker was crying at the end of the match in Fortaleza but the tears meant nothing to his new sidekick.

5. Pummeled by Hummels

Well, not really a pummeling but because the match offered little in entertainment, a pun is a welcome entertainment.

Germany were hardly firing on all cylinders against France in the round’s dullest match, but they could still count on the best player on the pitch. Mats Hummels scored the opener with a precise header and proved a rock at the heart of the defence, making block after block as France pressed late on.

Enough said of a drab game where a header is the memorable moment.