Brazil 2 Colombia 0: Neymar and Luan both strike thunderbolts to seal Rio Olympics semi-final clash against Honduras
Barcelona superstar hit a stunning free-kick to take early lead as young teammate seals win late on with superb smasher
A STUNNING free-kick from Neymar helped Brazil storm to a 2-0 win over Colombia in their Rio Olympics quarter-final clash, but the Barcelona star was lucky not to see red after instigating a mass brawl on the pitch.
The talismanic forward scored his first goal of the tournament after just 12 minutes, with Colombia’s goalkeeper unable to prevent the spectacular set-piece from flying into the back of the net.
Colombia had the chance to level after 25 minutes but Helibelton Palacios fluffed his lines on the edge of the box as his shot almost went out of the stadium.
A heated first-half saw five yellow cards dished out in the opening 45 minutes, with four of them going to Colombia.
But their physicality could not stop youngster Luan from securing Brazil’s win with just 10 minutes remaining thanks to a screaming effort.
However, Neymar was fortunate to stay on the pitch after sparking a mass brawl which threatened to spill over.
The forward had to be restrained by teammates after reacting badly to a challenge, prompting some shoving and pushing between the two sides
But the referee fortunately diffused the situation quickly, and Brazil are now one step closer to achieving their dream of Olympic gold as they prepare for their semi-final clash against Honduras on Wednesday.
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Glory on their home turf would go some way to repaying supporters after a disastrous showing for the hosts of the 2014 World Cup.
Despite reaching the semi-final, Brazil suffered a humiliating 7-1 defeat to eventual winners Germany, and with another poor showing in the recent Copa America, the public are demanding nothing less than Olympic gold.