I’m now back in Rio, a whole 24 days after leaving for Sao Paulo and the opening fixture. In that space I’ve covered 12 matches and I now only have 3 left before my first World Cup comes to an end.

The last two fixtures I’ve covered were Belgium vs USA in the last 16 and Brazil vs Colombia in the Quarter Finals. Both games thrilling with great atmospheres, both with the main incidents away from where I was sat.

First up was a last trip to Salvador and the Arena Fonte Nova, one of my favourite stadiums I’ve visited. Around the ground there is plenty going on meaning before kick off it was nice to have a wander outside and soak up the pre match atmosphere, some weird and wonderful supporters on show as they have been throughout the tournament.

The USA did well to progress from their group and there has been a lot of talk that the people back home have finally taken to ‘soccer’. Their fans at the stadium were in good voice and the Brazilians seemed to get behind them too.

Neither side created any clear cut chances in a pretty dour first half, and with Belgium seeing most of the play I struggled to get much action. It gave me a chance to focus on the eccentric hairstyles on show from the Belgians.

Belgium began to take control in the second period forcing USA goalkeeper Tim Howard into a string of fine saves. It wasn’t until after the match it was reported he had made the most saves in a single World Cup game. He single handedly kept the Belgium attack at bay and USA almost stole victory in the last minute but a glorious chance went begging and the match went to extra time.

Romelu Lukaku was introduced at the end of the 90 minutes and made an instant impact, laying on a goal for Kevin De Bruyne before scoring himself (unfortunately at the opposite end) to give his side a 2-0 lead at half time in the extra period, with the USA looking tired, down and out.

Hoping for a third Belgium goal and a celebration in my corner, I was optimistic at half time but the USA found an extra ten percent from somewhere as soon as the whistle blew at the start of the second half. They started to create chances and were energetic once again, eventually clawing one back through a fine strike from Julian Green. They dominated the final few minutes but Belgium hung on for victory meaning Juergen Klinsmann’s side headed home with their heads held high.

 

 

Next up was a trip to Fortaleza for the tasty looking Brazil vs Colombia. Again the Estadio Castelao is one of the better grounds I’ve visited with more going on in the surrounding areas than some of the other stadiums on show here in Brazil.

Arriving at the ground early it was apparent there was going to be a big home crowd and one fan stood out straight away arriving by bicycle.

Inside the ground before kick off the sense of anticipation was great but some fans seemed nervous, the Colombia team earning many plaudits throughout the tournament and many felt today might be the day the hosts got sent packing.

Some fans mocked their rivals Argentina with a blow up doll wearing a Lionel Messi shirt and women’s underwear.

Before kick off I focused on the Brazil line up, with David Luiz and Neymar, both providing nice images before and during the national anthems.

Brazil haven’t been at their best during their previous matches but have done enough to progress this far and they started brightly with Neymar once again providing the main spark, but even he was frustrated at an early missed chance.

David Luiz brought out a good old fashioned Stone Cold Stunner on Cristian Zapata…

Neymar’s opposite number James Rodriguez struggled to have an impact with Brazil nullifying his attacking play. Thiago Silva scored the opening goal, and ran to the opposite corner providing me with another moment of frustration for me. With the amount of photographers I had to stay in my position and shoot the Colombia attack second half, and annoyingly for me David Luiz popped up with a stunning free kick and a great celebration picture for all those at the other end in the corner he ran to. Colombia were handed a lifeline when Julio Cesar fouled Carlos Bacca and Rodriguez stepped up to get one back from the spot. Colombia pushed hard for an equaliser and they were helped when Neymar went down with an injury after a challenge from Juan Zuniga. At the time it looked bad but it wasn’t until after full time it became apparent that the injury was serious enough to end the poster boy’s World Cup with a fractured vertebrae.

Despite a couple of late chances Brazil held on and celebrated progressing to the Semi Finals where they’ll meet Germany. It was nice to see a real moment of sportsmanship match winner David Luiz take the time to console a tearful James Rodriguez as he left the pitch.

 

Like I said I’m now back in Rio but tomorrow me and Ben fly to Belo Horizonte for the first semi final, Brazil vs Germany before heading to Sao Paulo for the second, Argentina vs Netherlands. Hopefully with a bit more luck than the last few matches.