FORTALEZA, Brazil — Brazil made its way into the World Cup semifinals for the first time in 12 years by beating Colombia 2-1 Friday, with the goals coming from defenders Thiago Silva and David Luiz.
Brazil, which had been eliminated in the quarterfinals at the last two World Cups, will next play Germany on Tuesday.
Silva gave Brazil the lead in the seventh minute, scoring with his left knee after a corner from Neymar. Luiz added the second from a free kick in the 69th, sending a swerving long-range shot into the top of the net.
Colombia got one back in the 80th when striker James Rodriguez scored his tournament-leading sixth goal from the penalty spot.
Brazil beats Colombia 2-1 to reach semifinals
Brazil's Thiago Silva, bottom, celebrates with Paulinho after scoring the opening goal during the World Cup quarterfinal soccer match between Brazil and Colombia at the Arena Castelao in Fortaleza, Brazil, Friday, July 4, 2014. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)