Brazil v Uruguay, 26 June 2013

Kick-off: 4.00pm local (8.00pm BST) Match Report Uruguay enjoyed the better of the opening minutes. Brazil were unable to come out of the blocks as they did in recent games. They were then awarded a penalty for blatant pulling by David Luiz. However, the Chelsea defender was not punished for his lack of discipline as Forlan stepped up and had his spot kick saved low by Cesar. Brazil back found a way into game but star man Neymar was struggling to have same impact as in previous matches. The game was scrappy and there was seemingly a lack of creativity. Tempers flared when Luiz Gustavo went in hard on Rodriguez. The Bayern man was shown a yellow card. Brazil made the breakthrough before the break. Neymar showed excellent skill to control a long ball and was able to get a shot on goal. Muslera saved but pushed the ball into the path of Fred whose scuffed finish found the net. Suarez had a chance to level when the ball fell to him in the box but he shot wide. Uruguay were level straight after the break. Brazil failed to clear and the ball fell to Cavani who had a simple finish. Thiago Silva was particularly at fault for giving the ball away in his own area. Next came a largely uneventful period during which Uruguay came closest when Thiago Silva nearly headed into his own net after a free-kick. Neymar tested Muslara after a great piece of play involving Oscar before a Cavani shot was deflected just wide as Uruguay went close to taking the lead. Brazil took the lead 5 minutes from the end. Neymar curled a corner towards the back post where it was met by Paulinho who easily headed in. Uruguay pushed for an equaliser but to no avail. Brazil got the job done on the night however only just scrapped through in the end. Uruguay defended bravely and fought well but just did not enough to deny the hosts. Preview The first semi-final will be contested by two great South American rivals. In the past Brazil and Uruguay have contested some famous matches perhaps most notably the 1950 World Cup decider when the Uruguayans came out on top. All eyes will again be on Neymar. The young forward will be looking to add to the 3 goals he has for the tournament so far. Despite some calls for Fred to be left out of the side his performance against Italy should be enough for him to keep his place. David Luiz has recovered from the knock which forced him off against Italy. Despite scoring four against Tahiti, Abel Hernandez will make way and the striking trio of Forlan, Cavani and Suarez will start. Captain Lugano will return after being suspended for the Tahiti match.