Thiago Silva's seventh-minute goal has put Brazil on course for a spot in the semi-finals of the World Cup.

The tournament hosts were ahead early on courtesy of their captain, who bundled the ball home at the back post unmarked from Neymar's corner.

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Colombia nearly hit an instant reply through Juan Cuadrado's drilled effort, but a deflection off Silva on the way through ensured that the strike did not trouble Julio Cesar.

Three chances in short succession followed for Brazil as Hulk's cut-back was just about dealt with after he initially beat a man inside the area, before seeing another shot kept out by David Ospina who did well to get up to keep out the rebound.

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Ospina was called into action again on the 28-minute mark to deny Hulk once more, as the much-maligned wideman latched on to Marcelo's cut-back inside the area before getting a shot away.

Neymar tried his luck from a free kick just before the interval, only for his attempt to fly high of the target with Ospina rooted to the spot.