Brazil kept their World Cup dream alive this evening courtesy of a 2-1 victory over Colombia in the last eight.

Thiago Silva and David Luiz got the goals for the hosts, who held on to book their place in the last four despite a late Colombian fightback that saw James Rodriguez score from the spot.

Here, Sports Mole takes a look at who impressed during a gripping 90 minutes in Fortaleza.

BRAZIL

Goal

Julio Cesar: Had a quieter evening than he might have been expecting, although he did give away the penalty with a mistimed challenge on Bacca. (6/10)

Defence

Maicon: Something of a surprise inclusion in place of Dani Alves, but warranted his selection with a decent display. Provided a threat going forward and also did his defensive duties well. (7/10)

Thiago Silva: Led by example both in defence and in attack. Opened the scoring early by bundling the ball home at the back post having lost his marker, and then played a big part in keeping Colombia at bay until the 80th minute. (8/10)

David Luiz: Played with great passion once more, providing able assistance to Silva alongside him in defence. Got what proved to be the winning goal with a stunning free kick into the top corner from range. (8/10)

Marcelo: Tireless performance from the left-back, who was up and down the flank all night. Provided plenty of attacking threat and also helped to keep Colombia's dangerous players quiet. (8/10)

Midfield

Fernandinho: Did a very good job keeping Rodriguez relatively quiet, although his methods weren't always strictly legal. Somehow got away without a booking despite a whole host of fouls. (7/10)

Paulinho: Restored to the starting lineup in Gustavo's absence and put in a powerful performance. Also helped to keep Rodriguez quiet, giving him very little space to work his magic. (7/10)

Oscar: Largely anonymous in an attacking sense as he struggled to get into the game. Had more of an impact defensively with a couple of good tackles, but didn't affect the match as much as he would have liked. (6/10)

Attack

Hulk: Got himself into a few really good positions with decent play, but his end product was lacking. Ospina made one good stop to deny him, but Hulk should have worked the keeper more than he did on a few other occasions. (7/10)

Fred: Went missing once again, never really getting himself into the game. He did hold the ball up well a couple of times, but you certainly expect more from a number nine of the tournament favourites. (5/10)

Neymar: Got the assist for the opening goal with a dangerous corner but struggled to have his usual impact from open play. Still managed to look threatening on occasions, but the match ended in personal disappointment as he was carried off on a stretcher. (7/10)

Substitutes

Ramires: Came on for the final seven minutes and made a couple of powerful runs forward, but didn't have enough time to make a big impact. (6/10)

Hernanes: Replaced Paulinho in the 86th minute and, like Ramires, struggled to shine in his short cameo. (6/10)

Henrique: Had even less time on the field having come on for the injured Neymar with two minutes of normal time remaining. (6/10)

COLOMBIA

Goal

David Ospina: Made a couple of impressive saves, including a very good one to deny Hulk. Had no chance with either goal. (7/10)

Defence

Camilo Zuniga: Wasn't as prominent in attack as he has been in other matches in this tournament. Was solid enough defensively, but didn't have a great impact on the game. (6/10)

Cristian Zapata: Strong performance in the centre of defence as he kept Brazil's attackers relatively quiet throughout. (6/10)

Mario Yepes: Decent display on what could be his last appearance for the national team. Made a few important tackles and interceptions and never looked vulnerable to the pace of Neymar et al. (7/10)

Pablo Armero: Posed more of an attacking threat than Zuniga on the other flank, but still struggled to do as much in the opposition half as he would have liked. (6/10)

Midfield

Juan Cuadrado: Disappointing display from the winger, who never got into the game before being subbed with 10 minutes remaining. (6/10)

Fredy Guarin: Decent enough display in the middle of the park, although he wasted one or two good positions with wayward shooting. (6/10)

Carlos Sanchez: Was at fault for the opening goal having gone to sleep at the back post and allowed Silva to nip in and score. (5/10)

Victor Ibarbo: Restored to the starting lineup but only lasted 45 minutes before being hauled off at half time following an ineffective display. (5/10)

Attack

Teofilo Gutierrez: Had a couple of nice touches but struggled to get much joy against an in-form pairing of Silva and Luiz. (6/10)

James Rodriguez: Once again was his country's best player and everything good they did went through him. He may have been on the losing side but his stock has risen significantly over the past couple of weeks. With six goals to his name he is two clear in the race for the Golden Boot, while he could also be in line for the Golden Ball. (8/10)

Substitutes

Adrian Ramos: Made a difference having come on at half time, giving Colombia more of a presence and aerial threat up front. (7/10)

Carlos Bacca: Won the penalty for his side following a slick interchange with Rodriguez. Beat the keeper to the ball and may well have had a tap-in had he not been brought down. (7/10)

Juan Quintero: Played a couple of dangerous crosses into the box from corners but couldn't make much of an impact from opening play during his 10-minute cameo. (6/10)