Chris Waddle
BBC Radio 5 live

"Everybody is talking about Colombia but I think Brazil will be too strong today.

"Colombia had a relatively easy passage through the group stage and their opponents in the second round Uruguay were not helped by the controversy surrounding Luis Suarez.

"Yes they have got Juan Cuadrado and James Rodriguez, or Jimmy R, but their defence is not good enough under pressure and the hosts will be too strong."

The Brazilian anthem has been one of the highlights of the World Cup. A tremendous spectacle, and one we will be able to enjoy again in about an hour's time...

BBC Sport Chief Football Writer Phil McNulty in Fortaleza

"Brazil television is showing shots of their players on the team coach after Luiz Felipe Scolari has made his way into the stadium. Brazil's squad stayed aboard for some last-minute team bonding which involved lots of singing, dancing - and banging on the roof of the coach.

"There has been plenty of comment here on the players showing so much emotion before and after games, in tears during the playing of the national anthem and also after victory against Chile in the last 16."

Colombia's number 10 James Rodriguez has put together a strong case to be the man of the tournament so far.

He's scored in every game, five in total, including a wonderful chest and volley against Uruguay.

Image source, PA

There has even been talk that he is becoming bigger in his homeland than Shakira...

Surely not.

Colombia start the game as 4/1 outsiders but were perhaps the most impressive of all eight quarter-finalists in the second round, sweeping aside Uruguay 2-0 thanks to a brace from superstar James Rodriguez.

They haven't beaten Brazil since 1991, but they haven't had a side this good since the mid 1990s either...

BBC Sport Chief Football Writer Phil McNulty in Fortaleza

"Brazil fans are lining the streets around the stadium here in Fortaleza in huge numbers to form a guard of honour for coach Luiz Felipe Scolari and his players.

"Fireworks are going off in the distance and two helicopters are hovering overhead. This could be another night of pure World Cup theatre."

Image source, AFP

Image source, Getty Images

You always fancy the hosts at a World Cup. Especially when the hosts are Brazil.

Winners in 1958, 62, 70, 94 and 2002, they are expected to make it six this summer. But are they good enough?

Image source, Epa

"Does Brazil continue to have one hand on the trophy? Yes."

You couldn't knock Brazil manager Luiz Felipe Scolari's confidence this week as he prepared his side to face Colombia in the World Cup quarter-final.

"We are going onto the fifth step and there are seven steps."

The pressure is well and truly on hosts Brazil this evening as 200 million people settle down to see the Selecao take on Colombia.

One hand on the trophy? Or one foot on the bus home?...

Brazil star Neymar will be fit despite suffering blows to his thigh and knee against Chile.

Paulinho may replace banned midfielder Luiz Gustavo, although coach Luiz Felipe Scolari is also considering switching to a 3-5-2 formation.

Colombia coach Jose Pekerman has reported no injury concerns.

Pekerman boldly fielded two strikers in the last 16 against Uruguay and must decide whether to drop Jackson Martinez in order to field an extra midfielder.