Brazil vs Colombia preview World Cup 2014: A statistical look at the quarter-final Fortaleza

WhoScored.com take a look at the stats to suggest how the upcoming matches may pan out and where each game could be won and lost

Neymar is expected to feature for Brazil against (GETTY IMAGES)

This South American match-up is a really exciting prospect as host nation and pre-tournament favourites Brazil meet a Colombia side that have undoubtedly been one of the strongest in the competition to date.

Indeed, according to WhoScored.com ratings only France have garnered a greater score then Jose Pekerman's side (7.15), boosted significantly by the superb displays of James Rodriguez, whose rating of 8.62 ranks third at the tournament to date.

Colombia are one of just three sides left in the competition averaging a lower than equal share of possession (45.9%), using the pace of their wide men, in particular Juan Guillermo Cuadrado, and the guile of Rodriguez to devastating effect. With Luiz Gustavo suspended, the latter will hope to find pockets of space between Brazil's midfield and defence to do what he does best, and the absence of the Wolfsburg man - who has impressed to this point - could be crucial.

Colombia will be happy to soak up pressure and reduce the space between the lines for the other key player in this battle. Neymar, who should operate from the left - where 40% of Brazil's attacking touches have originated - has certainly stood up to the test and immense pressure on his shoulders, earning a rating from WhoScored.com of 8.25. He'll come up against the pacy Juan Zuniga, who likes to get forward, and will look to exploit any forays forward from the Napoli full-back.

All statistics courtesy of WhoScored.com, where you can find yet more stats, including live in-game data and unique player and team ratings.