FIFA World Cup 2014: Brazil Midfielder Wary of Colombia Threat

Brazil midfielder Fernandinho feels his side's World Cup quarterfinal opponents Colombia will prove to be a different threat compared to Chile, whom they beat in the Round of 16.

The hosts, who have not been at their best in the World Cup so far, were made to work hard by Chile who only narrowly lost out to their South American counterparts, after it was down to penalties.

And now that Brazil have booked a quarterfinal date with yet another South American side, Fernandinho feels that the Selecao need to deploy different tactics.

"Colombia is a little bit different to Chile. They like to play more on the attack, and the left and right-backs like to help out in the attacking area to be able to finish. So maybe this is the difference between Colombia and Chile," Fernandinho told reporters.

However, he feels all South American sides defend in a similar way.

"In terms of defending, all of the South American squads have similar styles. They defend their goal strongly but fairly, and then they counter-attack fast."

The Manchester City midfielder stressed that Brazil are fully aware of Colombia's attacking midfielder James Rodriguez's abilities.

The Monaco youngster, who scored a brace during Colombia's 2-0 win over Uruguay, is currently leading the race to win the 2014 World Cup Golden Boot, having notched five goals and two assists so far.

And Fernandinho, who has faced Rodriguez in the Champions League before, feels that the 22-year-old will be the most dangerous player on the pitch for Colombia on Friday.

"I played against him in the Champions League. It was at the start of his time in Europe and he wasn't yet a first-choice for Porto. Already in that game he showed his technical quality with his left foot. The less space he gets against us, the better it will be for Brazil," the City midfielder told Sky News.

However, the 29-year-old feels that Brazil are well prepared to beat Colombia and progress to the semifinals.

"We have been preparing ever since we first got together on May 26. We have worked on the psychological side and there is no need to do any of that now. What matters now is to show what we can do on the pitch."

When asked whether Brazil are the favourites to win the 2014 World Cup, Fernandinho replied: "With regards to being the favourite, I'm going to say it one more time, every time Brazil is in any tournament, it's considered a favourite. As players we are fully aware of what comes with this expectation and can live with that."