Brazilians closer to World Cup dream

Brazilian fans celebrate during the Fan Fest at Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on July 4, 2014 after the squad beat Colombia in a FIFA World Cup quarter-final football match. AFP
Brazilian fans celebrate during the Fan Fest at Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on July 4, 2014 after the squad beat Colombia in a FIFA World Cup quarter-final football match. AFP

Joyous Brazilians jumped in the ocean, threw beer in the air and launched fireworks after their football team took a step closer to a dream World Cup final.

From Rio de Janeiro's Copacabana beach to packed bars in Sao Paulo and the capital Brasilia, Brazilians leaped and kissed each other after the 2-1 quarter-final victory over Colombia, setting up a semi-final against Germany.

"I think Brazil are playing better every game. They'll win the cup. This Selecao has a lot of heart," said Vinicius Morais, an 18-year-old street vendor at the official Fan Fest attended by 25,000 people in Copacabana.

About 100 fans jumped straight into the sea, most fully clothed, after the final whistle, as smoke from dozens of flares filled the air while others sang "I'm Brazilian."