Jose Pekerman: 'Brazil have yet to hit potential'

Colombia manager Jose Pekerman has echoed the widespread opinion that quarter-final opponents Brazil have yet to find top form at this summer's World Cup.

The two South American sides meet in the last eight of the tournament in Fortaleza on Friday evening.

Pekerman has hinted that the pressure of being home nation has hampered Brazil's play, and allowed teams that are not as star-studded as the Selecao a more even playing field.

"Sometimes a team with a lot of potential, if they don't find the result and they need to win, they can't play so brilliantly," he told reporters.

"So the competition becomes interesting because a team with less individual stars can disturb the balance of the other team."

Colombia and Brazil have never previously met at a World Cup finals.