Colombian president gives workers time off to watch World Cup quarter-final

Colombian president Juan Manuel Santos has declared Friday afternoon a public holiday when the national football team take on hosts Brazil in the quarter-finals of the World Cup.

Workers will only be required to do half a day on Friday as Colombia attempt to cause an upset by knocking out the hosts and progressing into the final four.

Santos said: "I want to announce to all government workers that, by civic decree, Friday afternoon will be a public holiday so that everyone can watch the game."

Colombia earned their place in the final eight with a 2-0 win over Uruguay.