2014 World Cup - Quarterfinals Preview!

It's time for the quarterfinals at the 2014 World Cup. Hopefully, we'll see a few more goals than we did in the 2nd round to compliment the action!

Friday, 4 July 2014, 1pm local time
France v Germany, Rio de Janeiro

A side that hasn't quite fired but has been getting the results versus a side that seems to be playing to its potential. Normally it'd be the French who are the former and the Germans the latter but not at this World Cup. Indeed, to compound things, 7 German players have come down with the flu during the week so the Germans may not be at their best for a valid reason. The pressure is also on Jogi Loew to finally deliver a World Cup win this time round while the French really have nothing to lose having improved on their World Cup performance from last time. Should be a cracking game in the heat - both sides will be exhausted by the end of normal time and penalties.

1-1 draw after extra time. Germany to win 5-3 on penalties

Friday, 4 July 2014, 4pm local time
Brazil v Colombia, Fortaleza

Another game featuring a side that hasn't quite fired as expected against a side that looks like a world champion elect. The world champion elect in this scenario is normally Brazil but not this time despite being at home, with Colombia using home continent familiarity and the large travelling fans contingent to great effect. This is my tie to watch with the two stars of this World Cup - James Rodriguez taking on Neymar. Can the real Brazil finally turn up for the sake of the home fans or are we set to see a new world footballing power emerge?

3-2 to Brazil in a thriller. 

Saturday, 5 July 2014, 1pm local time
Argentina v Belgium, Brasilia

 

Two sides who have been grinding out wins and haven't quite shown what they can do, this could now be the time for both sides to switch up a gear. Belgium will need all their organisation in midfield and in defence to contain one-man show, Messi - they could take a leaf out of Switzerland's book. Argentina need more from Lavezzi and Higuain especially if Messi is purposely man-marked out of the game.

Argentina win a tight one 2-1.

Sunday, 5 July 2014, 4pm local time
Netherlands v Costa Rica, Salvador

Two of this World Cup's form teams but one of them is new at this stage of the competition while the other is desperate for greater things - a much belated first ever World Cup win. Costa Rica have exceeded all expectations already so the pressure is off - and they can get inspiration from their fellow CONCACAF rivals, Mexico. The Dutch will be relieved that this is a night game.

Netherlands to win 2-0.