As we enter the final days of the World Cup, we say goodbye to the last two African teams. I was very impressed with Algeria though, and if not for the excellent positioning and decisions by Manuel Neuer, the Desert Foxes may have beaten Germany. The United States also depart Brazil after a hard fought game against Belgium. I've never been a fan of Chris Wondolowski, and was puzzled by his appearance in this game. It has to be said, Michael Bradley did not play nearly up to his standards. Still, getting out of the group was the goal before the tournament started, that goal was achieved. We also say goodbye to Mexico, who valiantly fought off the Netherlands for 88 minutes before Wesley Sneijder equalized. Then another very controversial decision as Arjen Robben went down inside the box in stoppage time. The penalty was converted and just like that Mexico were out. Such a shame, I've been watching Robben dive for years in the Bundesliga, and he even admitted after the game that he dove. FIFA absolutely needs to address this issue because too many games are being decided by flops. Sokratis Papastathopoulos's equalizer for Greece also matched the number of goals scored in the entire 2010 tournament. Basically what this means is we're watching one of the most entertaining tournaments in recent memory...and we're only at the quarterfinals. This is also a wide open of a World Cup that I can remember...Literally any of the final 8 teams can win it (and probably believe so). I managed to predict 6 out of 8 matchups with 1 correct scoreline in the round of 16.
Brazil vs. Colombia
Brazil played their best half of soccer so far in the first half against Chile, but one lapse in concentration meant it was all for nothing. For the remaining part of the game, they looked unconvincing and even shaky in defense. Chile had the better chances, including Mauricio Pinilla hitting the crossbar with 2 minutes left in extra time. Brazil has been flirting with danger and Colombia have the capability to finish them off. Los Cafateros (as Colombia is nicknamed) are in my opinion the most dominant team so far. They're better than Chile, and Chile pushed Brazil to the brink of elimination. James Rodriguez currently leads all scorers with 5 goals, he'll need to continue his excellent play. Everyone keeps waiting for Brazil to revive their form of last years Confederation's Cup, and they absolutely have to do it in this game. I believe Colombia will end Brazil's campaign because they have the
pace to challenge Brazil's defense, which looks average at best. Look
for Juan Cuadrado to exploit Brazil.
Prediction: Brazil 1 Colombia 2
Germany vs. France
Germany were also somewhat fortunate to get past their round of 16 opponents, a very pesky Algeria side. Joachim Loew made a great substitution bringing on Andre Schuerlle, who gave the Germans more pace. Still, that was the worst I've seen Germany play in quite some time. Enough can't be said about Manuel Neuer's performance, he's likely the best goalie in the world right now. I also think Germany may have underestimated their opponents, something unlikely to happen in this match. France is quietly putting together a very nice World Cup. They were never really threatened by Nigeria, even when they took a fairly late lead. I'm really starting to like Mathieu Valbuena. One of the shortest players in the tournament, Valbuena is quick, intelligent, and decisive. If the French want to pull the upset they should look at what Algeria did...Clog the midfield and look to exploit Per Mertesacker on the counter attack. France have the capability to pull of the upset, but I think Germany won't underestimate them like they did Algeria.
Prediction: Germany 2 France 1 (after extra time)
Netherlands vs. Costa Rica
Costa Rica are the darlings of this tournament, there's no doubt about it. I don't think there's any expert out there that picked the Ticos to be in the final 8 (I didn't think they'd get a single point). I thought when Sokratis equalized for the Greeks, they would continue their luck that's seemingly never ending since 2004, but Costa Rica hung on valiantly with 10 men. They then executed the shootout to perfection. The Netherlands turned defeat into victory against Mexico, perhaps a little fortunately. They dominated the game after going down, so it's not like they didn't deserve the win. They'll likely have the ball for the majority of this game, and I doubt they take Costa Rica lightly. Costa Rica will have to find a way to stop Arjen Robben (preferably before the penalty area). The Dutch will have to be patient to break down this Costa Rica side, and have to be weary of the counter attack. On paper, this looks like a cakewalk for Holland, but so did the Australia match. Costa Rica has already exceeded expectations, and I think their miracle run ends here.
Prediction: Netherlands 2 Costa Rica 0
Belgium vs. Argentina
Belgium still haven't looked that convincing this tournament, but they're finding ways to win, which at this point of the tournament is perfectly ok. Normally, Argentina would be a massive favorite, but they also (aside from Lionel Messi) haven't shown anything special. However, the name in those parentheses makes a world of difference. Messi is enjoying an excellent World Cup so far, as he set up the only goal of the game against a tough Switzerland side. Belgium and Switzerland are actually pretty similar teams, with Belgium having a little more talent, and plenty of depth. It's this depth that may be the key here because this game has extra time and penalties written all over it. Vincent Kompany will likely have the task of stopping Messi, and Belgium lack a defensive midfielder that could help with that. They have plenty of quality in the midfield though, and will need Marouane Fellaini and Dries Mertens to play at a high level. The key in this game is the first goal: if Belgium score first I really like their chances because they'll likely put two or three guys on Messi and dare the rest of the team to try and break down the rest of the defense. If Argentina scores first, Belgium will eventually have to chase the game, leaving themselves open for counters. Not much separates these sides though.
Prediction: Belgium 1 Argentina 1 (Argentina wins on penalties)
For up to the minute updates (and my opinions) on the World Cup, follow me on twitter @abakiera
Adam Bakiera
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