Today's games all about Europe vs Africa

Today's round of the World Cup eighth finals is all about Europe vs Africa.

At 1pm (local time) at Mané Garrincha, Brasília, a strongly favorite France faces Nigeria relying on Benzema. Wearing the number 9 shirt, the French forward has made a good campaign so far with three goals scored. Sissoko, Pogba, and Giroud have also done well and could help lead France to the next round.

The runner-up in Group F, Nigeria is the “dark horse” in the game, but could give France a hard time. The team's hopes of survival fall mainly on forward Musa, who nailed twice in the latest game. Along with him, midfielder Odemwingie and their skilled goalkeeper, Enyeama, are the team's bets to daze their opponent.

Later on at 5pm, Germany gets back on field against Algeria for a place in the quarterfinals. The game will be at the Beira-Rio stadium in Porto Alegre. Germany is a favorite, with many stars who could help decide the match in their favor – including Thomas Müller, with four goals in the competition, and midfielders Mario Götze, Schweinsteiger, and Özil.

This game has the potential to set a historical record. If Miroslav Klose plays and scores for Germany, he could become the single best World Cup goalscorer. The forward has a track record of 15 goals over four World Cups and is currently even with Brazil's Ronaldo, who has held the distinction since 2006.

Still, Algeria does have prospects of winning, which would not be an unprecedented feat. In Spain 1982, Algeria beat Germany (West Germany back then) by 2-1. In order to advance, Africans will certainly rely on a good performance by the skilled midfielder, Feghouli, and forward Slimani, who scored against Russia in the decisive playoff qualification match last Thursday (26).

Translated by Mayra Borges