Quarterfinals to feature four world champions
Brazil, Germany, France, and Argentina – four world champions battling for another trophy
The World Cup quarterfinals start this Friday (July 4) with only eight teams left out of the original 32 competitors, including four world champions – Brazil, Germany, France, and Argentina – battling for another trophy. Also contending are the Netherlands, Belgium, Colombia, and Costa Rica. All of the remaining competitors had finished on top of their groups in the first stage, a feat last seen in Mexico 1986, when the playoff system was first introduced as the second stage.
Although accredited for their world titles, the four champions have failed to put on such a beautiful show in the eyes of the public as Colombia and Costa Rica did to become the dark horses of the tournament so far.
Germany vs France will open the quarterfinals at 1pm (local time) at Maracanã, Rio. The two teams have had mixed performances and did not fully please their fans in their eighth-finals games. While France was overpowered by Nigeria for most of the first half before eventually winning the game, Germany had a hard time with Algeria's counter-attacks throughout regulation, only to score in overtime.
Brazil is also heading for a tough challenge against Colombia and should not take it for granted for all its overwhelming home crowd. After a hard-won quarter-final match against Chile, Brazil will need to improve on its failures before it takes the field at Arena Castelão, Fortaleza, on Friday (4) 5pm. Brazilians are hoping that coach Luiz Felipe Scolari will have something up his sleeve to deter such skilled players as James Rodriguez and Cuadrado.
Colombia has staged the most regular campaign in the tournament so far. It is the only team that has not upset its crowd and has put on eye-catching games exceeding general expectations. After an irreproachable group stage, it sent Uruguay home with ease in the round of 16.
Costa Rica finished the first phase on top of such big group mates as Uruguay, England and Italy, showing compelling playing skills. Midfielder and striker Ruiz Campbell are the highlights of the team, which has overthrown world champions. Even a defeat to favorite Netherlands in Saturday's game (July 5), in Salvador, would see Costa Rica off the competition in good standing.
While showing optimism at every win, Argentina has not yet lived up to its talents. Its defeat of Switzerland in the final minutes on Tuesday (July 1st) was possibly their best match.
Belgium will make its first appearance as the underdog when they face Argentina. Having won all three matches in the group stage, Belgium paved their way to quarterfinals after a hard-fought match against the United States, which was only decided in overtime. Speed counterattacks with Lukaku, De Bruyne and Origi can provide a weapon to break into the Argentine defense. Belgium and Argentina face off on Saturday (5) 1pm in Brasília.
Translated by Mayra Borges
Fonte: Quarterfinals to feature four world champions
