*Phew* Just managed to get this in on time before France and Germany kickoff. Here’s my take on the quarterfinal matchups as the World Cup finals reach its latter stages. I was 7/8 with my 2nd round picks, and only missed correct predictions of final scores by a couple of goals, so hopefully my luck will continue to hold, and this will really be the only preview article you need to read for this round!
The 1982 semifinal between these two powerhouses has gone down as one of the greatest World Cup matches of all time. Both rosters here are just as loaded with game-changers as they were back then, and this has the potential to become another classic. There are some fitness concerns in the German camp, with a number of players apparently coming down with flulike symptoms, but manager Joachim Löw has already downplayed those concerns. France possess a lot of speed in midfield, and if the Lahm experiment in midfield continues for Germany, the French could capitalize on a defense that looked very vulnerable to quick counters against Algeria. It would take a very brave person to count the Germans out, though, even though they were forced into extra-time against the Algerians.
PREDICTION: France 2, Germany 1
For some time now, Brazil has looked a far cry from the samba football teams they were known and loved for back in the day. Even then, this squad has looked sloppy in midfield and firing blanks up top through all 4 of their games thus far. Simple fact remains that while they emerged victorious after a poor penalty shootout against Chile, the hosts were literally a few inches away from elimination by now if Mauricio Pinilla’s shot had not crashed off the bar late in extra-time. Colombia, on the other hand, has looked among the most vibrant and exciting teams in this tournament. Led by the exploits of James Rodriguez and with a defense that had some concerns before the tournament but has been disciplined up to this time behind the seemingly-ageless Mario Yepes, Los Cafeteros may be coming into this game as underdogs on paper, but realistically, it is not a big reach to favor their chances.
PREDICTION: Colombia 2, Brazil 1.
Argentina has had to rely on moments of individual brilliance to bail them out in almost every match so far in the tournament. Normally, that might be a troubling pattern, but when you have Lionel Messi on your team, the reliance becomes almost understandable. They will almost certainly miss the influence of Rojo, who has quietly been one of the best players behind Messi on this squad, on defense. The Belgians will look to stretch that defense in the same way they were able to pepper the US goal with shots in the 2nd round, and the pace of players like Mertens, van Buyten, Origi, and Lukaku should give the Argentinians headaches. But if it’s still a tight game in the last 15-20 minutes or so…..
PREDICTION: Argentina 2, Belgium 1
Óscar Duarte’s absence will be a huge one for the Costa Ricans, as he has been a steady influence on a backline that has conceded all of 2 goals so far through 4 matches. On top of that, he looked impressive on set-pieces at the other end, getting a goal for himself and generally being a hassle for opposing defenders to cope with. The Dutch, meanwhile, left it late against Mexico but still demonstrated the attacking capability to make the necessary breakthrough. Easily one of the more impressive teams on attack thus far, and eager to do what 3 other Dutch squads were unable to do at the final hurdle, the Netherlands will want to score early against an opponent that is likely to set up in a defensive posture. Costa Rica will be counting on Ruiz and Campbell to create opportunities at the other end.
PREDICTION: Netherlands 3, Costa Rica 0
Enjoy the matches! I shall return after the weekend with a summary of the tournament thus far, and preview the semifinals as well.
Picture credits: http://wallwidehd.com/
