BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - THE excitement continues tomorrow (July 4) as FIFA World Cup moves into its Quarter Finals round with the top eight teams of the tournament doing battle for spots in the Semi-Finals.
The eight teams are France, Germany, Argentina, Belgium Colombia, Netherlands, Costa Rica and host country Brazil.
According to ABC.net, the strengths Brazil demonstrated could be a potent, attacking threat throughout the group stage, and is led by one of the tournament's star performers, Neymar.
The media outlet is however of the view that pressure is likely to be placed on the hosts, because Brazilian teams have notoriously struggled with such in the past.
Their opponents for the Quarter-Finals, Columbia, have been inspired by the incredible talent of the relatively unknown 23-year-old attacker James Rodriquez.
The media outlet also reported that Colombia have posed an ever-present attacking threat while remaining secure at the back.
This is however Columbia’s first appearance in the World Cup’s final eight.
Finalist from 2010, the Netherlands will come up against Costa Rica, the Cinderella team of this World Cup.
ABC.net reported that the Dutch are speedy, aggressive and able to launch attacks from any position, thanks to the offensive instincts of defenders Daley Blind and striker-turned-full-back Dirk Kuyt.
However, defensive frailties are a concern for a team packed with offensive talent.
According to the media outlet, the Costa Rican team is designed to upset the bigger teams, and the potential is there for at least one more big name scalp, adding that they would have to bounce back from a punishing victory on penalties over Greece where fatigue was evident.
European powerhouses Germany and France offer up a mouth-watering clash in the Quarter Finals.
The Germans are reported to pose a constant threat in attack with names such as Thomas Muller, Mario Gotze and Toni Kroos, while Captain Philipp Lahm offers defensive strength.
However, despite their strength in attack, there are questions surrounding the team’s defence versus top opponents
Their French opponents on the other hand have been the best defensive thus far in Brazil, only conceding twice to the Swiss team during the group stages.
In the round of 16 game versus Nigeria, France struggled until two late goals powered them into the next stage.
In the last Quarter Finals game, South American favourites Argentina will battle against the star-studded Belgium side.
The South Americans have been carried by Lionel Messi the entire World Cup, who has impacted every game thus far. They also have attacking threats from the likes of Sergio Aguero, Angel Di Maria and Gonzalo Higuain.
In contrast, Belgium continues to impress with attacking stars Eden Hazard, Kevin De Bruyne, Dries Mertens, Kevin Mirallas, RomeluLukaku and DivockOrigi, who have all played a part in all four games.
They were however frustrated by USA goalkeeper Tim Howard in the last game in which he set a new World Cup record with 16 saves and helped send the game into extra-time.
The first Quarter Finals game will be Germany vs. France followed by Brazil against Columbia.
