World Cup QF review according to Four Four Two QUARTER FINALS France v Germany SBS, Saturday 2:00AM AEST Neither France nor Germany go into their quarter-final at the famous Estadio do Maracana in their best form. Coach Didier Deschamps France side have arguably been the more impressive of the two and avoided extra-time in a round-of-16 win over Nigeria. Striker Karim Benzema started the tournament in fine form with three goals, but he has failed to net in Frances past two outings. Based on recent performances, France deserve to be favourites for the encounter in Rio de Janeiro. Germany have been unimpressive since crushing Portugal 4-0 in their opening game, but their experience could give them an edge. Joachim Low and his men finished third in 2010 and have plenty of experience playing in the knockout stages. Several Germany players have been ill in the lead-up to the encounter, while their form must improve if they are to advance. Brazil v Colombia SBS, Saturday 6:00AM AEST Arguably the two best players at the World Cup so far go head-to-head when Brazil take on Colombia at the Estadio Castelao in Fortaleza. Brazil star Neymar was talked about endlessly ahead of the tournament and the 22-year-old has delivered in front of his home fans with four goals. Only one man is ahead of him in the race for the golden boot - Colombia star and attacking midfielder James Rodriguez. Rodriguez has scored five times, including a stunning volley in his teams win over Uruguay, and set up two goals. Just which of the two number 10s is in better form will go a long way towards deciding who progresses to the semi-finals. Brazil have a fine record against Colombia having won 15 of the 25 previous meetings between the nations, losing just twice. Argentina v Belgium SBS, Sunday 2:00AM AEST Argentinas reliance on Lionel Messi will be tested once more when they face Belgium in Brasilia. To Messis name at the 2014 World Cup are already four man-of-the-match awards in as many matches, as well as four goals. Since their extra-time win over Switzerland, Argentina have been questioned for their over-reliance on Messi. As the tournament goes on, Alejandro Sabellas team are unlikely to keep advancing if they continue to look to Messi for inspiration every time they are in trouble. Belgium have failed to live up to expectations of being an exciting and attacking side so far, but they have won all four of their games. More is needed from attacker Eden Hazard, who can turn matches with individual brilliance but is yet to find his best form in Brazil. Netherlands v Costa Rica SBS, Sunday 6:00AM AEST The Netherlands are hot favourites to reach the semi-finals, with many expecting them to end Costa Ricas fairy tale run. Runners-up in 2010, the Dutch look on track for a last-four berth by claiming victory in Salvador. Louis van Gaals men scraped past Mexico in the round of 16, needing two late goals to complete a come-from-behind 2-1 win. The attacking trio of Arjen Robben, Robin van Persie and Wesley Sneijder again shape as being the key. It remains to be seen if they can get past Costa Rica goalkeeper Keylor Navas, who has enjoyed a fine tournament. Thanks to Navas, Costa Rica have conceded just twice in four games, but facing the Netherlands is another step up. Captain Bryan Ruiz and striker Joel Campbell need to do some damage in the attacking third or Costa Ricas dream tournament could be over.
Posted on: Thu, 03 Jul 2014 23:49:53 +0000
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