Could Colombia Dance Into The Semifinals?

It might come down to Neymar again.
(Pic Courtesy of FIFA.com)

It's a way of life to them Brazilians. They live, eat, breathe and adore the game of football, more so than any other nation throughout this globe, or any around it. With a football at their feet, it is more of a cha-cha cum tango session, rather than a game with 22 men on a football field, with millions the world over tuning in. The records speak for themselves, 5 World Cups already to their name.

But since 1970, they've only got 2 medals, with them being in 1994 and 2002. The rest have caught up, and possibly gone ahead of them. A game usually decided solely on individual brilliance has undergone a paradigm shift, with it now being more a game of chess, with the two players on the touchline, putting their pieces to vie for a tactical advantage.

Brazil used to sway and move without any contest. But the Colombians can now dance with them, and have terrific moves up their sleeves too. And with Jose Peckerman being a master tactician, they might just go into this game with a slight edge.

He's been absolutely fabulous in Rio.
(Pic Courtesy of FIFA.com)

David Ospina knows his way between the sticks, Camilo Zuniga is a flying wingback, and the duo of James Rodriguez (or Hamez if you like) and Juan Cuadrado can shake the spine of any team. And the Brazilians do not have much of a spine. Boogeyman David Luiz can be got at, and with Alves and Marcelo who spend more time in the attacking half of the pitch, it could play right into Colombia's hands.

Juan Camilo Zuniga has been a marauding right wing back for Colombia.
(Pic Courtesy of FIFA.com)

In every game Brazil has scored in, they have also conceded. The defence is not watertight, unlike the one at Pekerman's disposal. Great offensively, Los Cafateros have also got a rock solid defence, with only two goals conceded in 4 games. They however have to come up with a plan to contain Neymar, as he has single-handedly dragged Brazil into the last 16.

History is on Brazil's side, but the here and now? I have to side with Colombia in this one.

My take: Brazil 0-2 Colombia

In the clash featuring Europeans, Germany and France go head-to-head in what could prove to be a stunning match. But as I have stated in an earlier piece, Germany are not just Germany. A team which used to rely on stout defending before thinking of going forward, they have now seemed to alter their approach, whereby little 'number 10s' run the show, playing with a 'false 9' even, however more is needed to get over this French side.

Manuel Neuer in the match against Algeria.
(Pic Courtesy of FIFA.com)

In Manuel Neuer though, they have a sweeper and a keeper who is in a class of his own. The problem though lies in the defence in front of him, as pace is severely lacking. In a footrace between Karim Benzema and Per Mertesacker, I'd shudder to think of the consequences. What would happen if an Alfa Romeo goes up against a Daewoo?

Can Mertesacker be solid enough?
(Pic Courtesy of FIFA.com)

The Parisians have much about them, speed, strength, agility, and a cohesiveness rarely seen in French teams of yesteryears. When it comes to the attacking department, both Germany and France could be said to be equally adept at getting a goal. At the other end though, I'd certainly have to give the edge to Didier Deschamps men. Koscielny and Varane are both quick, and Yohan Cabaye does a marvelous job of screening the back four.

It will be a tight one, but somewhat of an upset on the cards.

My take: Germany 0-1 France.