World Cup Quarterfinals Predictions

     I tell you what, this is when things get really interesting, as if they weren’t already.  In the round of 16 we saw five games go to extra time and two go so far as penalty kicks.  In the end, though, every team that won their group defeated a second place team to advance to the quarterfinals, one step closer to their goal, a mere three games away from winning the World Cup.  Each of the eight nations remaining will have to leave everything on the pitch and play the best games of their lives to go down  in the history books.  Here’s who I think succeeds and advances to the semifinals.
    Netherlands vs Costa Rica: I think it’s absolutely incredible how Costa Rica has made it this far.  Winning their group, and then beating Greece after going down a man.  This team was seriously underrated entering the World Cup.  Then again, so was Netherlands.  They’ve score 12 goals in their four games so far, and were able to snag a win against Mexico in stoppage time.  It’s been a remarkable performance from Costa Rica but they don’t have the star power to go past the Netherlands.  Netherlands 2, Costa Rica 0
     Brazil vs Colombia:  This will be a heck of a game.  Colombia has played arguably better than any other team so far in this World Cup.  Brazil, on the other hand, has been disappointing in my opinion, drawing Mexico and nearly losing to Chile.  James Rodriguez will be required to have another fantastic game to continue Colombia’s run, and I think he has it in him.  Watch out, it could be all over for the hosts.  Colombia 2, Brazil 1
     Argentina vs Belgium:  In my opinion this is the best quarterfinals match, because it sees two teams that have won every game they’ve played in the World Cup, and contains two teams that are among the top 4 in odds at the moment.  Messi has been fantastic in this World Cup, but no one has been better after the 70th minute than Belgium, who have scored all six of their goals late in matches.  This one is a toss up.  Players like De Bruyne and Origi have led a great Belgian attack (the US certainly fell victim to it), and Belgium have only allowed two goals (one due to a penalty kick).  Be ready for an amazing show here.  Argentina 1, Belgium 1 (Argentina on PKs)
     Germany vs France:  Germany survived their rematch from 1982 with Algeria, but it took over 90 minutes before Andre Schurrle could save the day.  A French team that likes to score were held for most of their match with the Super Eagles of Nigeria, but like Germany put on a late show to take control.  Here in my opinion is where France really misses their big stars Franck Ribery and Samir Nasri, who aren’t participating in the World Cup.  Germany 2, France 1

Thanks for reading,
Connor