Picks made by Alex Flum, Lorenzo Siemann and guest writer and World Cup Correspondent Felipe Ninio
France vs. Germany – 12:00 PM ET, Friday, July 4 on ESPN2
Lorenzo: Neither team played their best in their games against African nations. I do not think that trend will continue in one of the best games in the tournament. There will be plenty of attacking and defending quality, but Germany will manage to edge France 2-1.
Alex: I think Gemany has the capability to win this one, but I think they won’t. Behind at halftime, Karim Benzema will lead the French into it and France will advance with a 2-1 victory in extra time.
Felipe: This game will be close because both teams have had strong showing in this tournament so far and it is likely that this game will be a colossal test of wills for both teams. Germany has more able players like Kross, Ozil and Muller. They will surpass France 1-0 in extra time edging out Pogba and Benzema.
Brazil vs. Colombia – 4:00 PM ET, Friday, July 4 on ESPN
Lorenzo: Colombia might be the hottest team in the tournament. Brazil looked flat for long stretches of the game against Chile and will need to seriously step up their game to handle James Rodriguez, Juan Cuadrado and company. In the end, Brazil won’t be able to handle Colombia’s intensity. Colombia wins 2-1, and the host country will be disappointed.
Alex: Brazil is stumbling their way through this tournament. Colombia is doing just the opposite. Expect Colombia to triumph over the host nation behind inspired play from James Rodriguez. They win 3-2.
Felipe: Much of the Brazilian press has been negative about the team, especially after the emotional game with Chile. Brazil is still, however, the clear favorite to win the tournament, thanks to some tactical adjustments. They took away attacker Fred to focus more on smart passes and on ball possession in the midfield. Colombia will have trouble continuing the magic facing their biggest competition yet. Brazil should win 2-0 with goals from Neymar.
Argentina vs. Belgium – 12:00 PM ET, Saturday, July 5 on ABC
Lorenzo: Argentina has still not lived up to standards, while Belgium put it all together in the win against the United States in the round of sixteen. Belgium have the talent to stay with Argentina, and I think in the end that they will outperform the South Americans. If Romelu Lukaku comes out inspired, Belgium could get plenty goals. In the end they will take the game 2-1.
Alex: Belgium played so well the other day that if it wasn’t for Tim Howard, they probably would have won 5-0. I think they will come out firing with a 1-0 lead, but Lionel Messi, still resilient will lead his team back to a 2-1 victory. Argentina is not prepared to exit this tournament yet.
Felipe: The Belgians impressed the world with their assault on Tim Howard in net, and Hazar is stepping out of the shadows and playing ball for one. On the other hand, Argentina demonstrated clear signs of weakness against a much weaker Switzerland and superstar Messi was showing clear signs of weakness towards the end. I think Belgium will give the world a surprise and win 2-1 coming from behind. It is a shame we will be deprived of a Brazil and Argentina final but maybe it is for the better thinking of so many heart attacks that will be averted.
Netherlands vs. Costa Rica – 4:00 PM ET, Saturday, July 5 on ESPN
Lorenzo: Yes, Costa Rica was playing with ten men. Still, they allowed the least offensive side (Greece) possibly in the tournament to dominate their round of sixteen match. Arjen Robben looks to me like the most dangerous player in the tournament, and Costa Rica’s defense is not strong in 1 vs. 1 situations. Costa Rica’s World Cup will end here, in a 3-0 loss to the Netherlands, after a terrific Cup run.
Alex: My heart says Costa Rica, but my brain says Holland. The cinderella story Costa Ricans will make it exciting, but two late goals from Robben and Van Persie will give the Netherlands a 4-2 victory. Leaving the last CONCACAF team standing eliminated.
Felipe: In theory, the flying Dutchmen have the easiest game of the quarterfinals but if there is one thing about this world cup, it’s that no game is easy. The costa ricans have played well and have smart tactics and don’t just defend with truly able players like Bryan Rodriguez and Joe Campbell to prove it. With that said, you can never doubt Robben or Van Persie. I think this will go down to the penalties and Holland will win it. Every dream must come to an end!
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