Have we ever seen such an even World Cup? All eight group winners have made it through to the quarter-finals, despite the best efforts of the second placed sides, many of whom were unlucky to be knocked out.
While the elite eight have been winning, most have been far from perfect.
Argentina have relied heavily on Lionel Messi’s brilliance, whereas Germany and the Netherlands have failed to back up impressive first-up wins in the group stage with more dominant displays.
Belgium seem to have struggled at times with the pressure of being everyone’s dark horse for the tournament, while France and Costa Rica have surprised with their free-flowing style.
As a result, the France versus Germany, Belgium versus Argentina and Netherlands versus Costa Rica match-ups have the potential to be classics, as there is no real favourite.
But it’s the quarter final between Colombia and Brazil that will be the most intriguing match of the weekend. It’s more than just a South American derby; it could be the match that shakes the order of international football.
Colombia have been the most impressive team at the tournament by far. After three comprehensive wins from three in the group stage, Colombia also easily accounted for Uruguay in the round of 16.
Their 4-2-3-1 system is an aggressive formation that emphasises possession with the ball and substantial pressure when they are on the defensive. The fact they have scored 11 goals and conceded just 2 is proof José Péckerman’s game plan is working.
Captain Mario Yepes is an inspirational leader in defence, while Teófilo Gutiérrez is proving difficult to contain.
They also have found a star in James Rodríguez, who has stepped up to fill the void left by Radamel Falco. When it was announced that Falco would miss the tournament, there was a feeling Colombia would struggle to score goals, but these fears have been alleviated by the AS Monaco star, whose has been in the right place at the right time on numerous occasions.
Colombia’s enthusiasm is contagious and is in stark contrast to the feeling of pessimism surrounding Brazil.
There’s no doubt they have been heavily burdened with the pressure of being the World Cup host. It seems like the protests about the cost of the World Cup and the pressure of erasing the ghosts of 1950 have hampered Luiz Felipe Scolari’s troops.
Brazil struggled to get through the group stage with the only consistent aspect of the side being their rampant inconsistency during matches. Brilliant one minute, mediocre the next, the pre-tournament favourites have inched their way to the quarters rather than bounding in with confidence as in previous years.
They’re also very fortunate to have made it past the second round, with Chile’s Mauricio Pinella just centimetres away from knocking the host nation out in extra time.
Neymar has proved to the world he is a future champion, but those around him have struggled to perform.
Dani Alves has been on the receiving end for his lacklustre tournament and his counterpart in defence Thiago Silva hasn’t been able to enforce himself on matches.
The Seleção have not performed to expectations this tournament but have been saved by an easy group and some luck. They can’t rely on that in the quarters, as Colombia’s enthusiastic style will not buckle under expectations.
Brazil will need to play with confidence and a compact defence when they lose the ball, as Colombia are at their best when given space.
Shutting Rodríguez out of the game will be critical, but not an easy task for Brazil.
6am Saturday morning (AEST) in Fortaleza has got the potential to be another memorable match. Brazil has got the advantage of the crowd behind them, and having a talented squad, but that may not be enough to stop a confident Colombia from doing the unthinkable and knocking Brazil out.
Luis
Guest
Sorry 2 - 1 Brasil
Gavin
Guest
I really think Columbia will go through without a whole lot of issues. Still question marks over how fit Neymar actually is. His pace could pose problems but without him fully fit, they'll struggle for goals. Though I really hope for the country's sake that they win. Brazil will be in absolute ruins if they lose. Gotta feel for the people who didn't want the tournament in the first place.
asanchez
Roar Guru
Quintero is a young gun! Pity her doesn't get enough of a run, for both club & country. May get his chance off the bench tonight.
Luis
Guest
Brasil will cling the floor with Colombia, for me 2, 0 BRASIL
Lee
Guest
They were very unconvincing in qualifying for '02, star names aside. France and Argentina were the names bandied about as favourites, with both exiting at the group stage. Many pundits didn't rate 2002 Germany and Brazil squads that highly, which made it quite surprising that the two of them made it to Yokohama for the final, their first ever meeting in the World Cup.
Steve Kerr
Roar Rookie
Now Mitch *is* correct, I'm not disputing that, but actually 'James' isn't as wrong as you might think: he was named after James Bond (apparently) and the Spanish equivalent of James would be Santiago or Jaime, so Hamez seems like a corruption as much as anything. That said, he can call himself whatever he wants- the kid's great!
asanchez
Roar Guru
Colombia will win this. By far the form team of the tournament with the form player. This Brazil side isn't a vintage one by any stretch, I can't see them winning it, regardless of the result tomorrow morning. But I wouldn't be surprised if old mate FIFA steps in and gives the home side a 12th man on the field tomorrow and helps them get through. It should would prolong any major issues out on the streets if they progressed!
Punter
Guest
A team with Ronaldo, Rivaldo, Cafu & Robert Carlos, plus an yet unknown Ronaldinho was not rated?
Lazza
Guest
The American commentators call him Ha-mez "Don't call me James" Rodríguez. Love their nicknames.
Jayden
Guest
Being a fan of Porto, particularly Quintero from my FM exploits and my liking of Jackson Martinez, I came in with Colombia as my #2 team behind Aus. Was hoping for them to reach a semi, quite happy with the way they've played. Been great to watch. :)
Paul
Guest
20 years after the tragic death of Andres Escobar, wouldn't it be fantastic if Colombia could go through and win the whole thing? Colombia v Netherlands final would be fitting for the two most pleasurable teams to watch this WC.
nickoldschool
Roar Guru
Would love Colombia, France, Belgium and Costa Rica to make the semis but would settle for 2 out of 4. I think Brasil v Colombia could be one of the most dramatically tense football matches ever as Scolari's players seem to lack confidence. If they don't score or lead by HT, I think they will struggle in the 2nd half.
realfootball
Guest
Picking Columbia. The pressure on Brasil is proving to be more destructive than constructive. Plus this is a very ordinary Brasil team.
realfootball
Guest
I hear Robben has been practising bending his dives long after the other players are in the showers after training.
Football United
Guest
This is far from their best team. 1982, 2002, 1960 brazil teams would wipe the floor with the current lot.
magila cutty
Guest
Actually, going into 2002 that team were not rated.
Steve
Guest
How is there not o be mention of Cuadrado in this article. Most Ronaldinho like player I have seen (his skills not his hairdo).
Griffo
Roar Guru
Going for Columbia in this game. How about Mario Yepes - 38 and defending the line in a World Cup? He keeps the defence a bit lower than what is becoming the norm due to lack of pace but defensively the team is strong in the front and middle third when they lose the ball. Brazil playing more direct than what you'd expect so they could bypass the midfield and get in behind the likes of Yepes. Rodríguez will be shut down but Cuadrado cannot be ignored. His ability on the ball is better than Rodríguez imo. If Brazil go behind early, the thumb-screws of pressure will keep building during the game. If they come back from behind in that game without going to penalties then Brazil could end up taking out the World Cup. I don't buy that Columbia will fall at this level of the tournament because they haven't achieved this level before. They're old enough and playing on their home continent that they will take this opportunity by the scruff of the neck. Should be a good game, either way.
Punter
Guest
This is not the greatest Brazilian team I have seen, they do not play the beautiful game. Once (if) they lose the Public will turn on this team. Far from the 2002 team.
fiver
Guest
Will be strange if Brazil wins this world cup. I said in another article that this current side would get hammered by their 2002 WC winning team that boasted the likes of Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Rivaldo, Roberto Carlos and Cafu. However I think that 2002 side is one of greatest ever. If I had to put my money on someone now it would be the Netherlands.