Check out the 8 teams that made it to the World Cup quarterfinals
This is the first time in history since the World Cup was expanded to 32 teams that all eight group winners have advanced to the quarter-finals.
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| Brazil, Germany, and the Netherlands are still strong candidates at the tournament. |
The hosts were unable to beat Mexico in the group stage, but they still had some memorable moments. Chile fought bravely in the last 16 and Brazil needed luck to progress, winning 3-2 on penalties. Luiz Felipe Scolari's side are over-reliant on goals from Neymar, who has been plagued by injury. They also have defensive problems.
Netherlands (Group B winner, beat Mexico)in the round of 16)
The Netherlands made an impressive start to their group, beating Spain 5-1 and then overcoming Australia. Their win over Chile was only enough to see them through to the last 16, where they faced Mexico, who were the real test. Late goals from Wesley Sneijder and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar were enough to see them through.
Colombia (Group C winner, beat Uruguay)in the round of 16)
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Probably the most impressive team in the tournament so far. They topped their group comfortably with nine points and then eliminated a Luis Suarez-less Uruguay with a James Rodriguez brace. But now they face their biggest test yet: beating Brazil on their home turf.
Costa Rica (Group D winner, beat Greece)in the round of 16)
Considered the weakest team in the quarter-finals, Costa Rica have never gone this far at a World Cup. They played very well in the group stage, beating Italy and Uruguay and drawing with England, before eliminating Greece in the round of 16 after a penalty shootout despite having only 10 men for nearly an hour.
France (Group E winner, beat Nigeria in round of 16)
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France experimented with using star striker Karim Benzema in the middle and on the wing. And with Benzema on the wing, France showed a fearsome attacking prowess. Nigeria looked capable of frustrating France, but Les Bleus' patience and firepower made the difference.
Argentina (Group F winner, beat Switzerland in round of 16)
Lionel Messi haswon 4 Man of the Match awardsat this World Cup, and has been Argentina's undisputed hero. Messi scored four of Argentina's five goals in the group stage against Bosnia, Iran and Nigeria, then saved the Albiceleste again with an assist for Angel Di Maria's late extra-time winner.match against Switzerland
Germany (Group G winner, beat Algeria in the round of 16)
A France-Germany showdown at the Maracana is perhaps the biggest game of the World Cup quarter-finals after Germany struggled to overcome Algeria in the knockout stages. They opened their campaign with a big win over Portugal, but have been unconvincing since. The Algeria win exposed some defensive weaknesses, but Germany made up for that with the form of Thomas Mueller.
Belgium (Group H winner, beat USA in round of 16)
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Belgium have won all their games at the World Cup so far, but their reputation has not improved. Marc Wimots's side have been disjointed and have led for a total of just 52 minutes in all their games, underlining how unimpressive they have been. But against the USA, Belgium showed what a formidable attack they can be, forcing goalkeeper Tim Howard to make 15 saves. At their best, Belgium are dangerous.
