From an entertainment standpoint, it’s been the best World Cup that I’ve ever witnessed. The ’98 France World Cup was about as dramatic as we’re going to get, but I was only 11 years old when it happened so I was more into imitating the star players, rather than actually analyzing their play. This time around, Brazil, despite the obstacles they were facing, has produced some excellent game play that has refused to slow down even as we’re through the first round of the knockout stages. My two favorite teams, Mexico and USA, both were eliminated in heartbreaking fashion but while their demise still stings at the sight of highlights, i’m still intrigued in every single game. I’ve been watching about as much as one can but I haven’t been able to discuss on here as much as I can. My favorite underdog of the tournament was Chile from the start and they put up a solid effort in their nail-biting game against Brazil. Big props to them and other teams like Greece who over-performed and gave us, at the very least, some really entertaining games in the first phase of the knockout stages. And while we can continue to go on about the losing team’s efforts, they’re no long part of the competition and it’s time to look forward to the quarterfinals.

So, which looks like the favorite to win it all? Right now the clear choice is Colombia. Them, and France, were the only two nations to win their previous game by a score that wasn’t a single-goal difference. But i’d say that Suarez-less Uruguay is tougher competition than a complete Nigerian team. It’s also impossible to ignore how good Colombian midfielder James Rodriguez has been; a 22-year old player who has risen his game above anyone else’s and is the undisputed best player in this World Cup. Just like Diego Forlan did four years ago, Rodriguez has led his national team with excellent play. He’s scored several goals but his volley against Uruguay the other day stands as the best of the tournament, so far. How high is his ceiling? Rumor has it that several of the biggest club teams in Europe are already starting their bidding war. But luckily for us, we won’t have to wait until club play in order to see more of him. Colombia faces off against Brazil tomorrow and the way things are going, this could be one of the best and most important World Cup games of all time. Yes, of all time. Brazil has been “champion or bust” since the start of the tournament and if they’re eliminated by a fellow South American team, expect lots of backlash. We also have Neymar, another player who has carried his team, go head to head against Rodriguez. Also, Colombia has never been made it this far into a World Cup and every single game going forward is their most important of all time. If you’re going to watch one game this World Cup, make it Colombia-Brazil tomorrow.

Hold on a minute: don’t we also have a huge European battle before that? Of course we do! Germany, who appeared to be the most balanced team in the World Cup, struggled to find rhythm in the opening match and needed extra time to take down Algeria of all teams. Now they’re up against a French team that has looked more comfortable but many wonder whether or not they’re more a product of their opponents rather than actually being that dominant. France has the individual player potential, while Germany looks to use their stack midfield players to control the pace of the game. This is the quarterfinal game that i’m most confused about and that i’m finding hardest to predict. My gut feeling (aka I have money on them) is to go with Germany. The Germans have looked like the more balanced team and faced tougher competition so far in the tournament. Yes, Algeria was lucky to be there, but they played the type of game that works well against Germany and I don’t think France will be as effective. Although, the Frenchmen’s attack is tempting with all of their talent. Forward Karim Benzema is looking for the tournament’s golden boot (most goals) and along with Mathieu Valbuena, they have been a deadly one-two combination for any defense. In the end, i’m leaning towards Germany their balance. I expect it to be a close game that might even go into extra time and quite possibly penalties.

Predictions: Germany edges out France; Colombia shocks the nation of Brazil. If you’re going watch some matches, do it during the holiday weekend.