Brazil-Colombia will be the best match of the World Cup

The World Cup’s best game might be played in the quarterfinals. 

Brazil squeaked by Chile on penalties and Colombia handily beat Uruguay in the round of 16, and the two sides are set to face each other in the quarterfinals of the World Cup. We should all be giddy with excitement.
 

Brazil will surely bounce back from the close game against Chile, and Colombia has danced their way out of the group stage, past Uruguay, and into our hearts. (Colombia may very well be the best team so far in this World Cup). This game should probably be the final match, but due to chance and bracketing we’ll have to settle for the second knockout stage. 

If you love soccer like I do, you will thoroughly enjoy this match. Let us count the ways. 

1. We have yet to see the best from Brazil

Brazil has been the favorite since the tournament began and remain so, but the truth of the matter is they have struggled at times. Neymar has been brilliant for them, but other players have been wasteful in front of net, and they can collectively lose focus at bad times. 

That was evident in their match against Chile, in which they had to fight through a grueling 120 minutes, all the while looking very vulnerable. They earned an appearance in the quarterfinals thanks to some costly Chilean mistakes. We haven’t seen the best of Brazil yet, and that close call may finally give them an appreciation for the finality of the knockout rounds, and energize them to play their best. 

2. The nation of Brazil needs this win

Representing a nation saddled with debt, run by officials widely criticized for corruption, and desperately needing a win, the Brazilians have it all to play for. The team is playing for much more than just themselves, and Brazil head coach Luis Felipe Scolari understands. 

“I think our country is waking up to many things, very often through football,” Scolari said. “And we do hope these are lessons being given to the whole population.” 

3. James Rodriguez

Colombia’s James Rodriguez has arguably been this World Cup’s best player. He’s been on a tear, netting goals left and right, including this one, against Uruguay, which may have been the goal of the tournament:
 

He’s been this competition’s breakout star, and any game featuring this prodigious 22 year old is going to have entertainment value. Brazil and Colombia play for the right to move on to the semifinals on July 4, 1 p.m. ET.