The final eight sides of the World Cup all have reasons to believe they will lift the FIFA World Cup Trophy on the 13th of July. Yet, they all have weaknessess which could come back to haunt them. The pretenders are all gone; we now know our main contenders. While some are regulars, the others are surprises. Only four of these sides were present in the quarterfinals in 2010 in Argentina, Brazil, Germany and the Netherlands. Without further ado, let us look at the teams:
Argentina
Strengths: There is not much to be said apart from the two words "Lionel Messi". The Messiah guided them past the group stages; while he did not score against Switzerland, he helped set up the winner. Argentina has actually improved from match to match and their brilliant attack is starting to gel now.
Weaknesses: Switzerland exposed the weak defensive midfield and back line but could not make much of their chances. Argentina is simply too soft at the back; they need to close the gaps there to allow Sergio Romero breathing space. Otherwise, Belgium might ask too many questions for Alejandro Sabella's side to answer.
Belgium
Strengths: Belgium is perhaps the most evenly balanced team in this tournament even though their attacking players make them seem like a top heavy side. Six different players have scored Belgium's goals, showcasing the team's balance. The attacking players have shared responsibility throughout the tournament.
Also, Belgium has only conceded twice so far, one of which came from the penalty spot. Their back line seems to be much more sturdy than some of the sides left in the tournament. When they gel, Belgium are irrestitable. Also, their love of late goals might turn out to be an advantage, especially mentally, at this stage of the tournament.
Weaknesses: It is difficult to pinpoint any one area. Daniel Van Buyten at the back, despite his experience, can be caught out by a speedy and tricky forward. Also, Belgium failed to gel earlier in the tournament. Against USA, they seemed to run like a well oiled machine but they will need to do so again. This team is a very youthful one as well; nerves will be a bigger factor for them than most of their opponents.
Brazil
Strengths: Brazil, much like Argentina, is being led by their superstar, Neymar. Their overall attacking play has also been good with goals coming from many sources. When Brazil ticks, they are simply wonderful and very difficult to stop.
Weaknesses: Brazil tends to fail to regain their rhythm once they lose it. They have found a way to win but this is a serious problem as Chile demonstrated. Fred up front has just not performed as well as he did in the Confederations Cup last year. The defensive players tend to give away too many fouls, including Luiz Gustavo. Brazil needs to fix these niggles quickly.
Colombia
Strengths: The partnership of Andres Cuadrado and James Rodriguez has yielded wonderful results, even in the absence of Falcao, for Colombia. They are a deadly counterattacking side. Talent oozes from a very diverse team, filled with players of all ages. They need very few chances to score a goal. Their football is very easy on the eye; also, the team knows how to end matches before the opposition has a chance to hit back.
Weaknesses: Colombia has not dominated any of their matches. They wait for the opposition to come at them. While this strategy has worked, Colombia has to be careful. Japan almost took advantage when Shinji Okazaki equalized; however, the Japanese could not cope with their brilliance.
Costa Rica
Strengths: Costa Rica's biggest strength is perhaps their ability to hold on to a lead. Against Greece, they were down to ten men but they conceded only once and took the match to penalties. Up front, Joel Campbell's hold up play allows them to successfully counterattack. They are the side best set up in the last eight to defend a lead.
Weaknesses: Costa Rica has been the biggest surprise of this tournament; however, playing roughly 56 minutes without a man against Greece will surely affect the players. Otherwise, the midfielders tend to lose possession too easily at times. They will have to keep hold of the ball against the Netherlands.
France
Strengths: The French team were always talented; the egos on the team usually brought it apart. Now, under Didier Deschamps, team spirit has been very good. They have a well balanced side capable of taking on any team. Furthermore, it seems Deschamps' decision to leave Samir Nasri behind has been vindicated. The French have not suffered any real scares yet.
Weaknesses: Again, just like Belgium, it is difficult to pick out a weakness in this team. They have not demonstrated any problems. They have not exactly lit up the tournament; however, their approach has been effective. Germany might be able to find the weak spot in a solid but not too spectacular French side.
Germany
Strengths: The talent available to them in midfield can be spread across three different teams. The midfield is packed with such wonderful players that the likes of Andre Schürrle has to satisfy himself with a spot on the bench. Also, they have a man called Thomas Müller, capable of squeezing out space at all times.
Weaknesses: Joachim Löw's stubbornness in sticking with a back line made of four central defenders could be their undoing. This decreases the width of Germany's play. Also, Philipp Lahm's use in midfield has led to the lack of overlapping runs from a fullback. Miroslav Klose is the only recognized striker; Löw has used him sparingly but Germany seems to be in need of a target man up front. This strange setup might just prevent the "Class of 2006" and a golden generation from ever lifting the trophy.
Netherlands
Strengths: The marvelous attacking trio of Robin Van Persie, Wesley Sneijder and Arjen Robben has produced in this tournament. The Dutch have a coach who is not afraid to change the formation within a match. The team on the whole is very versatile. The youth of the team, such as Memphis Depay have produced. Klaas Jan Huntelaar, the odd man out in the group stages, will be brimming with confidence following his penalty against Mexico as well.
Weaknesses: Amongst the biggest sides, the Dutch perhaps have the most open back line. They seem to be rather top heavy. The absence of Nigel de Jong will leave them even more open at the back. The attack of the team has largely balanced out the errors of the back four; however, how long will the Dutch rely on the front trio, especially Arjen Robben, to get them out of trouble?
