clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

July 4 World Cup Quarterfinals Open Thread

Four teams battle today for the right to be one step away from the final.

Laurence Griffiths

After a couple of days off for some much needed rest and rejuvenation (and transfer rumors), the sides are back at it once more. One the schedule today are three global superpowers and one very fun, very talented Cinderella story.

In the early game, Karim Benzema and Raphael Varane will look to lead a potentially explosive French side against Sami Khedira and the deep Germany. My money is on the French. The talent is certainly there for Germany, but the last game they played was a grueling 120 minute affair and there are still some questions about their weaknesses out wide.

The second game pits Marcelo and the Brazilians versus potential Real Madrid transfer target James Rodriguez and the Colombians. I'm going to go out on a limb here and pick the Colombians to sneak by Brazil. Behind Rodriguez and Juan Cuadrado, the Colombians have been a livewire and are just so fast and dynamic that I don't feel that Brazil will be able to hang with them. Now watch Brazil prove me wrong and blow Colombia out of the water. Oh well.

France vs. Germany

France starting XI:Lloris (c); Debuchy, Varane, Sakho, Evra; Cabaye, Matuidi; Valbuena, Pogba, Griezmann; Benzema

Germany Starting XI: Neuer, Howedes, Hummels, Khedira, Schweinsteiger, Ozil, Klose, Muller, Lahm (c), Kroos, Boateng.

Brazil vs. Colombia

Brazil starting XI: to be announced

Colombia starting XI: to be announced

Happy chatting and happy 4th of July to those in the States!

Sign up for the newsletter Sign up for the Managing Madrid Daily Roundup newsletter!

A daily roundup of Real Madrid news from Managing Madrid