The second World Cup Quarterfinals match today will see Brazil take on Colombia. The match is scheduled for a 4:00 (EST) p.m. start time and it will be televised nationally on ESPN. Currently the odds for the match have the host Brazil favored to win and advance to the final four.
Brazil had to beat Chile in penalties to get to this point in the tournament. The hosts are expected to run away with the World Cup on their own soil this year, but the world is finding out the sport is getting better and better around the world. All eight teams that won their group stages have made it to the quarterfinals, which should make the games even better.
Colombia has looked like the best team in the tournament at times this World Cup. They have an excellent attacking scheme that allows them good looks at the net but also keeps the other team from getting consistent attempts. Colombia scored nine goals during the group stage, only allowing a goal each to the Ivory Coast and Japan. They also knocked out Uruguay in the Round of 16, picking up a 2-0 victory.
James Rodriguez leads the World Cup in scoring with five goals to this point. Certainly the Brazilian defense will want to shut him down and keep him from having the ball too much in this one. But that is easier said than done. Colombia has been on fire this World Cup and haven't really looked out of control or like they were losing the entire tournament. They probably are riding high with confidence heading into this one, even though they play Brazil.
These two have never met in the World Cup.
Brazil will count on Neymar to continue to apply pressure up front. Brazil might be a little shaken having to come down to penalty kicks against Chile in a match they were pushed to the edge. The host country's team will have to take it to another level in this game as Colombia believes they can win outright.
But when it comes down to it, either Brazil or Colombia could pick up a win in this match. We like the odds for Colombia, who have just played better than Brazil has. We expect a draw through the first 90 minutes with Colombia winning it in extra stoppage time for the shocker of the tournament.
Free Pick: Colombia 2, Brazil 1 in stoppage time
Golden Nugget Games Of The Year
Steve Fezzik from Pregame.com takes a look at some the games of the year that have been released by the Golden Nugget, along with some tips for handicapping them.
$25 of picks FREE! No Obligation - No Credit Card Required - Becoming a member is Fast and Free!
$10,000 Match Marco Baseball Challenge — During the 2010 MLB season, Pregame Pro Marco D'Angelo won an unheard of 25 straight baseball games, never laying more than -$120! This contest replicates Marco's feat — CLICK TO JOIN
Stay on top of the latest odds and line moves for Major League Baseball with our real-time odds from Las Vegas and offshore!