Here are your predictions for today, June 30th, 2014.
France vs. Nigeria
I don't think there's a more physically imposing squad than the Nigerians in this tournament. This is most exemplified by their striker, Emmanuel Emenike. The matchup between him and Mamadou Sakho will be one to watch. However, the draw did not do them any favors as they have to face a French team that put on the most impressive display of football in this World Cup, while racing to a 5-0 lead against the Swiss.
I think this will be a tight game where France prevails, but not without a few scares along the way. This is a Nigerian team that gave Argentina fits, overpowered the Bosnians, yet couldn't solve Iran. A late goal makes the scoreline look better for France, but Nigeria will definitely hang around.
Prediction:
France 3 - Nigeria 1
(UPDATE: Sakho is out with an injury. Real Madrid's Varane gets the start.)
Germany vs. Algeria
I just mentioned before that I didn't think there was a more physically imposing squad in the tournament than Nigeria. Well, if that's true, then Algeria is not a distant 2nd. We tend to stereotype African teams as fast and powerful. They will try to beat you with their God-given attributes, not with skill. This team plays right into that stereotype. They overpowered South Korea in their group match, gave Belgium all it could handle, and exerted its will against the Russians during the 2nd half of their match.
All of that said, you can't bet against DAS UBER FUßBALL MACHINEN. Too much skill, too much quality, and Germany NEVER loses before the Quarterfinals. They win comfortably, and look for Müller to score again, maybe even a brace. This would be the upset of the tournament if Algeria were to find a way to keep this close.
Prediction:
Germany 4 - Algeria 0
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