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Friday's Schedule
| MATCH | TIME (CT) | NETWORK | ROUND | TEAMS / SITE | REFEREE | ANNOUNCERS | ODDS |
| 58 | 11:00am | ESPN2 | QF |
France vs Germany Estádio do Maracanã Rio de Janeiro |
Néstor Pitana (ARG) |
Jon Champion Stewart Robson |
Germany 3:2 France 2:1 Draw 9:4 |
| 57 | 3:00pm | ESPN | QF |
Brazil vs Colombia Estádio Castelão Fortaleza |
Carlos Carballo (ESP) |
Ian Darke Steve McManaman |
Brazil 3:4 Draw 13:5 Colombia 7:2 |
Game 58: France-Germany
Surprisingly, this is only the 25th meeting between the two nations. France has won 11 to Germany's 8, with 6 draws. Mamadou Sakho may still be sidelined, which would throw Laurent Koscielny back into the fray, and Antoine Griezmann may replace Olivier Giroud, but otherwise France will probably stick with the same lineup they've been rolling with. Shkrodan Mustafi is out for Germany, but both Mats Hummel and Lukas Podolski should return from their ailments. André Schürrle (who scored as a sub against Algeria) may get the start over Mario Götze (who's been in poor form). On paper, this is the spotlight match of the quarterfinals, and it's really a toss-up. Jack Sargeant has SB Nation's match preview.
Game 57: Brazil-Colombia
Brazil and Colombia have also played 25 times, but the series is far more lopsided. Colombia has only won twice, while Brazil's captured 15 wins and 8 draws. La Seleção replaced Paulinho with Fernandinho against Chile; they'll both likely play today as Luiz Gustavo is suspended. Colombia has no injuries and no suspensions, and will almost certainly run the same eleven today. This match could be a hoot, with Neymar going up against James Rodriguez. It could also provide the quarterfinals' only upset; do not be surprised to see the hosts struggle this afternoon. Again, Jack Sargeant provides the match preview for SB Nation.
Two can't-miss matches swing us back into action this fine holiday afternoon. If you're not busy doing holiday things, be sure to join the rest of us who can't tear ourselves away from the action.