2014 FIFA World Cup™: The Fantastic Four must Do or Die

If you were to ask me "What's the best World Cup you've ever seen?", I would instantly give you the answer "Brazil 2014". Surprises, fantastic goals, exciting matches, crazy fans and yet more controversy has, in my opinion, shaped and given the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil its name. And what's more is that there are still four, potentially wonderful matches to still be played.

It all starts on Tuesday night, where there is a massive clash of two of world football's biggest titans: Brazil and Germany. The last time these two goliaths met at a World Cup was in the final of Japan-South Korea 2002, where Brazil were 2-0 victors over Die Mannschaft thanks to a brace from the great Ronaldo. Times have changed since, with Germany undeniably having emerged as a powerful force to be reckoned with, but still being "nearly men" at the last two World Cups and Euro 2008; Brazil meanwhile, have reached their first semi-final since 2002, having fallen at the quarter final stage at Germany 2006 and South Africa 2010. 

"We'll be fine, thanks": All to be revealed against Germany

A Selecao will be without star striker Neymar for this clash through injury, as well as captain Thiago Silva via suspension. The absence of such major, influential players is a bitter blow to Luiz Felipe Scolari's men, which will mean that David Luiz will have to put in a bigger shift in defence, with Fred or Willian taking (or perhaps, sharing) the goalscoring burden. On paper, this looks heavily damaging for Brazil, but it could be all the more motivational for them, as Scolari's men will have the incentive to show that they are resilient under pressure, even with key men missing: essential if you want to prove that you are the best international team in the world. Germany's midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger even admitted that Brazil will "derive strength" from Neymar's absence.

As ever, the Germans must not be underestimated. We've seen at Brazil 2014 yet again that they are a bunch of cold-blooded, fearless and ruthless players who are desperate to win their first major international trophy since Euro 1996 and their first World Cup since Italy 1990. Thomas Muller has been Germany's standout performer, chipping in with four goals and two assists so far. What makes him so impressive is the fact that he can play anywhere in attack and even assists the back four when required. Jerome Boateng and Mats Hummels have been a pleasure to watch in defence, especially the former, who was impressive against Algeria in the round of 16. In tandem, they seem to be all the more unbreakable with Manuel Neuer's 'sweeper keeper' skills, seen in Die Mannschaft's matches against both Algeria and France. Germany haven't been totally convincing but will not go down without a fight this match.

Hard to get past: Hummels and Boateng

The outcome of the game is one that is hard to predict. Without doubt, the crowd will be in Brazil's favour, but the Germans will not be fazed. Expect to see lots of end-to-end action and even extra time. Bet against the Germans winning a potential penalty shoot-out at your own peril. But don't underestimate a galvanised and fired-up Brazil side.

And less than 24 Hours later, Holland meet Argentina in a re-match of the 1978 World Cup final, where La Albiceleste won 3-1. Holland have been infamously known as "nearly-men", losing also the 1974 and 2010 World Cup finals . Arjen Robben and Robin van Persie have been nothing short of spectacular at Brazil 2014, scoring 6 goals between each other so far. Louis van Gaal's approach to Oranje's matches so far has been dynamic, including almost surreal decision-making seen in the quarter-final victory over Costa Rica, where Tim Krul replaced Japser Cillessen in goal, solely for the penalty shoot-out. The Dutchmen's high-tempo counter-attacking football has mesmerised many thus far, but Robben's controversial diving may take its toll in a tense match against Argentina, as Holland continue their quest to make up for the defeat to Spain in the World Cup final in South Africa, four years ago.

Watch it, you! - The experienced and world-class van Gaal won't tolerate defeat against Argentina

Will he be Argentina's 'Messiah' yet again?

Argentina, meanwhile have been stronger than ever. I said in April that they would at least make the semi-finals and that this would be an achievement in itself. As for an achievement within itself, I do not think coach Alejandro Sabella will like the nature of my words. The desire to win in your own rival country's backyard is something you don't get to do very often, and for La Albiceleste, this may well be their best chance to send the streets of Buenos Aires into party mode. Their defending is certainly not the best and they usually do not attack enough in my opinion; the exact opposite to the Dutch. But when they do, Lionel Messi (who else?) deals the ultimate blow, reminiscent of Maradona's one-man shows at Mexico 1986. Angel Di Maria's absence could be a major stumbling block here, as he has been very influential in most of Argentina's matches, taking away a certain 'sting' in attack. But Sergio Aguero's return from injury might work in Sabella's men's favour, although playing and not being 100% match fit is a massive risk.

The pressure in this match is equal for both sides. Argentina simply want to win in Brazil and Holland are desperate to make up for their defeats in every single final they have played in. Again, there is no guaranteed winner...

...and there really won't be one until Sunday.