France take on Germany in a World Cup classic while Colombian hotshot James Rodriguez will be aiming to make Brazil’s stars cry in desperation as the last eight countries start their battle for the title Friday.
Didier Deschamps’ France play Joachim Loew’s Germany in Rio de Janeiro’s historic Maracana Stadium at 1600 GMT, renewing one of the most acute World Cup rivalries. Brazil take on Colombia in Fortaleza at 2000 GMT having lost only two of their last 25 encounters, but with doubts in the air.
Seven German players had influenza symptoms going into Friday’s test of the two biggest European names still in contention. Most are expected to be fit however.
Germany would normally be considered favourites, but after beating Portugal 4-0, including a Thomas Mueller hat-trick, the German machine has slowed. A gruelling extra-time win over Algeria got them a ticket to the last eight.
