Things in FIFA World Cup are heating up as it narrows down to eight teams now who can have their hands on the glorious trophy. France, Germany, Brazil, Colombia, Argentina, Belgium, Netherlands and Costa Rica after winning their respective round of 16 matches have secured their place in the last 8 or quarter-finals. Four out of these eight teams will now move to semi-finals after quarter-finals fixtures. There is always one man, on whom team’s hopes rest so we have decided to look at such game changing players from each of the eight teams.
1-Karim Benzema, France
Karim-Benzema
This Real Madrid forward will be France’s main man when they take on Germany in the quarter-final match. Karim Benzema has thus far netted three goals in four matches and has two assists to his credit. He has been man of the match for two of the three group stage games and will be out there to try and break the solid looking German defence.
2-Thomas Muller, Germany
Thomas-Mueller
He was star in Germany’s emphatic 4-0 win over Portugal in their opening game by scoring the hat-trick of goals. The dangerous striker has scored four goals in total of four matches so far and has assisted in two. Muller who won the Golden Boot in 2010 World Cup will love to add some more goals to his tally and help his team move forward.
3-Neymar JR, Brazil
Neymar
There is uncertainty over the participation of injured Brazilian star Neymar against Colombia in quarter-finals, but if he takes field Colombians will be aware of the fact that he in a flash of seconds can take game away from them. Neymar so far has found net four times in as many games and undoubtedly is the vital cog in Brazilian line-up.
4-James Rodriguez, Colombia
James-Rodriguez
This Midfielder is the contender for World Cup’s best player and has to his name five goals from four matches, the most in this tournament so far. He has been a revelation for Colombia and has scored in each of his four outings in the tournament. His two goals in the round of 16 game ousted Uruguay from the tournament and hosts Brazil will be wary of his class.
5-Lionel Messi, Argentina
Lionel-Messi
Even though Messi has refuted that Argentina depends on him to lift the World Cup, he still without any doubt is a one man army. Messi has scored four gaols so far in four matches and has been named man of the match on all four occasions. Messi’s performance will be instrumental in shaping up Argentina’s campaign. Belgium may find Magical Messi between them and the victory when they square off against Argentina on Saturday.
6--Kevin De Bruyne, Belgium
Kevin-De-Bruyne
De Bruyne scored one of the crucial two goals against the USA to see Belgium make it to quarter-finals. De Bruyne has played three matches and has one goal and two assists to his name. Man of the match against Algeria Be Bruyne along with striker Romelu Lukaku is Belgium’s main weapon going into the quarter-final clash against Argentina.
7-Bryan Ruiz, Costa Rica
Bryan-Ruiz
Costa Rica with every passing game have surprised one and all as they made it to their first quarter-final. Among the last 8 Costa Rica has scored least number of times but still have done well and are undefeated. Much of the credit goes to their captain Bryan Ruiz who scored the match’s lone goal in a crucial tie against Italy and then against Greece in round of 16 game his opening goal gave Costa Rica a lead. If Costa Rica are to make history Captain Ruiz will be their key man.
8-Arjen Robben, Netherlands
Arjen-Robben
This 30-year-old striker may be in the news for wrong reasons but he is Netherlands’ one of the impact players. Robben has netted three goals and assisted once in four matches so far. With star striker Robin Van Persie struggling with fitness issues Robben’s role becomes indispensible. He already has two man-of-the-match awards in his kitty and will love to add one more to see the Dutch qualify for the semis.
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