Sam Malcolmson: Major powers about to fully test upstarts

Thomas Mueller of Germany. Photo / AP

Opinion

The spirit of unity among the remaining World Cup contenders will be vital in the knockout stage.

We are down to the serious business, when the big boys come out to play. The upstarts, including pretenders such as Costa Rica, Chile and Belgium, will be tested to their limits and probably beyond by football's elite.

Teams with players boasting big-match experience and winning attitudes must be favoured. Brazil, Argentina, Germany and Holland are stacked with players who thrive in a winner-takes-all cauldron. This is the stage where Neymar, Lionel Messi, Arjen Robben, Thomas Mueller and others of their ilk thrive. Their winning DNA inspires teammates and it's no surprise these players are associated with successful club sides.

However, in a long and pressure-filled tournament, off-field spirit is just as important. Teams such as France and Holland have self-destructed in the past yet now appear unified with on-field performances to match.

I am tipping the tournament's big surprise, Costa Rica, to eliminate Greece who can thank a generous referee for the late penalty against Ivory Coast. Unfortunately for the Costa Ricans their prize will be a quarter-final against the rampant Dutch. The Netherlands won't find it easy against a superbly organised Mexico team, but the class and discipline we saw against Chile will win through.

One of my long shot picks, the ebullient Chileans, are a breath of fresh air but will fall to Brazil and Neymar, who have that extra class.

I believe most neutrals want Colombia to end the Suarez-less Uruguay's World Cup. Uruguay were most fortunate to beat a 10-man Italian team, who took them to the wire. Whether Suarez played or not, Colombia have been impressive and were good enough to win anyway.

The impressive French must rekindle their goal scoring touch against a tough and skilful Nigeria after spluttering to a 0-0 draw against 10-man Ecuador. Fierce rivals Germany await the French, a mouth-watering European quarter-final where Gallic flair will meet German discipline and efficiency.

Argentina and Lionel Messi are too strong for Switzerland but need to start hitting their straps to win this World Cup. Argentina certainly enjoy an easier passage to the semifinals with a probable quarter-final against Belgium.

Belgium's fierce encounter with a fan-inspired, Jurgen Klinsmann-driven USA could go either way. The fitness of Belgium's skipper, the talismanic Vincent Kompany, could have a huge influence.

While goal scorers capture attention, the best organised defences and most consistent goalkeepers will actually dominate the outcomes.

Brazil and Germany have weaknesses in this area. The Netherlands are the most balanced team overall, with Mexico and Costa Rica defensively composed and organised. Argentina, my initial favourites, don't look watertight at the back as Nigeria proved in group play.

What a tournament so far, including spectacular goals, close encounters, stunning upsets, the Suarez controversy, plus stars like Neymar and Messi coming out to play ... yes, the beautiful game.