The group stages have concluded and the second round is over in one of the most exciting and high-scoring World Cups ever held. The Quarterfinals are ready to get underway tomorrow, leaving us waiting for some mouth-watering matchups.
Top 4 Best National Teams Remaining In World Cup According To FIFA 14's Ratings
As has been the case through the tournament, I have been simulating the fixtures using FIFA 14's World Cup mode, which is updated to reflect the form and performances of each squad. I've also looked at the game's ratings for each team and ranked the top four national sides remaining according to their overall score.
While the first match tomorrow is between two European giants (the simulation for that can be found here), the later game features two South American teams. Host and favorites Brazil are taking on the hugely impressive Colombia, and FIFA 14 predicts A Seleção to walk away with the victory. Colombia has been more consistent and exciting than the hosts, but Brazil's stronger roster and home advantage will apparently be too much for the underdogs.
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The first goal came in the 38th minute through the much-maligned Fred, who managed to convert a cross from Hulk with a well-placed header. Colombia came close a few times through star youngster James Rodriguez, but could not find the back of the net. Brazil firmly decided the contest with a second goal 67 minutes in, and saw the 2-0 result out to its end.
It's very possible that Colombia win tomorrow's game depending on which Brazil team shows up, but FIFA 14 likely favors its stronger roster on paper.
My simulation featured two AI-controlled sides on Legendary difficulty facing off against one another, using the squads expected to start the game--tune in tomorrow at 4 p.m. ET to see if FIFA 14 got this one right.