Of the last eight teams in the tournament, only Colombia and Costa Rica are dark horses. They remain in contention to continue the script that has stayed the test of time since the 1994 World Cup finals in USA.

Then, Hristo Stoichkov dragged Bulgaria all the way to the semifinals. He returned with the golden boot. Sweden, inspired by Martin Dahlin and Tomas Brolin, were the other dark horses in the semifinals.

In 1998, a Davor Suker-led Croatia was the big deal. They lost to eventual winners France in the semis, but Suker returned home with the golden boot. In Korea-Japan 2002, the co-host of South Korea joined a Rüştü Reçber-led Turkey in the semi finals.

In 2006 in Germany, the surprise package was not such a big deal given it was Portugal’s golden generation having their last chance. They finished fourth. And, in South Africa 2010, Luis Suarez literally dragged Uruguay to the semifinals with his hands.

Now, can either of Colombia or Costa Rica do what all these other dark horses have done over the seasons? It starts tonight with Colombia daring hosts Brazil.

The Samba Boys have struggled from opening day and keep sketching wins. They saw off Chile via post-match shootouts, but they will need a better luck to beat Colombia. Can James Rodriquez go on to be World Cup’s new Stoichkov, Suker, or Suarez?

He has already scored five goals and is on course for the golden boot. But first, James will want to believe Brazil have already exhausted the proverbial nine lives of a cat or have they?

Brazil 3-2 Colombia 

But before then, the first semifinalist would have been determined. Germany takes on France in a clash of European giants. Unlike France, Germany must first arrest the overconfidence mode they are gone in facing USA and Algeria.

The winner between the two could as well be handed the trophy, barring Argentina-Netherlands.

Germany 3-1 France