6) Colombia
There is an argument that Colombia have been the best team in the tournament, let alone down in sixth, but it is hard to escape the feeling that Jose Pekerman and his team are approaching their defining moment.
If they are able to beat Brazil, displaying the thrilling, lightning quick counter-attacking football that they have done so far in the tournament, then they have to be considered as genuine contenders. If James Rodriguez puts in a fifth successive stunning World Cup performance then he must be considered as one of world football’s genuine superstars.
These, however, remain as maybes. As impressive as Colombia have been, they are yet to beat anyone particularly impressive themselves, which is why the Brazil match is so intriguing. On the two teams’ performances so far then Colombia are more than capable, but can they handle the mental pressure of playing the hosts after successive games that may as well have been played in Bogota?