2014 World Cup Picks, Bet Argentina and Netherlands in the Quarterfinals

Two great to close the 2014 World Cup quarterfinals take the stage on Saturday as Argentina and Belgium open the journey, then to have Netherlands and Costa Rica battle for the last spot in the semifinals.

Argentina vs Belgium, Quarterfinals 1 PM ET

Argentina is the favorite to be in the final from this side of the bracket over Belgium, Netherlands and Costa Rica, but they haven’t showed much since the start of the tournament, and it has been Lionel Messi’s fantasy that has carried with the team in the group stage and the round of 16.

“Messi’s playing an amazing World Cup, that’s what everybody expected,” coach Alejandro Sabella told reporters at Corinthians Arena. “I expected it, so did his colleagues and so did all Argentinians in general. So of course we’re happy, we’re happy for the team and for him as well. He’s an important player for us. Maradona was a very important player in that time and Messi is important as well.”

Belgium has looked solid with four wins in four games, but just as Argentina, they have suffered to get those wins more than expected.  In their last match, they needed overtime to beat team USA and advance to quarterfinals.

“There’s a lack of balance in that team,” Belgium’ coach Marc Wilmots said of Argentina. “For once, we’re not favorites, but we want to win. That’s all the matters.

This game is going to be entertaining because both have the potential to score a lot, but in the end it will stand the one with the biggest names on the pitch.

Pick: Argentina.

Netherlands vs Costa Rica, Quarterfinals, 4 PM ET

Netherlands and Costa Rica have never met before in a World Cup match, but the Dutch are the clear favorites considering they have been here before tons of times, and the Ticos are in this round for the first time.

“Costa Rica has a very good team,” in-form Dutch forward Arjen Robben said. “I think before not a lot of people would have expected them to go through to the next round but I think they are a very strong team and it’s going to be another very difficult game for us where we have to give everything to go through to the semi-finals.”

Netherlands is four for four in this World Cup, but against Mexico they looked a little tired and most importantly outplayed by the Mexicans in several areas; they can’t afford to go behind in the scoreboard in Costa Rica because they will have problems coming from behind against a disciplined team like the Ticos.

Costa Rica needs to worry about Wesley Sneijder, Arjen Robben and Robin Van Persie; all these are attacking men that coach Louis Van Gaal has put together in a good position to succeed in this World Cup.

‘But I don’t have the ability to influence managerial appointments. That is not my function. Maybe I can become a United director of football one day! He has this bond with all of his players. Everyone respects in him and everyone believes in him,’ said Van Persie of Van Gaal.

Pick: Netherlands.