Germany, Brazil, Netherlands, Argentina all qualify at 4/1

Coral offer an enhanced price of 4/1 on all of odds-on favourites to qualify for the semi-finals Germany to beat France, Brazil to see off Colombia, Argentina to knock out Belgium and the Netherlands to end Costa Rica’s run.

France v Germany
These European heavyweights and past World Cup winners meet each other for the 26th time in their history, with three-time tournament champions Germany odds-on favourites at 8/13 to qualify for the semis.

Die Mannschaft have reached the last four at least in the previous three tournament, and having a winning record over Les Bleus in finals. The duo have faced each other three times at World Cup, with Germany knocking France out of the semis in 1982 and 1986 – both featuring current Fulham boss Felix Magath.

Brazil v Colombia
This will incidentally also be a 26th head-to-head, with Brazil being resounding victors over the years. The Samba Boys (odds-on at 2/5 to qualify) have beaten the Coffee Growers 15 times, to the latter’s two victories, and have not lost against them since 1991.

Four-goal World Cup star at these finals Neymar netted in the last meeting, and the 22-year-old, who is third-favourite at 7/2 to be tournament top scorer, is also 7/2 to get the first goal of the match.

Argentina v Belgium
Argentina (odds-on at 1/2 to qualify) have beaten Belgium three times in their four meetings, including their last battle in the 1986 World Cup, where skipper Diego Maradona bagged a brace in a 2-0 win.

That scoreline in 90 minutes again in the South Americans’ favour is priced at 17/2, while current captain magic man Lionel Messi is priced at 4/1 to score to or more. The Barcelona forward is currently on four goals for this tournament, and he is favourite to be leading marksman at 5/2.

Netherlands v Costa Rica
This will be the first meeting between the first two sides that, before the World Cup, were not expected to get this far, especially the latter. Costa Rica have already punched well above their weight, and look set to bow out to the Netherlands, who are odds-on both to qualify at 2/9 and win in 90 minutes at 1/2.

Robin van Persie and Arjen Robben have been in on the goals for Clockwork Orange, getting three each, and priced at 5/2 and 7/2 respectively to bag a brace or better against the Central Americans.