Do or Die!

It is these matches that lead to ecstasy for some nations and tears for others. Years of preparation boils down to doing well in these few games. Doing well directly means winning as there is no second chance. The knockout stages of the last FIFA world cup kicked off with heartbreak for Asia and elation for South America. Uruguay became the first team to reach the quarter finals of the tournament at the expense of South Korea. A dual strike from Ajax striker Suarez secured a hard fought victory. His second goal was spectacular, but then one expects such things from a striker who has scored 49 goals in the preceding domestic season. South Korea can hold their heads high; they fought valiantly albeit squandering chances throughout the game, which ultimately confirmed their tickets back home.

The Three Lions were drawn to take on Germany in what is expected to be a mouth watering clash. Germany will start as favorites, although they would do themselves well to remember their hiccup against Serbia. England has no pressure for this game. That’s mainly because they are already under tremendous pressure after severely under performing in the group stages. Germany will be without their substitute striker Cacau, but will be boosted by the return of Miroslav Klose. Also, Mesut Ozil is yet another noteworthy match winning player in Lahm’s side. England, on the other hand will be hoping to start off from where they left against Slovenia and better themselves as the game progresses. The Empire will be hoping that Wayne Rooney can finally dominate proceedings as he so often has for Manchester United. To summarize, BIG NAMES, BIGGER GAME & THE BIGGEST STAGE OF THEM ALL!!

The winner of the above match will face either Argentina or Mexico who lock horns after the conclusion of the "European Affair". The South American nation will keep their fingers crossed for Lionel Messi to finally break his draught. Arguably, he has been the player of the tournament thus far and deserves to hit the back of the net for his efforts. However, Mexico has a well balanced and structured side, surely capable of inflicting an upset on their day. Although I expect the match to end with Maradona happily kissing all his players and Argentineans celebrating.

One thing is certain.In these few matches, emotions at an all time high, heartbeats making repeated forays into the domain of palpitation and at the end of the day...tears that speak of conflicting sentiments- of gain & pain, of fame & shame..