The deeper a tournament goes, the higher the expected quality of each game. The 2014 FIFA World Cup has had its share of wondrous match-ups, but the quarterfinals will feature some of the best yet.

Here is a ranking of the quarter finals matches in the tournament from most to least exciting:

1. Brazil vs. Colombia

Start Time: 4 p.m. on Friday July 4

Historically, Brazil has managed 18 wins, four losses and eight draws against Los Cafeteros, but these current versions of the two nations have not really had much of a chance to do battle.

Moreover, the two sides are far from what the historical record indicates. Many pundits would certainly pick Brazil to pull off the win, but there will certainly be a crowd of people who pick Colombia based on current form. Both teams had relatively easy groups to manage and both came out in first place. Brazil finished with seven points, but never really managed to put together the kind of group performance that would anoint them bona-fide favorites. Neymar has been the only player to show consistency from game to game, and there is word that he may not be at top form for this game. Luis Gustavo will be absent due to suspension, forcing Luiz Felipe Scolari to work with either Ramires, Willian, Fernanindho or the woeful Paulinho in the decisive game; none of these players have been particularly effective thus far. Up top, Fred and Jo continue to torment Brazilian fans while star playmaker Oscar has faded. Dani Alves' horrid defensive display and lack of offensive creativity should give way to Maicon, but who knows if Scolari takes that risk. The team managed to get past Chile thanks to some good luck, but there is only so much luck you can bank on before reality sets in.

The most luck Colombia has gotten so far is that its entire team has managed to come together despite the loss of its star forward. In fact, Radamel Falcao seems like a distant memory with the way that James Rodriguez has stepped up. David Ospina was terrific in net against Uruguay and there is no reason to believe that Colombia, which has won four straight in dominant fashion (a combined score of 11-2), cannot continue its run all the way to the final.

2. France vs. Germany

Start Time: 12 p.m. EST on Friday, July 4

This is the only match-up in the quarterfinals featuring two European giants and former champions.

Both sides enter the contest in differing form. France has looked solid through its campaign despite questions about the quality of competition it has faced. The team's recent win over Nigeria came about through some good fortune and hard work. Led by Mathieu Valbuena, France's offense looks deliberate and precise.

The same cannot be said for Joachim Low's Germany. The three-time champions have struggled as this tournament has worn on despite possessing the ball through their tiki tachen. The team must have been stunned during its encounter with Algeria as the Middle Eastern team shut them down for 90 plus minutes and consistently exposed their backline with tremendous pace. France does not offer that same speed, but it has become clear that Germany's back four remain a major source for concern. Moreover, Manuel Neuer's erratic runs out of the box, which reached record levels against Algeria, could also prove to be a weakness for Germany as it tries to contain such elite scoring talent like Karim Benzema and Antoine Greizmann.

3. Argentina vs. Belgium

Start Time: 12 p.m. EST, Saturday July 12

Argentina has yet to convince anyone of their legitimacy in this tournament.

Belgium just started to prove its worth after a solid 2-1 win over the United States. What it comes down to in this game is whether the brilliance of one man, in this case Lionel Messi, will be able to cope with a group of players that are finally resembling a team? It is no secret that Argentina has yet to truly face a top team in this competition and Belgium may actually be the side that exposes their weak backside. Switzerland, an admittedly poor team, was able to show the flaws in Argentina's defense and it should be no surprise if the Belgians, which are more skilled and tactically sound than the Swiss, are able to build on the mistakes from Argentina's round of 16 game and use them to their advantage.

Possession will also be an interesting point of contention, as both sides love to hold onto the ball; both teams have bossed possession in each of their first four games.

4. Costa Rica vs. Netherlands

Start Time: 4 p.m. EST, Saturday July 12

Costa Rica is the Cinderella story of this World Cup.There can be no doubt about that.

But their fantasy is likely to be shattered on Saturday when they take on a Dutch side that looks hungry to win the tournament. On skill alone, the Netherlands are vastly superior. On heart, both sides are about even.

The Dutch were not always convincing against Mexico (then again, they have not been consistently convincing during any stretch besides the four-goal second half against Spain), but they somehow managed to break through and score an essential goal to keep title hopes alive. Not content with just a draw, the team's top star Arjen Robben managed some magic to earn a penalty and the rest is history. Robben is surely a man on a mission and has been one of the top performers at this World Cup. Look for him to annihilate Costa Rica with his speed.

Why is this the least exciting of the four match-ups? Because it is probably the most predictable.