And then there were eight.

The 2014 FIFA World Cup's round of 16 brought about a number of memorable moments in this tournament that will be relived throughout history. But now it is time to reassess how the remaining sides performed and which have the best chance at winning the tournament.

Here is a ranking of the final eight:

8. Costa Rica

In the group round, Costa Rica looked dominant, unfazed and completely in command.

The team's finest performance was arguably against Italy, and in that game, Los Ticos not only shut down the European's dominant passing game, but unsettled them with their speed and directness. When the team set out to take on Greece in the round of 16, many expected Costa Rica to continue its high octane play and dominate a significantly weaker side than those encountered in the Group of Death. But that was far from the case. Costa Rica seemed to come back to earth a bit as the lack of technical brilliance started to become apparent. The team's offense became disorganized with possession and some players simply lacked the brilliance that had been a touchstone in the group round. The team got through thanks to the glorious play of Keylor Navas, but as Guillermo Ochoa can attest, even great goalkeeping is not enough to win it all.

Costa Rica now faces a Dutch side that is vastly superior in terms of skill and has a player that can take down any side on his own. Will the Cinderella story end? Nothing is predictable, but that is a likely bet.

7. Argentina

It might seem like a questionable choice to put a team with Lionel Messi on it this low. But the reality is that aside from the Barcelona man, the South American contingent has not really proven itself a top contender. Angel Di Maria showed more spark in the game against Switzerland, but the rest of the team was suspect offensively--and especially defensively--throughout the match; they were lucky that Switzerland proved to be a weak side that lacked in tactical and technical skill.

Los Che were said to have the potential to romp through the tournament and despite having "easy" competition, they have yet to prove it. After four games it has become clear that the world is not going to get a better version of Argentina. It is a one-man team getting through thanks to a combination of luck and the magic of its star player. Both can end quickly when faced with a more difficult opponent.

6. Brazil

Why is the host nation this low on the list?

Because they have yet to prove themselves as a dominant superpower. In fact, Brazil is lucky to be on this list.

Chile's Mauricio Pinilla hit the crossbars in the game's waning seconds and could have eliminated the hosts right then and there. During the penalty shootout, the team got help from goalie Julio Cesar, but it was another post that gave them the victory. Meanwhile, the team itself is simply not playing well. The defense is a one-man unit at this point, as no one besides Thiago Silva has consistently performed up to standard. Dani Alves is a glaring weakness on the left flank and could be destroyed by the speedy Pablo Armero of Colombia. Marcelo has learned to become invisible while the midfield has lacked fluidity in the buildup. Up front Hulk has improved his performances, but Oscar remains a fading enigma. Fred and Jo are shambolic, while Neymar, as great as he has been, is reportedly hurt and might not be in top form for the big game. If Luiz Felipe Scolari has any tactical surprise he is getting ready to unleash, now would be the time to do it. The team has simply not looked like it is capable of winning it all.

5. Belgium

Unlike Argentina, which has yet to show the form many have expected, Belgium managed to showcase its talent in the round of 16 against the United States. After three tiresome group games, the team offense sparkled against the U.S. as the team took over 30 shots on goal; 18 of those were on target and the game could have ended in a blowout if not for the heroics of Tim Howard. Eden Hazard has not showcased his terrific form from the 2013-14 season but Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Marouane Fellaini have all had convincing World Cups. This team has the speed and technique to demolish Argentina's backline.

4. France

Many wondered whether France was really as good as they looked during the group stage or if their performance was the result of weak competition. The team answered the call with a solid display against Nigeria. Mathieu Valbuena continues to exert his dominance in the midfield for this team, and Karim Benzema and Antoine Griezmann are looking strong offensively for the side. Defense has not been a major concern for the French as goalie Hugo Lloris has rarely been tested. It will be interesting to see how the team holds up in its upcoming game against Germany.

3. Germany

The Germans did not have a good game against Algeria and many would argue that they deserved to lose. However, the team is so talented that even in a woeful performance, they find a way to win.

Andre Schurrle had a breakout performance against Algeria and should command a starting spot over the continuously underwhelming Mesut Ozil. The backline remains a cause for concern, but that can be said for every single team in this tournament. Manuel Neuer seems to be redefining what it means to be a goalie, but that should not be a problem as long as he continues to stop the ball from going in the net. Germany has not looked as dominant as they did in the opener against Portugal, but they are still too good to overlook.

2. Netherlands

They were at the top of this list prior to the round of 16 and they drop a bit after an often questionable display against Mexico. The team let Mexico have too much space in the opening moments of the game, but after falling behind, the Dutch found their attacking verve and did not stop until the game was won. Arjen Robben was the most dominant player on the pitch, aside from his nemesis Guillermo Ochoa, and continues to find ways to help his team win games. The Dutch have an "easy" matchup against Costa Rica in the quarterfinals, which should guarantee them a final four slot for the second straight tournament. Louis van Gaal seems to know what strings to pull with his young squad and his presence alone makes this team one of the favorites to win it all.

1. Colombia

Yes, Colombia enters the matchup with Brazil as the favorite.

While the hosts must never be underestimated, they have failed to impress through four matches and it is becoming apparent that there is simply no other gear for them to reach. Meanwhile, Colombia seems to get better and better as this tournament rolls on and led by the brilliant James Rodriguez, they look unstoppable. This matchup features two quick squads, but Colombia has been the one to show more consistency in all facets of the game. Their 2-0 win over Uruguay was a masterclass in tactical precision as the team adapted repeatedly to its opponents' game plan. Uruguay's counter was nullified throughout and even when Colombia gave away possession and sat back to defend, they only allowed Uruguay the option of playing the ball in the air. It was a risky game plan, but it proved to be successful thanks to the brilliance of goalie David Ospina. Who knows what Jose Pekerman has in store against Brazil? But whatever it is, fans can be sure it will be thought out and well-executed.

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