The FIFA U-20 World Cup’s round of sixteen will live long in memory for one reason: penalty kicks. Of the eight knockout games, no less than five were decided by spot kicks. Yes, five. “Penalty Tuesday” as it’s been dubbed featured all four matches coming down to penalties, whilst a solitary game yesterday was decided by the pressure cooker of a penalty shoot out. Yet, surprisingly, out of the madness came no upsets as all the favorites progressed.

Host nation, Columbia, continued their march towards the final but only just. Los Cafeteros were forced to pull off a heroic fight back against a deserving Costa Rican side. James Rodriguez calmed his nerves in the 93 minute to hit home the winning goal from the penalty spot, and the victory set-up a quarterfinal match against Mexico, who overcame Cameroon 3-0 on penalties.

Portugal and Argentina are set to meet in the quarters as well after a Nelson Oliveira PK was enough to see Portugal through and two 12-yard conversions from Erik Lamela continued La Albiceleste unbeaten run. The boys from Argentina have now gone 17 matches unbeaten in the FIFA U-20 World Cup, just one shy of Brazil’s record set between 1989 and 1995.

Wednesday’s matches saw some return to normalcy as only one match was decided from the spot. Lady-luck was with South Korea against a much better Spanish side as the match ended 0-0 at full-time. Yet the Korean Republic was forsaken by their fickle mistress eventually loosing 7-6 after Kyung Jung sent his spot-kick high and wide.

Elsewhere, France pulled out a 1-0 win over Ecuador, and a toothless England exited the tournament having failed to score a goal or win a game after loosing 1-0 to Nigeria. While the tournament’s failure is not surprising given the lack of administrative support from the F.A., the loss still extended England’s winless run in the U-20s to 14 matches. For a supposed top footballing nation it is a grave misstep to not take seriously the U-20s. The growing failure of England’s performances at the youth level is proving clear evidence of the F.A’s preference to line their pockets in the present rather than invest in the future.

Conversely, Brazil are once again proving to be a nation knowledgeable of the future as their young men reviled in some samba class while putting three second-half goals past Egypt. A Seleção’s performance was easily the best of the round, full of creativity, flair and entertainment. It was a display truly worthy of the yellow and blue jersey.

So as it stands the quarterfinals will be played out as such:

Saturday, August 13

Mexico vs. Colombia*

Portugal vs. Argentina

Sunday, August 14

Brazil vs. Spain*

France vs. Nigeria

The obvious must-see match from this lineup is Brazil-Spain, which has every bit of potential to be an epic affair; however, Mexico-Columbia should also be a great match. The home support for Columbia has been magnificent thus far and another sell-out crowd in Bogota will undoubtedly lift this match. Columbia has been playing entertaining, attacking football as Luis Muriel and Rodriguez continue to showcase buckets of talent.

Predictions then for these matches:

Mexico vs. Colombia - Columbia have been inspired by their home support and the attacking prowess of Muriel and Rodriguez will be too much for Mexico - 2-1 Columbia

Portugal vs. Argentina - Both of these teams have yet to really hit their stride. Portugal has had very little going forward, and I expect Argentina’s individual talent will be enough get them through. Won’t be a classic though - 1-0 Argentina

Brazil vs. Spain - Tough to call but I feel Brazil are the form team in this tie. Their teamwork coupled with the classic samba footy of old gives A Seleção the edge . . . but just barely - 3-2 Brazil

France vs. Nigeria - African nations have had great history at the U-20s and I don’t think France has shown enough to buck this trend as Nigeria are an imposing team. The Super Eagles have put 13 goals past their opponents in this tournament while only conceding twice - 2-0 Nigeria

That’s right, no more penalty drama. After “Penalty Tuesday’s” ridiculousness, we can only hope . . . but this is football after all so who really knows?