The Masters of Time and a Frozen Germany in 2014

Time seems to slow down whenever James Rodriguez is in action. From his first touch to the decisive last, everything unfolds in slow motion, allowing him to weigh every option. This is the gift of genius. They conquer the battle of time, even if, like everyone else, they ultimately lose the war against the years.

The Colombian maestro, now 34, roamed the right, left, and center, unleashing 26 progressive passes that sliced through rival midfields during the group stage. Two of these were daggers plunged into the opposition's flank, directly leading to shots on goal. This leaves a foamy trail of that 'cafetero' football, which has so often enchanted us. Colombia was so superior to Portugal that it likely put Argentina, whom they could face in the quarterfinals, on edge. The ghost of the 0-5 defeat in 1993, which raised expectations to the point of Escobar's assassination, is taking shape.

Ancelotti, meanwhile, was back to his old tricks. I'm not sure if this Brazil squad has what it takes for a sixth World Cup title, but they certainly have the best coach in their history on the bench. And when the Seleção's vulnerabilities were exposed, he once again proved he's far more than just the ego manager some perceive him to be. Kaishu Sano might have been inspired by Tsubasa, and Alisson might have seen a tornado heading his way, but 'Don Carletto' skillfully moved his pieces, and it wasn't this time that the future Oliver and Benji duo triumphed. Ancelotti froze the hands of time.

And what about Paraguay? For many, it's the Paraguay of Chilavert, Roque Santa Cruz, Gamarra, or Almirón and Enciso. For me, it always brings to mind the talented Romerito. An attacking midfielder, he played for Fluminense and Barcelona, though my fondest memories of him are in the Albirroja colors. Even with him, no one would have imagined that the Guaraní could beat a frozen Germany in 2014. Auf Wiedersehen!