Resurgent Americas sparks global great debate

In a World Cup that has already left so many lasting memories, the real legacy could be a shift in the balance of power from Europe to the Americas.

The quarter-finals will feature four teams from Europe and four from South and Central America, but the hope over here in Brazil is that this could be the start of a period of international dominance based around Rio, Buenos Aires and Bogota.

It is a view expressed by Javier Mascherano, who batted away most questions about his Argentinian side after Tuesday’s match against Switzerland but was instead rather more excited when discussing the progress of his continent.