So what do Mumbai's school-going kids have to say about their favourite players and teams at the World Cup? Some of them, as Anil Dias finds out, don't even get to watch the late-night games. But that doesn't mean they aren't breathing football...
German finesse
I'm a huge fan of Germany because they have some fabulous players. It's so difficult to break into their playing XI. They can alter their formation anytime during the game. Their defence is one of the best. I like Mesut Ozil and Thomas Mueller. They are outstanding performers who can win the World Cup for their country.
—Kirk Popkiss
Age: 16, St Peter's School, Mazgaon
Phillip Lahm is my favourite player. And that's why I am rooting for Germany. He's also a great captain. Overall, they have a very attacking line-up which can be a nightmare for any defence. It's sad that I cannot watch all the matches because I have to wake up early for school. But I loved the Germany-Algeria game, even though it went down to the wire.
—Zoraius Kamdin
Age: 15, Lilavatibai Podar Senior Secondary School, Santacruz
I like the way Germany play. They're just awesome. My favourite player is Mario Goetze. He's young, supremely talented and feeds the ball to Thomas Mueller. My favourite game was the one in which Germany thrashed Portugal 4-0. As a German supporter, it was more than a thrill.
—Rayan Badheka
Age: 14, Campion School, Colaba
Great
Experienced
Robust
Men
And
Naturally
Youthful
—Niall Reynolds
Age: 15, Sacred Heart Boys High School, Santacruz
Bra-zeal
I am a Brazil fan because they are a really good team and I think they have the best chance of winning it this time. They have really good players like Hulk; they are a cohesive unit; and , above all, they are a very patriotic lot. It will be nice if they win at home. I like Neymar because he's a lot like Pele. He is one of the best players and he will the World Cup for Brazil.
—Cherise Pereira
Age: 15, Lilavatibai Podar Senior Secondary School, Santacruz
Going Dutch
I'm supporting the Netherlands because I like the way they float the ball. They destroyed Spain and their tiki-taka style of football. Arjen Robben and Robin van Persie are in top form. I also like Bastian Schweinsteiger. I don't get to watch many games because I sleep early, but I record the games and watch them after school.
—Arsh Thaker
Messi Mania
I'm supporting Argentina because my favourite player, Lionel Messi, is their captain. He's a magician on the field. Angel Di Maria is an amazing midfielder. He has great stamina and agility. But I wasn't too happy with the way they played Switzerland. I don't think they will have it easy in the next round.
—Grahin Prabhu
Age: 14, Don Bosco High School, Matunga
All hail the underdogs
I support Costa Rica because they are the underdogs. I don't think anyone expected them to to make the knockouts. They announced themselves on the biggest stage in style by beating Italy and Uruguay. I hope they can make it to the semifinal, if not the final. Their captain, Bryan Luiz, is an outstanding performer.
—Sanath Valladares
Age: 16, St Xavier's College, Dhobi Talao
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}