The World Cup Group Stages have been completed and now only 16 teams remain. So far the World Cup has produced wonderful goals, controversy and the underdog coming out on top, which has made for entertaining viewing. Now we enter the last 16. Who plays who and who has the best chance of going all the way?
Brazil - Chile – Belo Horizonte, Estadio Mineirao - Saturday 28th June, 17:00 (GMT)
Most Influential Player: Neymar Jr. (BRA), Arturo Vidal (CHI).
Top Goal Scorer: Neymar Jr. (4), Alexis Sanchez + 4 others (1).
Captain: Thiago Silva (BRA), Claudio Bravo (CHI).
This game is set up nicely for the neutral, however for both teams this game could go either way. Brazil, the tournament hosts, have the expectancy and weight of a nation on their shoulders, whereas Chile believe within themselves they can go on to win the tournament after some impressive displays. Brazil haven’t shown enough quality to suggest they could go on to win the tournament, however the backing they have received from fans could push them to the trophy. Chile for all their attractive and revitalising play were defeated by the Netherlands fairly easily and only defeated a poor Spain side, so this game could prove just too much for them.
Ahead of the game Luiz Felipe Scolari has warned of the threat Chile pose: “I managed Brazil against Chile twice so I know how good they are”, he said. "They have a lot of quality. If I could choose, I would choose another opponent. South American sides are always tough”. Brazil will need to step up their performances and that will mean more from the star of the show Neymar Jr., whose goal scoring ability will be key.
Chilean Forward Alexis Sanchez has caused a commotion with his recent comments about the referee by voicing his concerns about a favourability towards the hosts. As it happens, Howard Webb has been appointed for the game this Saturday. Sanchez spoke about Brazil: "They’ve got great quality in their squad, and I’m really happy we are going to play against Brazil and Neymar", he said. “My worry is the referee, but we’ll see”. The odds are against Chile, but if they manage to defeat Brazil they could go all the way.
The winner of this game will face the winner of Columbia - Uruguay.
Columbia - Uruguay – Rio de Janeiro, Estadio de Maracana – Saturday 28th June, 21:00 (GMT)
Most Influential Player: James Rodriguez (COL), Diego Godin (URU).
Top Goal Scorer: James Rodriquez (4), Luis Suarez (2).
Captain: Mario Yepes (COL), Diego Lugano (URU).
An interesting encounter between two South American teams has been mainly overshadowed this week, following the four month suspension of Luis Suarez, meaning he is unable to feature in any of Uruguay’s World Cup games in Brazil. Columbia fired through the Group Stages winning all three games to sit top of the group, whereas Uruguay scraped through by the skin of their teeth (or Luis Suarez’s) to finish secondm after defeating Italy in a must win game. It’s tough to call, but with their minds elsewhere this week Uruguay may feel underprepared.
Columbia were not a surprise package, although many doubted how well they would do with the absence of Radamel Falcao. Despite this, young James Rodriquez has seemingly taken it upon himself to step up and become the new leader of this side. The Los Cafeteros will be looking to go all the way and with a joint ability and knowledge of how to attack and defend Jose Pekerman will be feeling optimistic about his side’s chances.
For Uruguay on the other hand it could prove to be one of their most disappointing moments in football; although firmly backed and supported by his country the antics committed by Luis Suarez has brought shame to a nation and ultimately leaves the Uruguayan side without their best player. However, they still have quality in the likes of Edison Cavani and Godin - but come Saturday, they need to be at their best.
The winner of this game will face the winner of Brazil - Chile.
Netherlands - Mexico – Fortaleza, Estadio Castelao – Sunday 29th June, 17:00 (GMT)
Most Influential Player: Arjen Robben (NED), Hector Herrera (MEX).
Top Goal Scorer: Van Persie & Robben (3), Peralta + 3 others (1).
Captain: Robin Van Persie (NED), Raphael Marquez (MEX).
For this fixture there really is only one clear favourite, as the Netherlands have swept all before them so far in this tournament. However, that isn’t to say this fixture is a forgone conclusion, as Mexico can punch above their weight as seen in the game against Brazil in which they more than matched the South American outfit. On paper, the Netherlands should win, but this tournament has thrown up a few surprises and don’t be surprised if another upset is on the cards.
Louis Van Gaal will be looking to end his career as the Dutch manager with the World Cup before he takes over the reins at Old Trafford. His side have been magnificent in the way they demolished Spain and resolutely defeated Chile, however he still has some critics who accuse him of veering away from “Total Football”. Van Gaal defended his tactics: "You have to play according to your strengths, it’s all about winning. I’ll pick a system that helps me win”, he said. “The proof is in the pudding”. So perhaps don’t expect the best game of football you have ever seen; this year is about winning it by any means possible for the “flying Dutchmen”.
Miguel Herrera and “la Verde” will be hoping they can beat the Dutch in what would be a famous victory for the Mexicans and current Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez has said he is looking forward to the encounter. The Mexican forward said: “It’s him next I know, I don’t think either of us will be thinking of Manchester United”, said the United striker. “It will be great to see Robin, though”. Although Hernandez has been used as a substitute of late he could be the key to a Mexican victory.
The winner of this game will face the winner of Costa Rica - Greece.
Costa Rica - Greece – Recife, Arena Pernambuco – Sunday 26th June, 21:00 (GMT)
Most Influential Player: Bryan Ruiz (CRA), Georgios Samaras (GRE).
Top Scorer: Joel Campbell + 3 others (1), Samaras & Samaris (1).
Captain: Bryan Ruiz (CRA), Giorgos Karagounis (GRE).
Costa Rica have been the surprise package of this World Cup, coming through a group containing England, Italy and Uruguay, to many people’s astonishment as the supposed “group whipping” boys topped Group D. For Greece it is a wonder how they reached this stage; they scored their two and only goals in the final game that saw Greece qualify, and added to that fortune they scored in the 90th minute through a penalty. Two sides no one expected reach the last 16 face off this Sunday.
Costa Rica have proven they are a good side who are not to be underestimated. Fans of Costa Rica have been united as the nation go football mad. Although not a traditional footballing nation the Costa Ricans have been a breath of fresh air to the tournament. Luis Pinto has navigated his side to an unprecedented success already by getting his side out of the group and with a fixture against Greece there is no reason they can’t progress even further.
Greece also keep proving those who doubt them wrong, since their astonishing win in 2004 of the European championships, the side continue to do well in tournaments with their defensive football. They have been one of the worst teams to look at the tournament thus far, however it’s a strategy that works for the Piratiko’s. With Greece you never know.
The winner of this game will face the winner of the Netherlands - Mexico.
France - Nigeria – Brasilia, Estadio Nacional – Monday 30th June, 17:00 (GMT)
Most Influential Player: Mathieu Valbuena (FRA), Ahmed Musa (NRA).
Top Goal Scorer: Karim Benzema (3), Ahmed Musa (2).
Captain: Hugo Lloris (FRA), Joseph Yobo (NRA).
On Monday, France will face the “Super Eagles” of Nigeria, who will refuse to play if their bonuses aren’t paid. Aside from that, this game has goals written all over it, with the passing fluidity of the French and the pace of the Nigerians on the counter, it will hopefully make for a high scoring encounter. France romped through qualifying only dropping points to Ecuador after their place in the next round had been secured. Nigeria on the other hand appeared to be the best of a bad group with Iran and Bosnia being relatively poor.
France have an on form Karim Benzema who has scored three in three so far this tournament, but they have face somewhat relatively poor opposition. Even so, you can only beat what is in front of you. A concern is maybe that the side lacks experience as France has one of the youngest sides at the tournament. However they have been impressive and they will fancy themselves against an average Nigerian side.
Nigeria like many of the African teams have demanded their bonuses be paid before they play their game this coming Monday, an example of how football has changed. The Nigerian side were less than impressive in qualifying lacking any defensive organisation at the back, however the “eagles” pace on the counter is frightening and they could cause an upset if France are not on top form.
The winner of this game will face the winner of Germany - Algeria.
Germany - Algeria – Porto Alegre, Estadio Beira-Rio – Monday 30th June, 21:00 (GMT)
Most Influential Player: Toni Kroos (GER), Sofani Feghouli (ALG).
Top Goal Scorer: Thomas Muller (4), Islam Slimani (2).
Captain: Philipp Lahm (GER), Madjid Bougherra (ALG).
Although initially not common enemies, these two sides in footballing terms despise one another. 32 years ago Germany needed a 1-0 win which would send both them and Austria through at Algeria’s expense. That exactly happened and Algeria were out, and many Algerians to this day claim the match was fixed. Now they want revenge.
Germany have had an excellent tournament so far, apart from a minor slip up against Ghana which showed defensive deficiencies but otherwise were okay in their group. Thomas Muller has been on top form with the German side, playing upfront. Many believe this German 'Golden Generation' has what it takes to go on and win the tournament. In their ranks they also have the tournament's all-time joint top leading scorer Miroslav Klose, who will be looking to make the record his own as the tournament progresses.
Algeria coach Halilhodzic believes his side deserve their place in the last 16: "Thirty-two years ago is a long time. I am proud of what we have achieved tonight and we deserve to be here”, he said. “I think Algeria played a heroic match and our qualification for the second round is perfectly deserved”. They will be looking to become the furthest African side to progress in the tournament.
The winner of this game will face the winner of France v Nigeria.
Argentina v Switzerland – Sao Paulo, Arena de Sao Paulo – Tuesday 1st July, 17:00 (GMT)
Most Influential Player: Lionel Messi (ARG), Xherdan Shaqiri (SWI).
Top Goal Scorer: Lionel Messi (4), Xherdan Shaqiri (3).
Captain: Lionel Messi (ARG), Gokhan Inler (SWI).
Many critics claim Argentina superstar Lionel Messi needs a World Cup to establish himself as the best player ever, and to be amongst the likes of fellow Argentinian Diego Maradona. Although overall his performances have been below par, it can be stated that even so, his goals are pulling his side through. In Switzerland they will face tough opponents, as the Swiss side are ranked 6th in the FIFA ranking. Despite this, anything other than an Argentina win would be unexpected.
There have been claims that Messi is in control of the national side, after the system was changed following criticism from the former Ballon D’Or winner, however Sabella claimed these reports wide of the mark. All in all, without Messi Argentina would be unlikely favourites but with him they are amongst the top candidates to gain World Cup glory.
Switzerland have quality with the likes of Liverpool target Xherdan Shaqiri. There is a doubt if he can continue to pull his team through, but it is clear that he has talent. The likelihood is that this will be one step to far for the Swiss side who were taken apart by France in the Group Stage. However, if they can contain Messi then they will have more than a chance.
The winner of this game will face the winner of Belgium - USA.
Belgium - USA – Salvador, Arena Fonte Nova – Tuesday 1st July, 21:00 (GMT)
Most Influential Player: Eden Hazard (BEL), Michael Bradley (USA).
Top Goal Scorer: Dries Mertens + 3 others (1), Clint Dempsey (2).
Captain: Vincent Kompany (BEL), Clint Dempsey (USA).
Belgium are a relatively new side in international terms, but they have an abundance of quality and talent which saw them breeze through a relatively easy group. The key to the team is they are strong defensively and brilliant on the counter. The USA on the other hand lack the abundance of talent, but it is fair to say they are slowly getting better with a wider range of players now available to them. This game could go either way, and although Belgium are favourites the USA are used to being the underdog and still find the right results.
Belgium after going down to 10-men still managed to achieve a win over South Korea, and defender Jan Vertonghen believes it will give his side a great confidence in the games ahead: “It gives us so much confidence to get those 9 points with only 10 men and prepare for the Americans in that mood”. The last time the two sides met Belgium churned out a 1-0 victory over the US, and they will be hoping for a similar result this coming Tuesday.
The US are as confident, with a renewed sense of belief as they gain support from all over the US despite in the past having very little support as the US public had little interest in the sport. This has now completely changed as the US, apart from Brazil of course, have the biggest following at the World Cup finals which is remarkable. Tim Howard acknowledged Belgium are a good team, but he believes his side are up for the task: “They’re a top team. Everyone around Europe will tell you how good they are”, he said. "They’ve got so many good players, young players, strong, fast on the ball. I actually think because of that we match up well with them, but we’ll see”. The USA fans believe, but can the team repay their faith?
The winner of this game will face the winner of Argentina - Switzerland
So there are the teams, who do you think can go all the way?