We're almost three weeks into the World Cup, and it's flown by! We've seen some incredible performances, shock results, brilliant players and fantastic matches. The group stage gifted us goals galore, but there was always a sense that the goals could dry up as the tournament progressed. For that reason, no-one was quite sure what to predict for the last 16 stage. After eight breathtaking matches, let's take a look at some of the finest moments.
Atmosphere - Well, we already knew this existed - in abundance! But the atmosphere during the first knock-out match was truly electric. Brazil - Chile was an enthralling encounter, with both sides gunning for the win. The penalty kicks really brought the best out of the crowd, with tears and jubilation greeting us at the end of a truly spectactular affair.
Colombia and James Rodriguez - Again, we were well aware of the talent that Colombia possessed and the quality James Rodriguez has. But the way they have showcased it, has been fantastic! Colombia have won all four of their World Cup matches so far, topping their group and easily sweeping aside Uruguay in their first knock-out match. It's the way they play too. Fluid, attacking football with brilliant pace and energy. Their star man, James Rodriguez has enhanced his reputation too. Currently the World Cup top scorer, but also the best player at the tournament. He's got everything, he's clinical in front of goal, creative in the final third, and has that match-winning quality. Also, let's just stand and applaud his moment of genius against Uruguay, a volley that he'll never ever forget - and who could blame him!
Endurance - We've all been made aware of the extreme heat out in Brazil. FIFA have even introduced water breaks into some matches, which has been used effectively. It's the way the teams have adapted to the heat though. They haven't thrown in the towel (not literally), or drifted away from their natural game-plans. Four out of the eight knock-out matches have gone the distance. Teams have had to dig deep into extra time in order to progress to the next round. The players really have performed admirably throughout the 90 minutes, or indeed 120 minutes, considering the extreme conditions they are having to withstand.
Guillermo Ochoa and Keylor Navas - We all saw Ochoa's simply incredible performance against Brazil in the group stage. A number of brilliant saves earned him the Man of the Match award. As Mexico came up against the Netherlands, we all wondered whether he could actually replicate that sort of performance though. Well, he could! De Vrij must have thought he'd scored as he powered a header towards goal from a few yards out. Nope, Ochoa tipps his header onto the post with a brilliant reflex save. Then later another stop to deny Arjen Robben, along with many confident claims from corners and costless-kicks to take the pressure off his back four. Ochoa couldn't have done anything more to help his countries chances this World Cup campaign, and can head home knowing that there's surely a big clubs waiting for him in Europe. Then there's Keylor Navas! A very similar story to Ochoa really. Navas was the driving force behind Costa Rica's qualification from their group - conceding just one goal (a penalty). But he left his part piece for the knock-out stage! After a string of big saves during their last 16 match against Greece, he emerged as the hero after saving Gekas' penalty kick to send Costa Rica into a World Cup Quarter-Final. Like Ochoa, there will be some very big clubs fighting for this mans signature this summer - and it's no surprise!
The underdog - The last 16 has made us all very proud of a number of unlucky teams, who now find themselves out of the tournament. Chile fought incredible hard against Brazil, coming within centremeters of the Quarter-Finals - after hitting the crossbar in extra-time. Mexico against the Netherlands showed great determination and spirit as Giovani gave them the lead, right up until the last few minutes! They found themselves ruing a late penalty decision, which eventually sent them home. Costa Rica escaped the "Group of Death" and now find themselves in the Quarter-Finals - for the first time in their history. Nigeria fought hard for the best part of 80 minutes against France, and also saw a contoversial first-half goal disallowed. Then there's Algeria, who kept Germany out until extra-time. They even had a few chances of their own to even win the match, with Manuel Neuer coming to the rescue on a number of occassions. Switzerland took Argentina to extra-time before being undone two minutes from time, coming close themselves too - hitting to post in the dying moments.
But guess what? There's even more to come! Stay tuned for all the latest news from Brazil.