After a thrilling first day of Round of 16 matches, the Netherlands and Mexico do battle this afternoon for the right to join Brazil and Colombia in the quarterfinal. I’m looking forward to this one; Mexico often dazzled as they escaped Brazil’s Group A with an undefeated 2-0-1 record, while the Netherlands won all three of their Group B matches, including a 5-1 demolition of defending champions Spain.
Colombia vs. Uruguay (Round of 16)
It’s the second all-South American affair of the day, and yet another (with hosts Brazil) awaits this evening’s winner in the quarterfinal. Uruguay, of course, are without the Mental Dentist I mean the Dental Menace I mean lunatic striker Luis Suarez. Ol’ Ratface has been banned from all football for four months and from Uruguay’s next nine international matches following his attack last week on Italy’s Giorgio Chiellini (Chiellini, for his part, executed a world-class troll on Suarez by claiming to believe the punishment is too harsh).
The rest of Oscar Tabarez’s men march on without Suarez, though not for much longer. Colombia have been the most impressive team of the World Cup so far, bar none.
Brazil vs. Chile (Round of 16)
The knockout round of World Cup 2014 begins today with two all-South American matches. Thrilling Colombia take on Uruguay this afternoon, but first it’s the hosts Brazil against rising stars Chile in Belo Horizonte. Chile have met Brazil three times in World Cup play and been knocked out each time: twice at this very stage (South Africa 2010, France 1998) and once in the quarterfinal (Chile 1962).
USA vs. Germany (Group G)
The Yanks of the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) enter their final group stage match needing only a draw to progress. The problem? We’re facing three-time World Cup champions Germany, the second-ranked national side in the world, against whom we’ve never drawn (W3, L6). Still, the Americans have already surpassed expectations by beating Ghana and drawing Portugal, we now count several truly top-level players among our stars, and we beat Germany 4-3 the last time we played them. Let’s do this thing.
Italy vs. Uruguay (Group D)
Italy vs. Uruguay is certainly the match to watch in Group D’s final round. Four-time World Cup champions Italy will hope to progress to the knockout stage, but their South American opponents have pedigree (two World Cup victories) and one of the best players in the world in Luis Suarez (pictured above).
Holland vs. Chile (Group B)
The first two matches of the last round kick off simultaneously at noon. Each group will play its final two games concurrently to minimize the likelihood that any match should be meaningless by the time it begins. Also because this happened.
In this match, undefeated Holland (who have a goal difference of +5) meet undefeated Chile (+4). Buckle your seatbelts.
USA vs. Portugal (Group G)
HEEERRREEEE WEEEEE GOOOOOO!
The United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) is back in action today against Portugal and the best player in the world. The Yanks would progress to the second round if they won today, and, with the Europeans missing several players through injury and suspension, they have a real chance to do so.
South Korea vs. Algeria (Group H)
The second Group H match of the day is between South Korea, who drew with Russia last week, and Algeria, who lost to Belgium despite leading for much of the match. No Group H team really impressed in that first round, but it’s a new day. Both teams need to go for the win today.
Belgium vs. Russia (Group H)
Both Belgium and Russia will try to improve on weak first match performances that nevertheless saw the Belgians win and the Russians steal a draw. Belgium had to sweat for their three points against Algeria, who took an early lead and defended resolutely. Russia also fell behind against South Korea before Alexander Kerzhakov’s scrappy equalizer.
Nigeria vs. Bosnia & Herzegovina (Group F)
Group F’s second match of the day is between reigning African champions Nigeria and surprise European qualifiers Bosnia. In their first match against Argentina, the Bosnians proved that they offer defensive solidity in addition to the star power of Miralem Pjanic, Edin Dzeko (pictured above), and Vedad Ibisevic. Nigeria, meanwhile, are full of technical ability and counterattacking pace, but lacked the cutting edge in a dreadful match against Iran on Monday. This should be an open, attacking contest with both teams desperate for three points.
Continue reading “Nigeria vs. Bosnia & Herzegovina (Group F)”