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World Cup 2014 Round of 16 Knockout Stage Summary

This world cup has been one of the most exciting I have seen. Extra Time was almost expected and every match was a battle to the end. The next quarter-finals round is going to be a thriller, I can’t wait.

World cup 2014 Round of 16 Knockout Game Summaries

BRAZIL 1 – 1 CHILE
Penalty Shoot Out (Brazil 3-2 Chile)

This game was millimeters away from going to Chile. Both with a chance in the closing moments and a last penalty shot off the inside post. Brazil’s Julio Cesar saved his team, redeeming himself from his performance at the last world cup. Brazil are not cruising to the final like everyone thought they would. I would not be surprised to see them lose to Columbia in the next round.

NETHERLANDS 2 – 1 MEXICO

Mexico’s keeper Ochoa did everything he could, but a rocket from Sneijder tied the game and a flop(I don’t want to call it a “dive” because there was the slightest bit of contact made) from Robben earned them a penalty which won the game for the Dutch. So far Netherlands has played much better than I thought they would, primarily because Robben still has the energy.

COLUMBIA 2 – 0 URUGUAY

Uruguay were toothless as James Rodriguez scored what may be the goal of the tournament. Columbia go on to play Brazil and don’t be surprised if they defeat the hosts in the next round.

COAST RICA 1 – 1 GREECE
Penalty Shoot Out (Costa Rica 5 – 3 Greece)

Costa Rica continue to be the Cinderella of the tournament. Costa Rica went down to 10 men in the 66th minute when Duarte was shown red, but they held on all the way through extra time. A great show of penalty shots ended with Costa Rica putting every one in the back of the net. Greece should have taken the game in the 90 minutes but it was not their day.

FRANCE 2 – 0 NIGERIA

Nigeria battled hard but the French overtook them in the last 20 minutes. They continue to impress and will make for a tough game when they meet Germany in the next round.

GERMANY 2 – 1 ALGERIA
Extra Time

Another game that required extra time to decide the winner. Germany struck early in extra time when Schurrle put it in with a cheeky shot and Ozil sealed it in the 120th minute. Algeria did pull one back a minute after, but it was too late. The Germans will have their hands full when they take on France.

ARGENTINA 1 – 0 SWITZERLAND
Extra Time

Extra time was almost complete and the game looked destined for penalties when Di Maria struck and stole the game for Argentina in 118th minute. The Swiss did everything they could to get an equalizer. A last second attempt went off the post, and the game ended. They fought hard and can go home proud.

BELGIUM 2 – 1 USA
Extra Time

Tim Howard had a record-equaling 16 saves and the performance of his life. For a short time Wikipedia had Tim Howard named as the US Secretary of Defense and the Tim Howard Memes began. The US fought all the way to the end with a goal from substitute youngster Julian Green and an awesome free kick play by the US almost got them the equalizer.

In the end Belgium held on and progress to face Argentina in the next round.

NEXT QUARTER FINAL MATCH-UPS

July 4th
BRAZIL vs COLUMBIA
FRANCE vs. GERMANY

July 5th
NETHERLANDS vs. COSTA RICA
ARGENTINA vs. BELGIUM

It’s going to be an awesome Quarter-final round you don’t want to miss. With the USA out I am hoping for an Germany vs. Belgium final. Who do you think will move on?