- Uruguay are quietly working their way through the tournament with great strikers and giving up only 1 goal in 4 matches. They stayed under the radar in a group highlighted with the hosts and the French debacle. Now in the knock-out rounds they played in a unheralded match against South Korea and get Ghana next. They have only played one team ranked higher than they are (17th) and that was France. South Korea proved to be the free kick specialists throughout the tournament and advanced to the knockout rounds for the first time on foreign soil. Besides being destroyed at the hands of Argentina they looked quite capable of competing, if not topping, most sides during the WC.
USA 1-2 Ghana:
- A second World Cup elimination at the hand of Ghana by a 2-1 score for the US in the round of 16. While disappointing for many US fans, the tournament did have many memorable moments (Donovan's late winner), but also gave several hints that an end like this was likely. The American's were giving up goals, especially early ones, far too easily and had several questionable line-up choices. Ghana on the other hand had an average group play set, but held the African banner high into the final 8. While not a massive threat on goal the Ghana squad have the ability to top Uruguay into the semi-finals if they continue to ride the 'home' support wave.
Germany 4-1 England:
- Despite other big matches in the round of 16, this was the marque fixture for the world...and it was a let down. While England's second goal should have been allowed they clearly looked the lesser of the two teams on the pitch. Germany seemed energetic, fluid and confident, while the English seemed dis-organized, slow, and timid. Wayne Rooney completely disappeared during this tournament and England will now lose much of this squad before the next world cup (which might be a good thing). Germany's talented young core will certainly be a threat for the remainder of this WC, but possibly also a top 2 or 3 favorite for 2014.
Argentina 3-1 Mexico:
- Another controversial call to start this match on the Tevez header giving Argentina a 1-0 lead. While it is becoming increasingly obvious that FIFA is looking weak and blind in this situation this goal was only a sign of what was to come. Messi and company were on another level on the night and have a +8 goal margin in their first four matches. Mexico have a core of young talent which will pose a massive threat to the US in the years to come.
Netherlands 2-1 Slovakia:
- The scoreline reflects a close game and perhaps not enough skill by the Dutch, but watching it would tell you otherwise. The entire time I felt as though the Netherlands were simply playing good enough to win, not to lose, and saving some for the next round. Robben's return has Holland back to full form and are setup for a galactic match-up against Brazil in the final 8. Slovakia never looked a threat to the Netherlands and got their only goal of a last second, and soft, penalty kick.
Brazil 3-0 Chile:
- Everyone was impressed with Chile's attacking and entertaining play throughout the tournament, but that was also their downfall against the Brazilians. Brazil are too talented in the back and on the counter attack to play with such an open style. The scoring was spread around and the #1 ranked team in the world looks the clear favorite after the round of 16. Chile should be proud of their performance in this tournament getting their first WC win since 1962.
Paraguay 0-0 Japan (Paraguay wins 5-3 on PKs):
- A fairly uninspired match-up, especially following the Netherlands and Brazil from the day before. This game seemed destined for PKs even before the end of regulation. The first PK decision of this WC and Paraguay looked as though they could have knocked them in with ease all night. I was surprised that Japan put forth a defender on their 3rd attempt, but its always easy to second guess a losing side. Japan, much like South Korea, have been impressive in South Africa and have improved the collective standing of the Asian confederation. Paraguay gives South America its 4th team in the final 8.
Spain 1-0 Portugal:
- Great back and forth match-up with both sides possessing the skill to attack and defend against the world's best. As expected Spain had the most quality on the night and may still yet become the only team to ever lose their opener and win the World Cup. While a quarterfinal is never easy, Spain will most likely have the greatest odds of victory heading into the next round of matches. Ronaldo never seemed to look the part of a true game changer or be able to link up as well with his teammates (and Real Madrid), as we all remember him doing at Manchester United. Highest ranking team to exit the tournament at #3, who will be disappointed to be heading home after giving up only 1 goal in 4 matches.
Quarterfinals:
- Netherlands vs. Brazil - Friday 10am (ET)
- Uruguay vs. Ghana - Friday 2:30pm (ET)
- Argentina vs. Germany - Saturday 10 (ET)
- Paraguay vs. ? - Saturday 2:30pm (ET)
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