World Cup 2014: Groups Round Over, What You Need To Know About Knockout Stage
With the 2014 World Cup at a fever pitch, the groups round is over and now we get into the real interesting part: the knockout phase. As the name indicates, this is do or die and the loser goes home. No more ties, no more goal differential, this is a must win for all teams moving on.
Algeria was the last team to qualify for the round of 16 — for the first time in their history. Half of the teams survive the groups elimination to fight it out for the right to reach the final and ultimately raise the World Cup trophy.
The groups stage provided plenty of drama, but if you have watched the knockout phase in the past, this is where the fun truly begins. We got a taste, when the last matches of the groups stage were played the last couple of days.
With everything on the line, here are how things look in the 2014 World Cup second phase or the round of 16, as it is also called:
Brazil vs. Chile
When: Saturday, June 28
Where: Estádio Mineirão, Belo Horizonte
Time: Noon ET
A South American classic, Brazil vs. Chile is shaping up to be one of the most exciting matches of the knockout stage. Brazil started slow and has improved as the tournament has gone on, with their big star, Neymar, showing his adoring fans why he’s considered one of the best.
Chile continues to impress, with solid play and a deep bench. They should give the Brazilians a run for their money. This is a MUST win for Brazil, or else.
Colombia vs. Uruguay
When: Saturday, June 28
Where: Estádio Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro
Time: 4 pm/ET
Uruguay moved on by the skin of their teeth, beating Italy 1-0 in the deciding game of their very tough group. Now that Luis Suarez has been officially banned by FIFA for biting an Italian defender and can no longer be near a football stadium, Uruguay must step it up in hopes of mirroring their fourth place at the 2010 World Cup.
Colombia had an easier path in the groups stage at the 2014 World Cup, with rivals Greece, Ivory Coast, and Japan, giving them little trouble. Uruguay will be the first real test for La Tri.
Netherlands vs. Mexico
When: Sunday, June 29
Where: Estádio Castelão, Fortaleza
Time: Noon ET
The Netherlands came in like a lion, crushing the current champions, Spain, 5-1 in their debut match in a repeat of the 2010 World Cup final. This time, however, the Dutch took their revenge, leaving the Spaniards in shock and now the Clockwork Orange have a chance at redeeming themselves and finally take that first title.
Mexico qualified in second place in Group A, behind the host, Brazil, scoring four goals and only allowing one. The star of the team, goalkeeper Ochoa will have to be on his toes if he wants to stop the mighty Dutch.
Costa Rica vs. Greece
When: Sunday, June 29
Where: Arena Pernambuco, Recife
Time: 4 pm/ET
Costa Rica is undoubtedly the surprise of the 2014 World Cup. Nobody gave them a chance to move on in their Group D, which included former title holders, Italy, England, and Uruguay. However, the Central Americans finished in first place to everyone’s shock.
Greece won’t take them for granted and both teams will look to make history, as it’s the first time either is in this phase of the World Cup.
France vs. Nigeria
When: Monday, June 30
Where: Estádio Nacional de Brasilia, Brasília
Time: Noon ET
A walk in the park for France? On paper this knockout match has France as the heavy favorite, but don’t discount the feisty Nigeria, who gave mighty Argentina and Leo Messi a run for their money on the final group match.
France has been consistent and even thought they are missing their big star, Franck Ribery, Les Bleus have done just fine at the 2014 World Cup.
Germany vs. Algeria
When: Monday, June 30
Where: Estádio Beira-Rio, Porto Alegre
Time: 4 pm/ET
After effectively crushing Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal, Germany seemed to lose a bit of steam and tied with Ghana. They barely won with the United States and were unable to capitalize on the many chances they had.
Even if facing another surprise team, Algeria, Germany must be on their toes and up the ante. Many believe Germany could win it all.
Argentina vs. Switzerland
When: Tuesday, July 1
Where: Arena Corinthians, São Paulo
Time: Noon ET
Switzerland earned the number two spot of Group E and the honor of playing Lionel Messi’s Argentina in the first stage of the knockout stage. Intimidating for anyone and a first true test for the Europeans, who didn’t have much difficulties with Ecuador and Honduras in the groups stage.
We will see if Messi continues his successful 2014 World Cup campaign and can augment his goal scoring record to pass Ronaldo.
Belgium vs. United States
When: Tuesday, July 1
Where: Arena Fonte Nova, Salvador
Time: 4 pm/ET
Team USA surprised many by qualifying for the round of 16 of the 2014 World Cup, a first for the Americans. They failed to score or win, but thanks to Cristiano Ronaldo’s goal against Ghana, they are in.
Belgium scored fewer goals than Algeria, but still managed to move on, because of their extra win. The USA — who has never beat Belgium — will be their first real test.
In the knockout phase we will probably see a lot of drama, overtime and penalty kicks come into play to decide a tie at the end of regulation. Throughout history there have been some amazing match ups in this stage of the World Cup. What will Brazil have in store for us?
[Image via Twitter]
