So the round of 16 is over and it is time for the Quarter Finals. There have been some craziest and heart breaking game you would ever see. Some small teams became a pain for the big teams while some teams got through easily, some new future stars are seen by the world, while some old stars have seen their best days. Football has shown what it is capable of in this World Cup and still we are in the Quarter Finals, plenty of games are still remaining. So let us look at how this knockout stage pan out
Brazil vs Chile – Brazil won on penalties
This was one game which was arguably the best game of this round. The hosts got run for their money. Chile showed what they are capable of. As Brazil was never expected to get an easy run as Chile is full of hard working talents, this team has two superstars in Vidal and Sanchez and many other great players who play in major European Leagues and Brazil vs Chile was a game which had burst of emotions.
Columbia vs Uruguay – Columbia won easily no surprises here
It was surely a surprise that Columbia defeated Uruguay, who were without ‘the one who should not be named’, 2-0. James Rodriguez scored a brace and took Columbia to the next round. Uruguay were were missing ‘you know who’ but still they had plenty of fire power in their team but the spirit and the will to win was into the Columbians and it was surely a well deserved win for them.
Costa Rica vs Greece – Underdogs Costa Rica continued their run
Costa Rica have already topped the Group of Death topping the likes of Uruguay, Italy and England. That shows the what a team spirit can do, Costa Rica don’t really have any star player, their captain is Bryan Ruiz who plays for a relegated Fulham in England but this team showed in this world cup that they can lock horns with the big boys and their run continues after a tough game which went on to penalties .
Netherlands vs Mexico – Dutch won by 2-1
The Dutch were almost out of the World Cup in this game. The finalists of last world cup were unable to find a breakthrough in such hot condition which Mexicans were easily adapted to. Mexico lead the entire game but in Last 5 minutes, the Dutch just burst out and showed that they are not going down easily (though Robben did go down easily, oh the Irony) and Netherlands won with a beautiful shot from the forgotten star Sneijder and a penalty from out of favor Huntelaar.
France vs Nigeria – Easy win for French by 2-1
Manchester United fans are kicking themselves as Fergie gave the youngster Pogba (who scored a goal in the victory)  to Juventus for free two years back and now he has developed into a player who is worth more than 40million and particularly in this World Cup he has been pivotal in France’s success thus far.
Germany vs Algeria – Last minute thriller for Germany
There were already many last minute thriller games in this World Cup and it didn’t stop here, Germany expected to win this one got a nervous ride from Algeria. Though they won it, it would have been an epic shock. All the goals came in the extra time and it was a thriller to watch it.
Argentina vs Switzerland – Argentina is all Messi
Argentina won in extra time in the 118 goal by a poor Angel Di Maria. It was all about Messi as he played well and got the assist and Argentina is all about Messi. The way Argentina have played, it is nowhere near the likes of Brazil, Netherlands, Germany so I wouldn’t bet on Argentina.
Belgium vs USA – Another thriller victory for Belgium
It was another game which went into the Extra time where Belgium won it by 2-1. It was a great game which destroyed USA’s hopes of world cup glory. Belgium do have great individual talent but they need to improve collectively as football is a team sport.
– Jainam Jhaveri
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