In those two weeks we have seen Spain's dominance over world soccer end with a resounding thud. Holland, Brazil, Germany, and Argentina all look like the favorites that they were coming into the tournament. Meanwhile teams like Italy, England, and Portugal all failed to make it out of the group. We have also seen three CONCACAF teams advance to the knock-out rounds for the first time in World Cup history.
For the United States, they are winners already. Coming out of the group of death when not many gave them any chance has made this World Cup a success whether the dream ends on Tuesday or not. From here on out, everything is gravy for the Americans, who have played well in all three of their group games.
Watching the post match coverage today, Michael Balik, the former Germany captain made a great point. The United States won't be afraid of playing Belgium next week. Sure Belgium won their group, but the US has already played so many strong teams, and have had success, so there is no reason for the Americans to feel that they are going to be run off the pitch by Belgium.
There is no way for me to be unbiased when looking at that game, so I won't even pretend to make an actual pick. If the US can find a way to get past Belgium, they would have a quarterfinal date with Argentina on Saturday, July 5th.
I think there are a couple of really intriguing matchups in the round of 16.
First, I think Brazil better be very careful against Chile. Brazil went out in the round of 16 four years ago when they fell to Holland and with Chile's attacking style, they will be able to score against the host nation. The key is whether or not either team can play just a little bit of defense in order to secure the victory. If I had to bet money I would pick Brazil, but it won't be easy.
Sunday's matchup between the Netherlands and Mexico is really interesting. After having a horrible 2013, Mexico has rebounded nicely in this World Cup, making it to the round of 16, but I think they are going to get smoked by the Dutch.
Costa Rica were a huge surprise in winning their group, and their reward is a comparatively easy matchup with the defensive-minded Greeks. Be honest, did you had Costa Rica making it to the quarterfinals? If you said yes, then you are lying.
While I don't think France or Germany will have any trouble with their round of 16 games, the idea of those two facing off in the quarterfinals is absolutely titillating. There is enough entertainment in the World War II jokes alone to make it through the game and extra time if needed.
There are no games tomorrow, so you have one day to get ready for the knockout rounds. No more worrying about points, draws, or goal differential. From here on out you only have to worry about the team in front of you on that given day. No more draws means that any game that ends in a draw after the 90 minutes will play 2 15-minute periods where there is no golden goal (you play out the entire extra 30 minutes, the first goal doesn't win). If the two teams are still tied, we see one of the greatest, and most terrible exhibitions in sports, a penalty kick shootout.
There will be no shortage of drama, but hopefully there will be no more biting, I'm looking at you Uruguay, as we head toward crowning a World Champion.
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