The group stage has come and gone and we are ready for the knockout stages of the World Cup. Sixteen teams remain, but only eight can advance. No action yesterday, so let's see how each team that's still alive stacks up.
16. Greece
The Greeks didn't score until their final match of group play and are really only through because of the Giovanni Sio penalty in the waning moments against Ivory Coast. Had it not been for their opponents failures, Greece would be on their way home.
15. Algeria
The Algerians scored for the first time in the World Cup since 1982 in their opener against Belgium, but really benefited from a soft group in order to advance for the first time ever. I doubt they have what it takes to shock themselves into the quarterfinals.
14. Nigeria
For the first time ever, two African teams are in the knockout round. The Nigerians are there for the first time since 1998 after strong performances against Argentina and Bosnia-Herzegovina. Their lackluster showing against Iran has me wondering about their true quality, however.
13. Costa Rica
Their impressive wins over Itaty and Uruguay have the small Central American nation on cloud nine. I really only have them this low because of reputation. I'm willing to admit to underselling them if they can sneak into the semi-finals.
12. Switzerland
The Swiss finally got a breakout from Xherdan Shaqiri, but it took a long while and a weak opponent to get there. The pounding they endured at the hands of France exposed any number of problems. Only reason they are through is a late game winner against Ecuador, really.
11. Belgium
Belgium has yet to put together a great performance in the World Cup. If they had a tougher draw, they probably wouldn't be moving on. They really only showed up late in games when it looked like a disastrous result was on the way. So, I guess, when the going gets tough, the Belgians get going.
10. Uruguay
Luis Suarez is gone for the remainder of the tournament and that clearly hurts Uruguay. They looked like a different team against Italy when he was on the pitch as opposed to the match against Costa Rica when he wasn't. They are still a good team, but I don't expect a deep run without Suarez.
9. United States
They exorcised demons against Ghana, came seconds away from beating Portugal, and played level with Germany for an hour. The main worry for this team is whether or not they can bag a goal against elite competition, something they would face if they make it to the quarterfinals.
8. Chile
The Chileans dispatched Spain in a wonderful showing, took care of Australia rather handily, and then gave the Dutch all they could handle. Reputation kind of holds them back a bit, but an unlikely deep run can prove me wrong.
7. Colombia
A perfect group stage was the first step in this strong Colombian team's run to glory. They played quite well in all three games, but, with all due respect to Greece, Ivory Coast, and Japan, I wonder how they will do against less inferior competition.
6. Mexico
I debated about putting them higher, but they did only draw the more favored Brazil. They are extremely solid in the back, have great goalkeeping, and have proven they can score a few goals. They have been the second most shocking team in the tournament so far, so don't count them out.
5. France
The French have plenty of goal scorers and are led by Karim Benzema. They are a little weak at the back, but they can take out anyone who challenges them. They should see the quarterfinals, but they will also get Germany once they're there.
4. Brazil
The hosts have been sort of wafting their way through the World Cup. Their only truly convincing victory came against lowly Cameroon. They got officiating help in the Croatia match and were stoned by extraordinary goalkeeping against Mexico. Brazil will have to start playing like an underdog instead of a team that expects the world championship handed to them.
3. Netherlands
A stomping of the defending world champions and a solid performance against their fellow Group B representative in the round of 16 has me high on the Dutch. I am a little concerned about how they allowed Australia to play around with them a bit, however.
2. Argentina
A perfect group stage for Messi and the boys. But, the only thing I worry about is them being only Messi and the boys. He was subbed out in the second half against Nigeria to prevent injury. Should something happen to the best player in the world, Argentina could be done for. I think Argentina has what it takes to win the whole thing, so, despite ranking them number two, I pick them to go the distance.
1. Germany
They may have slacked off a bit against Ghana, but their whooping of Portugal and their solid play against the USA proves they are the best team left in the World Cup. They may be number one here, but I am picking them to lose in the final to Argentina. The home continent advantage will be enough to keep the Germans from the precipice.
Today, the knockout rounds begin with Brazil and Chile at noon. It's a shame that the tournament has to end for one of these sides. I think Brazil gets it done, but it won't be easy. I expect a pretty exciting 2-1 victory for the host nation. In the other match, Colombia kicks off against Uruguay at 4pm. As mentioned earlier, Uruguay are without Luis Suarez and they are a completely different team when he isn't on the pitch. I predict a 3-1 Colombian win.
Enjoy the first day of knockout action everyone, only a few days left until USA-Belgium, too.
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