Predictions for an unpredictable Round of 16
Of the knockout phase surprises, Costa Rica has best chance at moving on
RIO DE JANEIRO — We have reached the business end of the 2014 World Cup.
Sorted through the riff-raff. Summarily dismissed those found wanting.
Defending champion Spain, Italy, England and Portugal have all been consigned to the wastebasket and shipped home in shame while Algeria, Greece, Costa Rica and the Americans move on. Go figure.
Shock. Disappointment. Disbelief. It’s been a round robin jam-packed with goals, dodgy refereeing decisions and inspirational performances by stars such as Neymar, Messi and Muller. And the real fun is only getting started. Yes, now the knockout phase is upon us and so are … penalties.
Here’s how the Round of 16 shapes up:
Brazil vs. Chile
Estadio Mineirao, Belo Horizonte, Saturday To an utterly convinced Seleçao faithful all these silly knockout games are but mere formality to a Carnival-spectacular coronation on July 13 at the legendary Maracana. Well, it may not be quite so simple. Brazil has been far from convincing at the back and Chile’s one of those inyour-grill, battling sides that will give them absolutely no peace on the ball. Expect a track meet. Can Arturo Vidal and Co. let the air of the canary-yellow Brazilian balloon? They feel they’ve got a pin at the ready and will surely give it a right go.
Prediction: Brazil, 3-2.
Colombia vs. Uruguay
Estadio Maracana, Rio, Saturday Serial villain Luis Suarez and his infamous incisors are already back home in Montevideo to a hero’s welcome, but in one act of mindless madness La Celeste has been deprived of its emotional spur and match-winner. The man they hope can fill an unfillable void, Edinson Cavani, has been little more than a ghost here. The Colombians strolled through Group C, scoring nine and surrendering only two and look a genuine threat to go deep into this knockout phase. Prediction: Colombia, 2-0.
Netherlands vs. Mexico
Estadio Castelao, Fortalenza, Sunday Adaptability to situation and opponent is the Dutch’s greatest attribute. Staunch in defence and able to count on Robin van Persie and Arjen Robben to create just enough magic up front. Expect a clean, convincing, thoroughly professional performance from a Louis van Gaal side that can expect to still be standing when the semifinals roll around July 8 and 9. Prediction: Netherlands, 2-0.
Costa Rica vs. Greece
Arena Pernambuco, Recife, Sunday
Costa Rica shocked everyone by beating Uruguay, Italy and England to the summit of Group D and was full marks in doing so. Four Four Two Magazine, the bible of the game, summed up the Costa Rican pre-tournament prospects as: “Doomed.” Yet here they stand. Greece is only around because of a scandalous penalty call at the death of its deciding match against the Ivory Coast. And 2004 is a long time passed. Prediction: Costa Rica, 1-0. France vs. Nigeria
Estadio Nacional, Brasilia, Monday
Didier Deschamps’ Les Bleus are still very much a work-in-progress but displaying tremendous potential. The Nigerians scraped through at 1-1-1 with only three goals scored. Despite drawing a blank against brave Ecuador in their final group match, it’s difficult to envision Karim Benzema and pals not denting the Super Eagles at least once.
Prediction: France, 2-0. Germany vs. Algeria
Estadio Beiram-Rio, Porto Alegre, Monday The Algerians are one of those lovely stories the World Cup produces, with their rabid supporters weeping and praying in the stands. It’s an immense achievement for them, reaching the knockouts. Well, it’s all been rather lovely but welcome to reality. The Germans, as we all know, are skilled, deep and clinical. After a narrow but dominating win over the U.S., bet on helmsman Joachim Low having Die Mannschaft in a merciless mood. Prediction: Germany, 3-0.
Argentina vs. Switzerland
Arena de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Tuesday Lionel Messi, looking to finally add the one missing jewel to his crown, must be the MVP of the first phase. Yet it’s been a grind so far, and boss Alejandro Sabella concedes the Argentinians need to tighten up at the back if they hope to challenge the big boys. Which is where Swiss hat-trick hero Xherdan Shaqiri’s enters the frame. Someone — Ezequiel Lavezzi, Sergio Aguero — must step up and give Messi a bit of offensive support. Still in such rich form, can anyone possibly see the little genius leaving this tournament this early? Prediction: Argentina, 2-1.
Belgium vs. USA
Arena Fonte Nova, Salvador, Tuesday The Belgians arrived here as one of the intriguing outsiders, nobody quite sure how seriously to take them. Well, they only conceded a goal once while running off three Ws, in a less-than-intimidating group. So the jury’s out on just how viable a contender they really are. And this shapes up as a banana-peel match. The Americans — organized, tenacious and unafraid — have ’keeper Tim Howard in wonderful form but barely touched the ball against either Ghana or Germany. They’ll still relish this matchup. Prediction: Belgium, 2-1.