FIFA World Cup knockout stages

[sussexpob]

As for Colombia, for all that people will rave, rightly, about James Rodriguez, Armero is the man that does everything for this side.... his pace is incredible, and he sets up most of the breaks that they seem to play exclusively for, and he is constantly opening up space for others.

Colombia havent been that great though. So far, they have rode their luck a little at the back, and hit teams on the break late in games. I cant see Colombia knocking out Brazil.

[st_brendy]

This Brazil side are nothing special when you compare them to the Brazillian sides of the past. Having said that they'll probably still end up reaching the final.

I know someone that has money ( a fair bit, I think ) on Holland vs Germany in the final at 17/1

Two European teams in a final held in S America.

History says that's unlikely to happen.

Whilst I understand what you're getting at, I do wonder how often in history four South American sides have all found themselves in the same KO quarter. Brazil, Columbia, Chile and Uruguay all clumped together, with a maximum of only one potentially able to even reach the semi-final, let alone the final.

Across the other three quarters, there is only Argentina. And so far, ten of their players are being dragged along by Messi against pretty sub-standard opposition.

But then again, they are lucky to be in the half of the draw away from Brazil, Columbia, Germany and France. A probable run to the final of Switzerland, Belgium and Holland might not be "easy" but it's hardly the most difficult ever encountered.

[mikesiva]

Come on, CONCACAF!

[andy]

Holland should beat Mexico tonight, but Costa Rica could well find themselves in the 1/4 final stage as Greece are nothing special these days!!

[sussexpob]

Holland should beat Mexico tonight, but Costa Rica could well find themselves in the 1/4 final stage as Greece are nothing special these days!!

Greece were awful in the groups, how they managed to qualify is a mystery.

Mexico have been the biggest surprise so far, I expect Holland to progress, but this will be a close battle.... wouldnt be suprised to see this one go to extra time

[SaintPowelly]

I've been saying all day that I think Mexico will go through.

I've backed them to win in ET/pens, not surprised to see them 1-0 up.

[sussexpob]

Ochoa saves them again. Lucky, hits him and onto the post....

[sussexpob]

Holland finally woke up

[budgetmeansbudget]

Yep his head was in the right place at the right time.

[Aidan11]

I don't know how they can play in that heat.

[hopeforthebest]

Big cheer from a few streets away so Holland have equalised I guess. Now fireworks have they scored 2 goals?

[dan08]

Clarke Carlisle's making me lose the will to live.

[hopeforthebest]

Holland score and the sun suddenly blazes down.

[SaintPowelly]

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

[dan08]

Tough on Mexico but they couldn't keep relying on Ochoa to save them.