After two weeks of thrilling action, the first round of the World Cup is over and the field has been halved. From an initial 32 down to a more svelte 16, this is where things start to get really interesting, with each game a single elimination match from here until the final in Rio de Janeiro on July 13.
Here’s what to look forward to as the knockout stage gets under way on Saturday:
Brazil vs. Chile
Saturday, June 28, noon EST, ABC
The hosts were favorites coming into the tournament, but, with the exception of Neymar, have yet to produce the beautiful soccer expected of them. They go up against Chile, which, despite losing 2-0 to the Netherlands in its last match, has been one of the Cup’s stronger teams. If Chilean midfielder Arturo Vidal is close to healthy, this should be one of the round’s best games.
Colombia vs. Uruguay
Saturday, 4 p.m. EST, ABC
Despite losing its best player, Radamel Falcao, to injury before the Cup began, Colombia has been the tournament’s most consistent team, tearing through the group stage. They almost certainly would have been favorites before the 9-match suspension of star Uruguay striker Luis Suárez. Now they should easily make it through to the quarterfinals.
Netherlands vs. Mexico
Sunday, June 29, noon EST, ESPN
Expectations were low for the Dutch coming into the Cup, but after defeating defending champion Spain 5-1 in their tournament opener, they’ve become one of the favorites. Meanwhile, Mexico has surpassed expectations, and goalie Guillermo Ochoa captured the Internet’s heart during the 0-0 draw with Brazil. The Netherlands’ offense has shone through three games, but if Ochoa is at his best again, Mexico could squeak by.
Costa Rica vs. Greece
Sunday, 4 p.m. EST, ESPN
Maybe the least attractive of the second-round matchups, but it does feature the opening round’s two biggest surprises. Costa Rica, which wasn’t given a chance to advance, topped its group, while a last-minute penalty in Greece’s do-or-die matchup with Ivory Coast pushed it through to the final 16. Greece will most likely lie back defensively and try to choke the life out of the game. Costa Rica has proven capable of scoring against even the toughest defenses in this Cup.
France vs. Nigeria
Monday, June 30, noon EST, ESPN
Before an uninspiring scoreless draw to Ecuador to close out its group, France had looked like one of the tournament’s strongest teams. If Les Bleus can recapture the scoring touch — and don’t allow Nigeria the space they were given in their last two games — they should be able to sprint their way into the quarters.
Germany vs. Algeria
Monday, 4 p.m. EST, ESPN
Algeria has come a long way since its dour showing in the 2010 World Cup, but it’s hard to imagine this team overcoming the Group G winners. Germany, which hasn’t been at its best since a 4-0 trouncing of Portugal in its tournament opener, should view this game as a chance to get back on track.
Argentina vs. Switzerland
Tuesday, July 1, noon EST, ESPN
Despite being captained by the world’s best player, Lionel Messi, Argentina has yet to impress. They should still feel confident against Switzerland, though, whose defensive back four has looked anything but reliable. Expect at least one highlight-reel goal from Argentina’s favorite son.
Belgium vs. USA
Tuesday, 4 p.m. EST, ESPN
Belgium entered the tournament as a legitimate contender but has looked shaky through three games, squeaking through each in a lackluster group. The US, on the other hand, has exceeded expectations, coming in second in one of the tournament’s toughest groups. If the Americans play the way they did against Portugal, they could advance to the quarterfinals for the third time ever.