The 2014 edition of the World Cup has done nothing but impress thus far. Matches have been exciting and fans have been on the edge of their seats throughout most of the unpredictable games. This trend has continued into the knockout rounds. If you did not catch the first match between host country, Brazil and Chile, it was a doozy. The match went down to the wire as time expired and the result was determined by penalty kicks which went Brazil's way. Former Inter goalkeeper Julio Cesar had the penalty shootout of a lifetime as he saved the first two Chilean penalty kicks and the fifth and final Chilean penalty attempt hit the woodwork as the fortuitous hosts advance.
#JulioCesar piange: "Solo Dio sa cosa ho passato. Quattro anni fa piangevo di tristezza, ora di gioia" pic.twitter.com/PGMZB9jsjE
— Daniele Mari (@danmari83) June 28, 2014
While the Brazil v Chile match necessitated extra time and penalties to determine the result, Colombia v Uruguay was won decidedly in regulation by a 2-0 margin in favor of Colombia. Guarin made a late game appearance as his country also looks forward to more World Cup action.
[Please note: Luis Suarez was unavailable for Uruguay as he is currently serving a FIFA ban. The FIFA statement is below].
Full statement on Luis Suarez suspension available @FIFAcom here: http://t.co/nxqOjfTUIO
— FIFA Media (@fifamedia) June 26, 2014
Yesterday was filled with the highs and lows of the beautiful game and today's matchups look to keep the level of intensity high. Former Inter trequartista, Wesley Sneijder looks to lead his Dutch squad towards the quarter finals but Chicharito (who is constantly linked with a potential move to the Nerazzurri) will try his best to lead his compatriots onwards.
Who: Netherlands v Mexico
Where: Estádio Castelão, Fortaleza
When: 18.00 CET / 12.00 pm ET / 9.00 am PT
The second knockout match of the day features upset kings, Costa Rica. Not only did they open up their World Cup account by a shock win against Uruguay but also managed to send Italy home early. Along with Mexico, Costa Rica is representing CONCACAF today and hopes to continue their winning World Cup ways against Greece. Former Inter player, Karagounis will try to provide veteran leadership to upset red hot Costa Rica.
Who: Costa Rica v Greece
Where: Arena Pernambuco, Recife
When: 22.00 CET / 4.00 pm ET / 1.00 pm PT