Well, we have gotten through the group stage and the field is cut in half.\u00a0 We have gotten rid of most of the rifraf, and we are ready for some futbol.\u00a0 The stakes are raised exponentially, as it has become a one-and-done tournament.\u00a0 Throw out a clunker, and you will have 4 years to think about it.\u00a0 Let’s go!<\/p>\n
This post will be updated through the Quarterfinals for the top half of the bracket.<\/p>\n
6\/28, noon – Brazil vs. Chile – Round of 16<\/strong> 6\/28, 4:00 – Colombia vs. Uruguay – Round of 16<\/strong> Well, we have gotten through the group stage and the field is cut in half.\u00a0 We have gotten rid of most of the rifraf, and we are ready for some futbol.\u00a0 The stakes are raised exponentially, as it has become … Continue reading
\nWell, the Chileans got through a really tough Group B and what is their reward?\u00a0 Not only do they draw their arch-nemeses and the side that has eliminated them multiple times in World Cup play, including 2010 in the Round of 16, but now they have to play them on their home soil, where they just about never lose.\u00a0 A tall task for any nation, particularly one that is not a traditional soccer superpower.\u00a0 However, if there ever was a Chilean team that could do it, it would be this one.\u00a0 They have probably looked the better side in this Cup (I think that if the two sides switches groups, Chile would have won Group A and Brazil would have finished 2nd in Group B – at least how they each have played).\u00a0 Their attacking style can throw off a Brazilian backline that is actually pretty shaky other than Thiago Silva.\u00a0 And, the Brazilian midfield seems to lack the typical Brazilian magic.\u00a0 They do have the red-hot goalscorer, Neymar, and a ridiculous homefield advantage (something that Chile has enjoyed all tournament, but will not in this one).\u00a0 I will be rooting for Chile and think that they have a legit shot here, but it would be disingenuous to think that Brazil wouldn’t clearly be favored to win this one.\u00a0 Either way, it should be a GREAT start to the knockout round.<\/p>\n
\nAnd, the South American Invitational continues on Saturday, as all four sides playing on the first day of the knockout round are from the host continent.\u00a0 These four outstanding soccer nations will battle for one spot in the semis.\u00a0 The nightcap pits a red-hot Colombia side that looks like a legit sleeper to make noise here in the knockout stage against a Uruguay side that will be without their enigmatic biter, Luis Suarez.\u00a0 While Uruguay may have the more accomplished history and another top ten team currently, the Colombians would probably be the favorites here even if Suarez were playing.\u00a0 And, without him, the Uruguayans are decided underdogs here.\u00a0 That being said, they still have a lot of quality and are capable of beating anyone (as evidenced by their successive must-win victories over England and Italy in the group stage).\u00a0 I like Colombia here, but should be another great match on a fantastic day to get us going in the all-important knockout stage.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"