S#*t just got real

It’s crazy to think that it has only been about two weeks since the opening ceremony of the World Cup. So much has happened in the last 48 games, goals galore, brilliant saves, great crowds, and of course load and loads of controversy. But that is all behind us. We now go to the next phase the second round of games, and I am going to preview each game of the round of 16.
Brazil Vs Chile
This game is going to be an absolute cracker. Brazil had a sluggish start, but Neymar always looked deadly, and against Cameroon he came alive and showed us exactly why he wears the legendary number 10 for his country. Chile have been very impressive as well, they play with a wonderful attacking style, the legacy of their former coach Marco Bielsa and they will not be afraid to play their way against Brazil. There is a very strong Chilean contingent in Brazil so they will have their share of noise at the stadium.
Prediction – Brazil by a whisker; 2-2 at the end of Full time but 4-2 to Brazil after extra time. Brazil’s fitness and home advantage will see them through.
Colombia Vs Uruguay
The tournaments darlings play the pantomime villains. Uruguay will be without their star man, but these are the situations which they bring out their best. Colombia will be rightfully favourites after showing that their qualification form was no fluke. Both teams have good team spirit and their coaches are old hands in the international arena. Expect a hard fought encounter.
Prediction – Colombia will edge it out. 2-1 at the end of full time, Uruguay will put up a good fight, but they won’t go through.
France Vs Nigeria
France has been one of the most prolific teams in front goal this tournament and they face one of the best defensive sides in Nigeria. The Africans are probably fortunate to have made it through to the second round, not exactly setting the world alight with their style of play. They are difficult to beat but will have to pull something out of their socks to beat France.
Prediction – France will take it quite comfortably. 2-0 at the end of full time.
Germany Vs Algeria
I have gone through the history of these two teams in my previous blog, and as I predicted, Algeria now have the chance to right the wrongs of 28 years ago. This German team is not like their 1982 compatriots; in fact they don’t even represent the same country, the 1982 team being West German. I’m not sure it will matter to the Algerians one bit they will be chomping at the bit to get even.
Prediction – Algeria will get even for past sins. I have to make at least one upset prediction, so why not pick one with a bit of history and romance involved. I predict a 2-1 result at full time, and exact mirror of the 1982 score against West Germany.
Netherlands Vs Mexico
Mexico has constantly defied my expectations, and for my sake I hope the trend does not continue. The Oranje have made my heart glow with excitement, and I have not had anything to complain about with this Dutch team. Louis Van Gaal will have his troops ready to face an opponent that they (or I for that matter) will not underestimate.
Prediction – Netherlands through in a very close game. 1-1 after extra time, with the Dutch going ahead on penalties.
Costa Rica Vs Greece
The Ticos have taken this tournament by storm, going strength to strength with every game, and they rightly go in as favourites against a Greek side that has seen better days. The Greeks were lucky to make it out of the group stage for the first time but they will need more than luck to see them through.
Prediction – Costa Rica through quite comfortably. 1-0 after full time, with the Ticos dominating possession, and having no real trouble.
Argentina Vs Switzerland
A mouth-watering encounter, on Paper Argentina have everything going for them, with Lionel Messi finally living up to his potential for the national team, but the Swiss have also finally found their form with Xherdan Shaqiri scoring a beautiful hat trick against Honduras. The Argies will be without Sergio Aguero, and their defense is vulnerable, but Switzerland are not going to keep Messi out.
Prediction – Argentina win an amazing high scoring game. 4-3 to Argentina at full time.
Belgium Vs USA
An intriguing encounter, the Belgians on paper have the stronger team but they have underperformed, the US on the other hand, have over performed. The US team will fight hard, and Belgium have really been far too timid not getting the best out of their undoubtedly talented offense.
Prediction – Belgium through after holding out a spirited US effort. 2 – 1 to Belgium after Full time.