World Cup 2014 Schedule: 2nd Round Matchups After The Group Stage, Plus Best Games To Watch On TV This Weekend
While we wait to find out who the U.S. and Germany matchup against in the Round of 16, we already know the 12 other teams that have advanced to the knockout stages in Brazil.
The U.S. and Germany will take on either Algeria or Belgium, but the six other matches are set to begin Saturday.
Some of the biggest teams in the sport didn’t make it past the group stage (England, Italy, Spain, and Portugal), but they’re early departures have allowed upstarts like Costa Rica and Greece a spot on the big stage. This will be Greece’s first trip to the Round of 16 in three World Cup appearances, and Los Ticos first since 1990.
The first day pits four South American teams against each other, while Mexico makes its sixth straight trip to the knockout round but runs up against heavily favored Netherlands on Sunday. How Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa handles Dutch forwards Robin van Persie and Arjen Robben will be the center of that matchup.
France, which looked strong and ripe for a deep run, is one of three teams to win all three of their group games. Colombia and the Netherlands were the other two.
After two incredible wins, Uruguay’s chances of moving on took a huge hit when striker Luis Suarez was banned from the rest of the tournament. His scoring abilities would have been crucial against a Colombia squad that boasts budding stars Jackson Martinez and James Rodriguez.
Meanwhile Argentina will stare down Switzerland, a team that shook off a disappointing 5-2 loss to France and blanked Honduras 3-0 in the final group game to make just their third Round of 16 in history. The matchup may also be intriguing with top scorers like Argentina’s Lionel Messi and Switzerland’s Xherdan Shaqiri carrying their attacks.
TV Schedule
Saturday, June 28
Brazil vs. Chile, Noon EST on ABC
Colombia vs. Uruguay, 4 p.m. on ABC
Sunday, June 29
Netherlands vs. Mexico, Noon on ESPN
Costa Rica vs. Greece, 4 p.m. on ESPN
Monday, June 30
France vs. Nigeria, Noon on ESPN
Germany vs. Group H runner-up, 4 p.m. on ESPN
Tuesday, July 1
Argentina vs. Switzerland, Noon on ESPN
Group H-winner vs. United States, 4 p.m. on ESPN
Live Online Stream: A live online stream is available for each game at Watch ESPN here
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