Round of 16 Discussion

1982 had 4x groups of 3 teams which seems a strange set up but for that comp worked really well

1- Argentina-Brazil-Italy

2- Belgium- Poland- Soviet Union

3- England - Spain - W.Germany

there were some exciting/tense/evenly matched games. 

CHANCE FOR HOLLAND TO AVENGE BOTH '74 AND '78 FINAL LOSSES TO GERMANY AND ARGENTINA ON HORIZON !!!

I'm picking Germany to beat Brazil in one semi and Netherlands and Argentina to contest the other (can't pick a winner there - but I'm half Dutch so naturally, I hope Holland go through).

If Holland beat Argentina in the semis, that will avenge the 1978 Final loss.

So, I think the Final will be Germany vs. Holland (or Argentina)

Only problem with that, is that if Holland beat Germany, due to the history with the war and the 1974 final loss, the party will last for years.

But if Holland lose to Germany, the disappointment will be bottomless and hard to get over...

I still remember (never watched the replays) that Rob Rensenbrink only had to poke that ball into Argentinian net with minutes to spare in order to win (or draw?) in the Cup final in 1978, and he just managed to put it half a metre wide. I was still in high school, but this looked like a definition of a tense final then, and is still now.

Is this it?

that's the one Buffon. 

was in a house full of Dutchmen, learned some new words right about then

after the game my sister and I walked to school singing Argentina... I think I remember the crowd/feeling/noise  better than the football. Or at least that is where the appreciation was at that time. 

France-Argentina final.

They have also recently signed Marc-Andre ter Stegen - one of them will be on the bench.

Argentina-Switzerland the worst match I've seen so far. Exciting last few minutes of extra time though.

Argentina no frills / thrills must be saving themselves for the next round

This game is great fun.

this entire tournament is great fun. Greatest ever?

So many late goals in the Round of 16! Group stage characterised by heaps of early goals so loving the contrast. Such drama!

I must admit I fell asleep during this match. Week three of 4am starts is taking it's toll haha.

Is there any other keeper in the comp so far who has made so many saves in a game as Howard? Most of them were saves you'd expect a keeper to make at this level but even so it was an incredible effort.

Howard was immense today. there have been quality shot stoppers on display so far. The costa Rican lad and ocha from mexico are two that spring mind.

Well done to the waffles 11. They just had too much class in the end. Huge effort by usa and they can hold their heads high.

Saw someone say on twitter that he made the most saves in WC history. Belgium had 27 shots on target. 

For any team or for the USA? I read that he'd made the most saves for USA but that may have been midway through the match.

16 saves for Howard, leads the WC with 28 now. I thought Neuer was excellent yesterday playing as a sweeper, so many crucial tackles and intercepts.

Only Uruguay actually outclassed of any of the losers in the round of 16.  All others can go out with heads held high.  Also great to see that 3 of the 5 that went into extra time were decided on goals.  Reflects the positive attitudes prevalent.  The Ger v Alg & Bel v USA games would have to be the two of the best 0-0 (in 90 minutes) matches you'll see.  Even the poor(ish) 0-0 (Arg v Swi) had amazing drama at the very end of ET.

Even the bad times are good!

Now if only someone from TVNZ Sport sent an urgent fax to Martin Tasker to open his eyes.

He's too busy editing all the 'dives' into a highlights package.

These are probably the most boring Brazil and Argentina teams I have seen. (except for Messi every now and then)

How many shots on target did Italy have against NZ in 2010? I'm sure Pasty would have been in the low twenties at least that day.

(checks it out)  Only 9? Bloody hell.

Also:

his heat map

We see awesome good goal keeping in this awesome world cup. Neuer is the best, because he's good on the line and outside the box.