WE now know the last-16 line-up and while the World Cup has been excellent so far this is where the excitement is cranked up a notch.
It all starts on Saturday with two potential crackers – Brazil v Chile at 5pm followed by Colombia v Uruguay at 9pm.
On Sunday it's Holland v Mexico then the surprise tie featuring Costa Rica and Greece. Next up we have France v Nigeria then Belgium v USA.
And on Tuesday night we'll know the quarter-finalists after Argentina tackle Switzerland and Germany face Algeria.
Here are my initial thoughts on the games but I reserve the right to change my mind after looking at the games in more detail and checking latest team news.
Brazil v Chile
THIS is a tough to call between two great South American rivals. Brazil have the advantage of being hosts and have beaten Chile in eight of the last nine meetings. For the Brazilians it's all about Neymar and if he shines they can win. I'm tempted by Chile who have been impressive at a big price – and may look at them as a back to lay option. But my gut feeling says Brazil will edge it in a high-scoring game.
Best Bet: over 2.5 goals.
Colombia v Uruguay
THE build-up to this one has been all about Luis Suarez and his ban for biting. But Suarez or not I'd side with Colombia who have been superb throughout. They won their three group games, netting nine goals, and have looked better than Uruguay who edged out 10-man Italy but lost fairly spectacularly to Costa Rica. In James Rodriguez they have one of the stars of the tournament and I tipped as soon as this tie was known.
Best Bet: Colombia
Holland v Mexico
HOLLAND started the tournament on fire and for them it's all about Robin van Persie and Arjen Robben who can destroy any side. Mexico have just conceded one goal (late on to Croatia when leading 3-0) and that's worth respect but I expect the flamboyant Dutch to be too good.
Best Bet: Holland
Costa Rica v Greece
ANOTHER one that's tough to call. Costa Rica have been the biggest surprises of the tournament, topping the Group of Death ahead of three former world champions England, Italy and Uruguay. Greece failed to score in their first two matches then won with 10 men in injury time against Ivory Coast when they were heading out. They showed some character but are likely to revert to type and be defensive in this one. I can see Costa Rica nicking a tight game.
Best Bet: Under 2.5 goals
France v Nigeria
NIGERIA are team who weren't expected to make it especially after fairly tame displays against Iran and Bosnia. The four points taken were enough to see them through and they saved their best display for a 3-2 defeat to Argentina. That showed they can be a danger to any side but the French, who rested players and missed a hatful of chances in their 0-0 draw against Ecuador, have looked one of the top sides with Karim Benzema and Olivier Giroud a handful. For me it's a France win.
Best Bet: Benzema to score
Belgium v USA
USA are another side I didn't predict to be in the last 16 but deserve their spot after beating Ghana and drawing against Portugal. Belgium came into the tournament with high hopes and haven't fired on all cylinders but have notched three wins and possibly their best is to come. You don't want to peak too early of course. If there's to be a shock it could be here as Jurgen Klinsmann has put together a decent side who score goals and battle to the whistle.
Best Bet: USA not to lose
Argentina v Switzerland
One man has taken Argentina through to the last 16 and if Lionel Messi continues to shine it's curtains for Switzerland. Messi has netted four goals in three games – and while it's strange to say it he probably hasn't even been at his best. Argentina have been disappointing overall but one-goal wins against Bosnia, Iran and Nigeria allow room for improvement. The Swiss saved their best for last with Xherdan Shaqiri hitting a hat-trick against Honduras and it's easy to forget they were top seeds in France's group having reached No.6 in the world. That rankings proves FIFA's ratings system is a joke and while Messi will be the difference between the sides the Swiss will put up a good fight.
Best Bet: Messi to score first
Germany v Algeria
GERMANY pretty much cruised through their group with only Ghana giving them problems in one of the best matches of the tournament. The Germans look a class above most with strength in most departments and a top scorer in Thomas Muller. They should at least make the semis and I'm on them to brush aside an Algeria side who will be delighted to have made it this far for the first time. Algeria will be under no pressure and look capable of scoring but when they attack they risk being picked off.
Best Bet: Germany -1
At the start of the tournament I tipped Brazil, Argentina and Germany to reach the semi-finals – and the fourth place is likely to go to Holland. Let's hear what you think.
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I’ll say this again. . . The africa team will surprise ya’ll it maybe Algeria Or Nigeria
To say the fact both team cant stand their opponents due to the quality players germany and france posses but -1 is risky to bet on against the top africa teams only cameron are beating more than a goal marging in the tourney and they are not as good as others.
Just saying Tho
Im_Blaze, every bet is risky. Algeria and Nigeria have done well but this as far as they go for me.
Brazil v Chile:
This will be a goal fest, and I would love to see Chile win as Brazils defense has been nothing short of shambolic so far. It may finally be exposed here.
Columbia v Uruguay:
Would be very tight to call if Suarez finished rehab, so I think Columbia will win. Possibly -1
Holland v Mexico:
Could be a surprise game, and Im pleasantly surprised at the attitude of Mexico. Their not afraid to get stuck in and their captain Marquez is having a great WC so far having scored. A possible draw if Robben does no turn up.
Costa Rica v Greece:
I would like to see Greece win this but its going to a tough old game on the eyes this. 0-0 and Greece in ET.
France v Nigeria:
France.
Belgium v USA:
Could really go either way. Both teams are shaky at the best of times and cannot see this ending in a draw.
Germany v Algeria:
Germany -1 (Muller first goal)
cooldude, bound to be a shock or two but hopefully we’ll all make a profit. Right, I’m off.
Love that pic dudes and yes you do look much better with the big beard gone :)
Mr F. You seem to have missed off the Argies v the Swiss.
Indeed, I was cutting and pasting from all a few places – I’ll add them.
Arrrrrrr, as long as the dutch get through a tricky with the mexicans, they should definitely make the semi’s.
Scored 10 so far and you get 10/11 on them scoring at least another 4. If they beat Mexico then Costa Rica/Greece then that’s 4 games to get 4 goals, having scored 10 in 3. Treasure Island ho!
Not sure if I be liking USA not to lose. Belgium haven’t played well but have won all their games and have terrific strength in depth. USA have done well and will make things difficult, but I fears that may not be enough. Other than that I be right on board with your choices, ha harrrr.
Good man.
This is tough to call. As always at least one favourite will underperform, underdogs will play out of their skins, players will do random things & refs will make dodgy decisions (most likely in brazil’s favour).
Think all the matches will be close and there’ll be more surprises as all the top sides have weaknesses.
Alternative & in-play markets may be the way to go.
FRANCE v NIGERIA
ARGENTINA v SWITZERLAND
FRANCE and ARGENTINA to win and BOTH TO SCORE in both games
DOUBLE PAYS AROUND 12/1
———————————————————
BELGIUM v USA
BOTH TO SCORE 6/5
This is the bet of the last 16 for me. I cannot believe they are going odds against on this match.
———————————————————
GERMANY v ALGERIA
BOTH TO SCORE 11/10
Another game where the bookies price it on reputation rather than what they have already seen. Germany are far from bombproof in defence and Algeria WILL score against them
———————————————————
HOLLAND v MEXICO
FRANCE v NIGERIA
GERMANY v ALGERIA
ARGENTINA v SWITZERLAND
BELGIUM v USA
BOTH TO SCORE 5 FOLD PAYS OVER 30/1
I strongly fancy Mexico to win. They look strong in all departments and pretty ruthless up front.
i fancy fra vs nig….over 3.5 goals
Looking at it the only “certainties” would be Argentina Germany and France and all the other ties could go either way babd thare can be cases made for both sides in every other match quality and experience will be key but I can see some surprises for sure
One Bet for me GERMANY v ALGERIA, Algeria to WIN correct score 2-1 @ 25/1
Germany have only won one’s against an African team that’s Morocco, Algeria have beaten Germany twice at the score of 2-1 and I feel still more surprises in this world cup and this will be one of it!!
Avast mateys! Now the group fixtures are done we have something of a map of the rest of the tournament, and Steves been looking ahead at some of the tournament bets, here be some recommendations.
Golden glove (best keeper). Steve’s choice for this award be Neuer. Reputed as being the best keeper in the game just now, he has played well (without having too much to do) and has 2 clean sheets from 3 so far. Got a good fixture for the last 16 and behind Holland, Germany be the team I consider most likely to reach the semi finals, which would result in Neuer playing the maximum of 7 matches. 4/1 paddypower
Golden Ball (best player). Messi be the favourite, but Steve’s going for the poster boy Neymar. Both on 4 goals but Neymar’s performances have been superior thus far and has been lifting what everyone is calling a fairly average Brazil team. This one be largely dependent on team success, and the big concern is two very tough matches to reach the semi. If their ship does make it that far then there’s every chance of Neymar collecting the award. The other choice would be Robben. Hollands star player thus far and if Holland can get past Mehico then they definitely should make the semi finals. Lastly if you think the Chile dogs can make it to the semi finals then there be awesome value in Sanchez. 11/4 Neymar, 6/1 Robben and 50/1 Sanchez, all at Skybet.
There also be an award for most entertaining team. Personally Steve thinks it should be England, but I can’t find anyone offering odds on that. Garrrrr! Peering at the available options Colombia have been terrific so far, and should make the quarters. They may become a cropper to Brazil (or the Chile dogs) but win that and they have every chance of winning. Holland arrrre top scorers so far and have the best path to the semi finals so they have a good chance. My last choice be ze germans. Destroyed Portugal in the opening game and followed that with possibly the game of the tournament against Ghana. They have scored a healthy 7 goals so far, play some really good stuff and as mentioned before I expects them to play the maximum 7 matches. 12/1 Colombia, 7/2 Holland, 9/2 Germany (betvictor)
Highest scoring team be one of those 3 or Brazil. Holland be my choice, 11/4 betvictor.
Good luck seamen, har har harrrr
Chile to win is huge from what ive seen of both teams. Can see brazil getting a penalty if things arent going their way though. Can u get odds on brazil penalty anytime?
i agree it will be a big decision game changer in brazil favour and them to go and win
Raal do you recommend doubling Belgium v USA btts with Germany Algeria btts?
Flagging up two more markets.
Winner/Top Goalscorer double. Bra/Arg, Nessi/Meynar picks make sense, but don’t bring in the decent booty. Germany were my pre tourney picks and still look good. If they do go all the way Muller rices chances of being top scorer look pretty good, so I’ve put a few dubloons on Germany/Muller at 10/1 skybet.
150/1 shot from the cannon anyone? Colombia/Rodriguez (bwin). Obviously this be a long shot, but should Colombia shock the world, then every chance of Rodriguez being up there. Worth a smidgeon of your gold at 150/1.
Next market- Name the semi finalists. Picking the favourites lands- Brazil, Argentina, Holland and Germany lands 17/2. Include a surprise semi finalist though and you get much more booty for your buck. Belgium instead of the arrrrgies offers 18/1, and Colombia instead of Brazil will land at 20/1 (all paddypower)
Full last 16 acca
Chile or draw (double chance)
Columbia
Holland
Costa Rica or draw (d/c)
France
Germany
Argentina
Belgium
£7 returns £493
Seems a decent bet but its knock out time think there could be an upset in one tie at least
Badry67
Looks good coupon although if u take Brazil in 1st game I fancy ur chances more
i hope chile beat brazil would be great
Does anybody fancy Uruguay to beat Colombia at all? I have Uruguay to win, plus Brazil/Chile BTTS double at the minute.
May stick Mexico, Nigeria, Chile and USA all to win, on a cheeky couple of quid acca.
You never know!
I know Brian i think the brazil v chile game could go to extra time and then result could go either way. If Neymar is on his game again and Chile play as well as they did v Spain it will be some game.
Chiles odds are massive around 5/1 win even a SW pays 8/1 but looking on WHill after reading Mr.Fs comments about a possible high scoring game, a Brazil win and 4 or more goals pays 3/1 but a Chile win and 4 or more goals pays 16/1. Those high odds i think is worth a wee couple £
Ramadan starts tomorrow morning, no food or drink during daylight hours, is this going to affect teams such as Algeria, France and Nigeria as all have muslims in there team, something worth thinking about