:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/34963071/451173214.0.jpg)
Yesterday recap
Brazil 1 (3-2) Chile 1
It took 120 minutes and five penalty kicks from each side to claim a winner in the opening game of the knockout rounds. The host country, Brazil, took an early lead thanks to David Luiz but Chile quickly responded with a well-struck ball from Alexis Sanchez. The rest of the match was back and forth with each keeper coming up big when needed the most. Neymar calmly delivered the eventual winner in the penalty kicks and Brazil narrowly advances to the Quarterfinals.
Colombia 2 Uruguay 0
James Rodriguez is making a great case for the Golden Boot Award (World Cup's MOP) as he scored two goals, one of which is being regarded as the prettiest of the tournament thus far. Suarez-less Uruguay struggled to get in rhythm offensively and their few chances were thwarted by the play of Colombian keeper Ospina. Columbia is set to take on familiar South American foe, Brazil in the Quarterfinals. It's their first appearance in the Quarterfinals in team history.
Today's matchups
Netherlands and Mexico hit the pitch in today's opener at noon. The Dutch have been on fire, winning all three of their contests in Group B, leaving with a +7 goal differential. Mexico's sole loss of the tournament came at the hands of Croatia, but they look to upset the 2010 runner-ups. Holland and Mexico have met six times and Netherlands own the record 3-1-2.
Not many people expected Costa Rica would have advanced out of a Group that also featured England, Italy and Uruguay, but they went ahead and won the Group altogether. After shocking wins over Uruguay and Italy, they will face Greece, who just squeaked into the Round of 16 after a 91st minute penalty kick from Samaras. This is the first time Greece has ever advanced past Group Stage.
Players to watch
Netherlands: #11 Arjen Robben, midfielder
Mexico: #10 Giovani dos Santos, midfielder
Costa Rica: #10 Bryan Ruiz, midfielder
Greece: #7 Georgios Samaras, forward
Date, time and location
June 29th, 12:00 p.m., Estádio Castelão, Fortaleza (Netherlands vs. Mexico) ESPN
June 29th, 4:00 p.m., Arena Pernambuco, Recife (Costa Rica vs. Greece) ESPN