2014 World Cup: Round of 16

[MadHatter]

Wow the bad calls and flops in soccer are getting epic. Mexico was totally screwed.

[DirtyMagic97]

As long as officials continue to miss genuine penalties, players will continue to exaggerate contact. Arjen Robben absolutely embellished that contact, but the end of his foot was stepped on and the defender made no contact with the ball. It was an irresponsible challenge at best. I don't think I would have called it, but I can see why it was called.

[Goondal]

Mexico should be blaming themselves, not the refs.  They got the lead and then tried to make it stand for the rest of the match.  The first goal was legit and the ref kept the game tied at nil by not awarding the penalty int he first half.  Funny how Herrera failed to mention that.

[Ja Rhule]

Mexico should be blaming themselves, not the refs. They got the lead and then tried to make it stand for the rest of the match. The first goal was legit and the ref kept the game tied at nil by not awarding the penalty int he first half. Funny how Herrera failed to mention that.

Yep, it was none stop wave of attacks. Even if Mexico took it to extra time I think Netherlands would score anyway.

[Goondal]

You know, I have been thinking about what Mexico and Costa Rica have done.  Mexico barely qualified, yet they scored seven points including a draw with Brazil before nearly topping a Dutch team that looked like one of the tournaments two best teams entering the knockout stage.

 

Then there is Costa Rica.  Qualified 2nd in CONCACAF and given no chance to come out of the "Group of Champions."  They did not lose a game, beating Italy and Uruguay before drawing with England.

 

Then the USMNT comes out of the Group of Death.  Is it possible that CONCACAF is simply better now than it used to be?  Or perhaps, given that Africa also has the most teams into the knockout that they ever have it means that the traditional powers, namely UEFA, are not as strong.

 

Whichever it is, there is one more reason to have confidence about Tuesday.  Or maybe I am just trying to justify my desire to see a victory by choosing the stats I want.

[Goondal]

Well, it was kind of expected, but this game is not very exciting.

[Ja Rhule]

You cannot judge player performance by what they did in World Cup. See Forlan 4 years ago. Some players just don't give a poo about national team.

Giroud does always well for France national team but he blows for Arsenal.

[CarolinaPanthers8789]

Netherlands probably wins in ET, but I would have liked to seen it play out that way. I hate to see teams lose on sketchy calls. That eliminates the integrity for the game and the mantra that you are first taught in referee class (let the players decide).

[Ken]

Sadly Ochoa is nowhere near consistent enough at club level. Love watching him at his best but I doubt he lands on a big club.

[Ja Rhule]

Netherlands probably wins in ET, but I would have liked to seen it play out that way. I hate to see teams lose on sketchy calls. That eliminates the integrity for the game and the mantra that you are first taught in referee class (let the players decide).

But to be fair there should of been a penalty in 1st half and probably a red card.

[CarolinaPanthers8789]

But to be fair there should of been a penalty in 1st half and probably a red card.

Yeah I just wish it was called that way.

There have been way too many game deciding calls in the last five minutes of this World Cup.

[Goondal]

I really hope Costa Rica comes out and plays the second half the way they did the group stage.  This is a huge opportunity and it would be sad to see them waste it.

[Goondal]

Costa Rica!!!!!

[CarolinaPanthers8789]

Costa Rica is destined to win this thing lol.