And then there were 16. The Group Stage of the World Cup has come to an end and the knockouts begin on Saturday. Prior to the tournament, pundits had their list of favorites, but if the start of the tournament showed the world anything, it is that certain teams are far better than many expected while some favorites have not lived up to top billing. Here is a ranking of the 16 remaining teams.
The group stage of this year's World Cup has provided the world with some wondrous performances not only from teams, but individual players. Prior to the final on July 13, viewers will know which player FIFA has considered the most valuable throughout the tournament. Here are some early candidates based on group stage performance.
Group H makes its debut on Tuesday, but the biggest game of the day actually is part of Group A as Brazil takes on Mexico. This game has a tremendous amount of implications for both sides. Brazil won its opener against Croatia but was far from convincing. Meanwhile Mexico took three point from its encounter with Cameron but could have scored more than the lone goal that gave it victory. Both teams will be out to prove themselves more than capable of winning Group A. Here is how each team can defeat its rival.
What did we learn about the opening game between Brazil and Croatia? Here are five important observations as well as a look at the best and worst players on the pitch during the first game of FIFA's 2014 World Cup.
This year's World Cup will be filled with batches and batches of high end players from across the globe, many of them from South America, and all of them will be looking to make their mark on the first tournament on their continent since Argentina played host in 1978. Here is a look at each South American sides' top players.
Brazil is the most historic nation in World Cup history. The country has already lifted five trophies and is among the favorites to lift its sixth this year. In fact, Brazil is looked upon as the favorite by many to win the World Cup. Here are a few reasons why.
Being a Brazilian soccer player has its advantages. The country has a history and legacy of soccer greatness that automatically paints you in a positive light. But that history also comes with its great pressure and expectations. To be truly considered amongst the best Brazilians, you have to deliver like the best Brazilians. Just ask Kaka. The former Ballon d'Or winner was seen as the next big thing when he headed to South Africa as El Selecao's top star. But the then-Real Madrid property crumbled under pressure, tainting his legacy among Brazil's elite superstars.
Being a Brazilian soccer player has its advantages. The country has a history and legacy of soccer greatness that automatically paints you in a positive light. But that history also comes with its great pressure and expectations. To be truly considered amongst the best Brazilians, you have to deliver like the best Brazilians. Just ask Kaka. The former Ballon d'Or winner was seen as the next big thing when he headed to South Africa as El Selecao's top star. But the then-Real Madrid property crumbled under pressure, tainting his legacy among Brazil's elite superstars.
The Spanish League title will be decided on Saturday when Atletico Madrid and Barcelona face off at the Camp Nou. Los Colchoneros were seen as the favorites to take the trophy, but slip-ups in recent weeks have given Barcelona a chance to lift the trophy on home turf with a win.
Lionel Messi is the face of Barcelona. He is the team's all-time highest goal scorer and he has been the reason for the club's success over the last few years. But could he possibly be on his way out? And is Barcelona's biggest Real Madrid ready to buy him up?
Barcelona dropped a 1-0 decision against Villarreal on Saturday. When Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid won their respective matches this weekend, the defending Spanish Champions found themselves in third place and four points out of first place.
The Cristiano Ronaldo vs. Lionel Messi debate has gone on for years due to the fact that the two players are arguably the best in the world and play for the fiercest rival clubs in the sport.
