Chris Maduewesi
Member
Sixteen teams qualified for the second round,while another sixteen teams have confirmed their exit from the competition.
A total of 136 goals was scored in the group stages and it is expected to continue like that in the knockout stages of the competition.
Today four teams will kick off the round-of-16 fixtures with only two progressing to the quarter-final stage.
Matches to be played:
* Brazil vs Chile
*Colombia vs Uruguay
Tactical battles:
*Luis Felipe Scolari vs Jorge Sampaoli
The match between the host nation Brazil and Chile is going to be very feisty.
Moreso because it is going to be a South American derby and both teams have immense knowledge about themselves.
Brazil would have the luxury of a home advantage both also the Chileans would come out in droves to support their own team.
Players to watch:
*Neymar
*Alexis Sanchez
The Colombia vs Uruguay is another game that we will witness a South American derby.
Colombia have been menacing in the group stages of the World Cup winning all three games en-route qualification.
It is left to be seen how Uruguay will cope in the absence of Luis Suarez who has been banned by world football governing body,FIFA for his biting incident in his country's last group against Italy.
It will be keenly contested by these two teams,and they will surely put up a colourful show at least for their fans who will throng the stadium.
Players to watch:
*James Rodriguez
*Edinson Cavani
Predictions:
Brazil should be able to capitalize on their home advantage to see out a tough game against Chile.
In the other game,it is difficult to call as it could go either way. Both nations have the same footballing culture and can really harm each other.
However the loss of Suarez could be vital,as Cavani has not really shown that he can light up the tournament in his absence.
So Brazil and Colombia to make the last eight of the competition.