Saturday, July 5, 2014

5 things to watch for Sunday

James Rodriguez of Colombia, center, celebrates scoring his team's second goal and his second during the World Cup game between Colombia and Uruguay in Rio de Janeiro on Saturday, June 28. Rodriguez set the record of most goals by one player in this World Cup with five goals to his name.James Rodriguez of Colombia, center, celebrates scoring his team's second goal and his second during the World Cup game between Colombia and Uruguay in Rio de Janeiro on Saturday, June 28. Rodriguez set the record of most goals by one player in this World Cup with five goals to his name.
Jackson Martinez of Colombia controls the ball against Jose Gimenez, left, and Egidio Arevalo Rios of Uruguay.Jackson Martinez of Colombia controls the ball against Jose Gimenez, left, and Egidio Arevalo Rios of Uruguay.
Uruguay's forward Christian Stuani heads the ball.Uruguay's forward Christian Stuani heads the ball.
Jose Gimenez, in blue, of Uruguay is challenged by Pablo Armero of Colombia.Jose Gimenez, in blue, of Uruguay is challenged by Pablo Armero of Colombia.
Juan Guillermo Cuadrado of Colombia controls the ball.Juan Guillermo Cuadrado of Colombia controls the ball.
Colombia's Jackson Martinez and Uruguay's Diego Godin jump for the ball.Colombia's Jackson Martinez and Uruguay's Diego Godin jump for the ball.
Edinson Cavani of Uruguay, left, challenges Mario Yepes of Colombia.Edinson Cavani of Uruguay, left, challenges Mario Yepes of Colombia.
Colombia's James Rodriguez celebrates after scoring against Uruguay.Colombia's James Rodriguez celebrates after scoring against Uruguay.
Juan Camilo Zuniga of Colombia is challenged by a trio of players from Uruguay.Juan Camilo Zuniga of Colombia is challenged by a trio of players from Uruguay.
Abel Aguilar of Colombia and Cristian Rodriguez of Uruguay compete for the ball.Abel Aguilar of Colombia and Cristian Rodriguez of Uruguay compete for the ball.
Colombia's Teofilo Gutierrez controls the ball.Colombia's Teofilo Gutierrez controls the ball.
Uruguay fans hold up Luis Suarez masks before the game between Uruguay and Colombia. Suarez was banned from nine matches and four months of soccer-related activity after he bit an opponent in Uruguay's previous game.Uruguay fans hold up Luis Suarez masks before the game between Uruguay and Colombia. Suarez was banned from nine matches and four months of soccer-related activity after he bit an opponent in Uruguay's previous game.
Colombia fans cheer before the game in Rio de Janeiro.Colombia fans cheer before the game in Rio de Janeiro.
The Brazilian team celebrates after defeating Chile in a penalty shootout in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, on June 28. Regular and extra time ended with a score of 1-1, moving the game to a penalty shootout in which Brazil won 3-2.The Brazilian team celebrates after defeating Chile in a penalty shootout in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, on June 28. Regular and extra time ended with a score of 1-1, moving the game to a penalty shootout in which Brazil won 3-2.
Brazil's Neymar scores during the penalty shootout.Brazil's Neymar scores during the penalty shootout.
Marcelo of Brazil celebrates after scoring during the penalty shootout.Marcelo of Brazil celebrates after scoring during the penalty shootout.
Chile's Alexis Sanchez reacts after failing to score during the penalty shootout.Chile's Alexis Sanchez reacts after failing to score during the penalty shootout.
Brazil's goalkeeper Julio Cesar makes a save during the penalty shootout.Brazil's goalkeeper Julio Cesar makes a save during the penalty shootout.
Dani Alves of Brazil and Eugenio Mena of Chile compete for the ball before the game went into penalty shootout.Dani Alves of Brazil and Eugenio Mena of Chile compete for the ball before the game went into penalty shootout.
Jo of Brazil tries to score a goal as Chile's goalkeeper Claudio Bravo saves the ball.Jo of Brazil tries to score a goal as Chile's goalkeeper Claudio Bravo saves the ball.
Arturo Vidal of Chile, left, battles for the ball with Neymar of Brazil.Arturo Vidal of Chile, left, battles for the ball with Neymar of Brazil.
Brazil's defender Marcelo throws the ball in during the game.Brazil's defender Marcelo throws the ball in during the game.
Brazil's Oscar, center, is challenged by Chile's Marcelo Diaz, right, on June 26.Brazil's Oscar, center, is challenged by Chile's Marcelo Diaz, right, on June 26.
Chile's Marcelo Diaz controls the ball.Chile's Marcelo Diaz controls the ball.
Chile's Alexis Sanchez, left, and Brazil's Marcelo jump for the ball.Chile's Alexis Sanchez, left, and Brazil's Marcelo jump for the ball.
Hulk of Brazil handles the ball before scoring a goal that was taken back after being ruled a hand ball foul. The goal would have given the Brazilian team a lead on Chile with a score of 2-1.Hulk of Brazil handles the ball before scoring a goal that was taken back after being ruled a hand ball foul. The goal would have given the Brazilian team a lead on Chile with a score of 2-1.
Chile's Jorge Valdivia and Brazil's David Luiz vie for the ball.Chile's Jorge Valdivia and Brazil's David Luiz vie for the ball.
Fred of Brazil is challenged by Marcelo Diaz of Chile.Fred of Brazil is challenged by Marcelo Diaz of Chile.
Referee Howard Webb gives a yellow card to Chile's Francisco Silva.Referee Howard Webb gives a yellow card to Chile's Francisco Silva.
Brazil's defender David Luiz, center, celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal.Brazil's defender David Luiz, center, celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal.
Alexis Sanchez of Chile celebrates after scoring his team's first goal. Alexis Sanchez of Chile celebrates after scoring his team's first goal.
Hulk of Brazil tackles Eduardo Vargas of Chile.Hulk of Brazil tackles Eduardo Vargas of Chile.
From left: Chile's Eduardo Vargas, Chile's Arturo Vidal, Brazil's Marcelo and Chile's Marcelo Diaz vie for the ball.From left: Chile's Eduardo Vargas, Chile's Arturo Vidal, Brazil's Marcelo and Chile's Marcelo Diaz vie for the ball.
Brazilian defender Dani Alves controls the ball.Brazilian defender Dani Alves controls the ball.
Alexis Sanchez of Chile tackles Marcelo of Brazil.Alexis Sanchez of Chile tackles Marcelo of Brazil.
Chile supporters cheer together at Mineirao Stadium in Belo Horizonte, Brazil.Chile supporters cheer together at Mineirao Stadium in Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
Brazil fans kiss before the start of the game. <a href='http://www.cnn.com/2014/06/26/football/gallery/world-cup-0626/index.html' target='_blank'>See the best World Cup photos from June 26</a>.Brazil fans kiss before the start of the game. See the best World Cup photos from June 26.
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  • Brazil has reason to party after its team squeaked past Chile
  • Offensive powerhouse Netherlands face Mexico's nearly airtight defense Sunday
  • Guess who has always won when Algeria has played Germany in the past?
  • Everybody loves Colombia and James Rodriguez

(CNN) -- Who would have thought it? Team Brazil just scraping by in a cliffhanger penalty kick shootout.

But from here on out, where every game means somebody's going home, there's a 12th man on the field, a true equalizer -- roaring determination.

Brazil into the World Cup quarterfinals
Colombia knocks Uruguay out of World Cup
Who to watch for in the World Cup

And it nearly snatched victory for Chile.

But Brazil's dream of winning a World Cup on its own soil has survived.

It meets Colombia in the quarterfinals after it sent Uruguay home to join striker Luis Suarez, whom FIFA suspended for biting an Italian player last week.

That may have cost Uruguay the game, but at the same time, Colombia has hit the World Cup like a whirlwind, and fans are swooning for their stand-out midfielder James Rodriguez. He has shot half of Colombia's total 10 goals in the tournament so far.

Newby fans of Team USA soccer who left the television on over the weekend instead of waiting for America's faceoff with Belgium on Tuesday, must certainly have caught footy fever from Saturday's exhilarating matches.

More to come, in the Round of 16 knockout matches -- see viewing times and channels below. Also included: a nice treat at bottom. Here's what to watch for:

1. Hangovers

They may be epidemic in Brazil after the celebration parties. Three factors are at work here:

A. It was a Saturday night.

B. Brazil won.

C. Duh, it's Brazil during World Cup.

But Brazil fans have a lot of time to recover from the party, since Brazil doesn't play again until Friday. If they win that quarterfinal match against Colombia, get ready of a repeat of last night.

In the meantime, fans can take in two games on Sunday while vegging in front of the TV.

2. Offense vs. Defense

Netherlands vs. Mexico, noon ET Sunday, ESPN and Univision

The Dutch players could easily be mistaken for a road repair crew if they wear their hunter-orange jerseys on Sunday. But the color should be taken seriously as a symbol of how on fire they are.

They have shot the most goals in group play at this year's World Cup -- 10, topping Germany and Brazil, which had seven each.

They dominated their group, roundly stomping reigning world champ Spain 5-1 in their first game.

But offense isn't everything, as Mexico's team will attest. They practically put a brick wall in front of their goal during group play, allowing just one ball to get in. They held Brazil to a 0-0 tie.

All they need to do now is score more. Javier Hernandez might just have it in him. He's been quite a goal-getter in the past.

And Dutch fans certainly make an impression parading down Brazil's streets in those bright jerseys.

3. Feels like the first time

Costa Rica vs. Greece, 4 p.m. ET Sunday, ESPN and Univision

They've never met before, FIFA says. Not once. And at the World Cup, this is only Costa Rica's third appearance, and only Greece's second.

Costa Rica has shot twice as many goals so far as Greece, while allowing only one and putting away major contenders Italy and Uruguay.

Sound like Greece is the underdog? FIFA ranks the team 12th in the world and Costa Rica 28th.

4. Line-dance craze

Colombia has not only won each of its games so far, it has also won the hearts of millions of fans.

The spirit of the team's play, the scoring surge by Rodriguez. But crowds also love Colombia's signature celebration group dance. If Colombia continues its winning streak, it may catch on.

Watch for it in a disco near you.

Click the pic to play!

5. Monday reality checks

What betting odds would you give on these Round of 16 matches coming up Monday?

* First, France vs. Nigeria. France has won a previous World Cup title, has shot eight goals in group play and is currently ranked 17 in the world. Nigeria has shot only three goals in the tournament and is ranked 44th.

* Second, Germany vs. Algeria. Germany has three previous World Cup titles and is ranked 2nd globally behind Spain, which lost in group play -- making Germany the top team left in this year's cup. Algeria has never won a World Cup title, has only even participated three times and is ranked 22nd globally.

Com'on. Pony up that those odds. No? Already know you're in for a surprise, eh?

You're right. France has yet to beat Nigeria. They've met once before, and Nigeria won. And -- saving the best for last -- Germany has lost to Algeria both times they went toe-to-toe. Algeria has four goals from those two meets to Germany's one.

But Germans believe in their team and are gearing up for them to go all the way. It has spawned a flurry of homemade online music videos, each one worse than the next -- all in good fun.

The real fave seems to be by 15-year-old Fritz, a singer without finesse but full of gawky charm, braces and all.

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