The World Cup 2014 has just started … the knock-out, winner takes all phase is upon us. We have seen 48 group stage matches so far with our share of headlines … 136 goals scored; 2 hat trick performances [German Thomas Mueller & Swiss Xherdan Shaqiri] massive upsets for European heavyweights including Italy, Spain, England and Portugal, and of course the ‘bite heard around the world’. Also, check out Wikipedia’s 2014 World Cup Statistics for updated numbers.
Our first weekend of knock-out matches includes four delicious match-ups including 2 main event south american matchups and a Cinderella v Cinderella encounter. Dude, our world cup spirit canine, is back with world cup predictions so let’s see what he sees unfolding this Saturday and Sunday.
Brazil v Chile: This match will set the tone for upsets in the ‘put up or shut up’ stages. Brazil is everybody’s favorite to win the title but after a lackluster group stage display featuring an electric Neymar (but only him), Dude sees the wiley Chileans seize the day and add their name to world cup history.
Colombia v Uruguay: Saturday’s late match in Rio will be a no bite, no Suarez affair and continue Colombia’s impressive run during the World Cup.
Mexico v Netherlands: el Tri will look to continue it’s massive group stage performance and keep spunky coach Herrera happy. Unfortunately, the Dutch who scored the most goals so far with 10 and snatched 10 points in group qualifying won’t be in the mood to make the negative headlines. Look for a very close match that is decided by one of the Dutch superstars — Robben or van Persie — late, late in the match.
Costa Rica v Greece: Nobody expected this ’round of 16′ matchup so this should be an extremely scrappy and entertaining (yes, even with Greece) game. There are no clear favorites so this prediction was a bit tougher for Dude. He thinks Greece will find its shooting boots and score 2 in a 2:1 win.
