FIFA World Cup 2014: A look at the teams qualified for the Round of 16

Thomas Muller celebrating after scoring a goal against USA

Germany – This team has great potential, and has been playing a brand of football that is quick and full of firebrand energy. The squad seems to have put together to play this brand of football and it is refreshing to watch. After failing at key steps in recent major tournaments, a diehard attitude will be required for sterner tests. Their qualifying showed great attacking prowess, but they need to work a plan against teams that can play counter attacking football as well.

Greece – They wouldn’t have been here if it wasn’t for that Samaras penalty. But that doesn’t mean anything now. They played like a unit in that last qualifying game, and frankly up to that game they were just making up the numbers. A little change in attitude and some change in luck saw them qualify, but they just might come unstuck in the second round.

Mexico – The team that held Brazil to a draw, largely thanks to their goalkeeper have played good football especially in the last group game. They seem to have a lot of support in the stands and that seems to be lifting them at key moments. But with the all-conquering Dutch up next, how they play in that game will decide their tournament.

Nigeria – After a hard fought draw against Iran, and a hard fought win against Boznia, Nigeria showed some real character against group favorites Argentina. A spirited display bought them double the goal tally of their previous two games, and that’s a promising sign ahead of the second round. They’ll need to continue that determination to have any chance of further progress.

Switzerland – The Swiss have done it again. Normally quite unromantic, this Swiss side has shown some distinct change in approach. A tight victory over Equador was followed by a drubbing by France and then by a comfortable win over Honduras. They will have to improve their defensive frailties over the next game to stand any chance of progressing.

Netherlands – A sparkling start to the tournament, when they came from behind to beat the world champions 5-1, has made them the talk of the tournament. They can demoralize opponents with their speed and finishing (as Spain will testify), and they can dazzle with moments of individual brilliance. With Van Persie and Robben in form, defenses will be troubled regularly when they play against this Dutch side.

United States – The United States qualified from a tough qualifying group. With Germany, Ghana and Portugal, not many would have expected this far, but they have done well overall and have earned their place at the knockout stages. They will have to be at their resolute best to beat Belgium in the second round.

Uruguay – After all the good work against England, the horned and tailed Luis Suarez returned for the Italy game. A 1-0 win was marred by the biting incident and that alone may ruin their chances in the coming game. Without their best player, and with all the media attention this is a good chance for the group to show their quality, and to play to their best ability, but there’s no telling what effect the incident of the tournament will have on them.

If it all goes according to script there’s a good chance of Argentina, Germany, Netherlands and Brazil making the semifinals. But in a world cup where the script has been torn since day two, not many people would bet on that.