Best moments from the 2014 World Cup Round of 16

We have reached the quarterfinals of the 2014 FIFA World Cup. As we look back, it strikes upon us as a dream, as we bore witness to one of the most action-packed matches witnessed at World Cups. The group stages were exciting with some excellent matches while there were the dull ones as well.But, the round of 16 was lively and every match lived up to its billing with some amazing finishes. The best players stepped up to the occasion and produced some brilliant performances, and the teams have had a tough time on the field.While there were some clear-cut favourites prior to the tournament, there have been several bouts of inconsistency among the top teams while leaves the field open. As we look forward to the quarterfinals, let us relive the best moments from the Round of 16.

#1 Klaas-Jan Huntelaar scores the winner deep into injury time

The Dutch shocked the world when they decimated Spain in their opening match. But, ever since, their performance has been quite off the mark. Against Mexico, they nearly lost the match but for a late resurgence to recoup. With Sneijder sending a half volley into the net, the match was poised to go in to extra time as stoppage time started.

However, Arjen Robben was fouled inside the box and Mexico conceded a penalty in the dying stages of the game. Huntelaar, who had replaced Van Persie earlier in the match stepped up to take the penalty. And to the joy of an entire nation, he sent Ochoa the wrong way to win the match for his team.

What ensued was an exuberating celebration with him kicking the corner flag, in the joy of having won it for the team in his first appearance this time around.

#2 Angel Di Maria wins it for Argentina in Extra Time

This was another event which showed us why this World Cup is regarded as one of the most competitive editions ever. As Argentina faced Switzerland, they were in a deadlock for well past the ninety minutes. The Argentines had one of the best attacks in the tournament, but the Swiss defense had held them off quite comfortably.

However, as the game entered extra time, the Swiss legs started wearing and Lionel Messi took full control of Argentina’s game. With just two minutes to go for penalties, Messi was up against the Swiss defense on the brink of a goal with a swift counter attack.

With plenty of options, he chose to lay the ball off to his right to Angel Di Maria, who finished it first time, and provided Argentina with the all-important goal. From this, the Swiss had no path to redemption while Di Maria scored a goal to wipe off the stains of an otherwise poor performance.

#3 Manuel Neuer - Germany\'s 11th outfield player

Neuer is one of the world’s best goalkeepers, and against Algeria, he staked a successful claim as to being the most effective sweeper-keeper. Joachim Loew got his tactics wrong when he played a ridiculously high defensive line that was left exposed due to Mertesacker’s lack of pace. But then, Neuer was in all essence formidable. He made more than ten tackles, of which one really caught the eye.

Algeria’s left back Faouzi Ghoulam released their striker Islam Slimani on goal, who had crossed Neuer only to find that the angle was too acute for a first time by which time he realized that he was to lose the ball with Manuel Neuer performing a perfect tackle.

There have been some great performances from the olden-day sweepers, Beckenbauer to quote, but none as compelling from a goalkeeper.

#4 Keylor Navas saves Costa Rica

If this World Cup has taught us anything, it is that goalkeepers can steal the show every other match. The men guarding the goal have put in some spectacular performances and Keylor Navas’ against Greece was another addition to the list. With the scores locked at 0-0, the shootout was looming as Costa Rica hoped to get through after having accomplished so much in the group stages.

The penalties were evenly poised until the seventh one, when Greece were trailing 3-4 and Fanis Gekas was about to take his spotkick for Greece. As he stepped up and hit the shot, what happened was a moment of rejoice to millions of Costa Rica’s fans.

Keylor Navas saved the shot, diving to his right and palming it away. As the following penalty was scored, Costa Rica continued their dream run in the World Cup.

#5 James Rodriguez fires Colombia past Uruguay

While everyone expected a Messi or Van Persie to lead the scoring charts, James Rodriguez has taken the World Cup by storm by scoring five goals in four games with a brace to account for in the last match against Uruguay. Largely overshadowed by European stalwarts such as Hazard and Gotze, Rodriguez has shown the world why he is capable of becoming one of the stars of the next generation.

Against Uruguay, his first goal was a stunner which could potentially be the goal of the tournament. While the sheer brilliance of this strike was visible, the technique behind it was perfect. Controlling a lofted ball, he was positioned just outside the box to unleash a volley off his laces which left the goalkeeper reeling.

To score such a goal at the grandest stage is a big achievement and is one that shall live long in the memory of Rodriguez.

#6 Paul Pogba leads France into the quarter-finals

Frank Ribery’s injury was a big blow to France; at least, that’s what everyone thought. But, once the tournament began, such inhibitions were clearly erased as many stars stepped up to lead the team with Benzema creating a big impact. However, in their Round of 16 clash against Nigeria, a 20-year-old youngster took on the mantle and propelled France to victory.

Paul Pogba controlled the game with such mastery that it was one of his finest performances till date for Les Blues. Unlike their previous games, they were unable to break the deadlock until the 60th minute when Pogba hit a powerful header past the Nigerian goalkeeper.

With the incoming cross being fumbled by the goalkeeper, Pogba was perfectly placed to score and he made no mistake. It was another showcase of a young player blooming on the biggest stage in world football.

#7 Pinillas moment of misery

Chile had a brilliant campaign in Brazil and surprised quite a few people in the group stages as well as their loss against Brazil. With a 2-0 win against Spain and Alexis Sanchez leading their attack, all seemed to be going well for the South Americans until they met Brazil. While Brazil are known for their attacking, they didn’t perform to the fullest in the match.

After a seemingly frustrating 90 minutes, the game headed into extra time with the scores at 1-1. With no more than 3 minutes to go for the 120-mark, Mauricio Pinilla, hit the crossbar with a shot outside the box from a dangerous counter attack.

While it may seem an ordinary moment, it was a vociferous shot that should have gone in but the crossbar rescued Chile in the end. And that would have won the match for Chile had he scored, but they went on to lose in penalties, as we all know. To mark this painful occasion, Pinilla got himself tattooed with this miss.

#8 19-year-old Julian Green scores for the USA

In a match that was regarded as one of the best so far, Julian sought some consolation for the United States who had to leave home with a heavy heart after performing so well. The USA had been excellent in the group stages, finishing ahead of Portugal while Belgium were looking to live up to their tag of being the dark horses.

Overshadowed by Tim Howard’s heroics in goal and Kevin de Bruyne’s excellent showing, Julian Green scored a goal in the 106th minute to halve Belgium’s lead. He latched on to a pass from Michael and launched a perfect volley to score an immaculate goal and become the youngest player to score in the World Cup since Lionel Messi.

The young Bayern striker scored off what was his first touch in the match, perhaps, a perfect consolation for Klinsmann.