South and North American teams have warmed to Brazil 2014, with a host of nations exceeding expectations. Chile has led the way, escaping the "Group of Death" after defeating Australia and reigning champions Spain.
Hot Chile —
South and North American teams have warmed to Brazil 2014, with a host of nations exceeding expectations. Chile has led the way, escaping the "Group of Death" after defeating Australia and reigning champions Spain.
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Jorge Sampaoli has won a number of admirers since becoming Chile coach in 2012. His high-energy, attacking brand of football has fired La Roja to the World Cup's round of 16, where host Brazil awaits.
Sampaoli stamp of approval —
Jorge Sampaoli has won a number of admirers since becoming Chile coach in 2012. His high-energy, attacking brand of football has fired La Roja to the World Cup's round of 16, where host Brazil awaits.
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Costa Rica has been the surprise of the tournament so far, having already qualified from a group full of former world champions. Impressive wins against Uruguay and Italy have ensured a place in the round of 16 for just the second time in the nation's history.
World beaters Costa Rica —
Costa Rica has been the surprise of the tournament so far, having already qualified from a group full of former world champions. Impressive wins against Uruguay and Italy have ensured a place in the round of 16 for just the second time in the nation's history.
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While Brazil and Argentina have made hard work of their group games, Colombia has looked dominant in the wins against Greece and Ivory Coast. Its performances have been all the more impressive given that star striker Radamel Falcao is missing through injury.
Colombia dance out of group —
While Brazil and Argentina have made hard work of their group games, Colombia has looked dominant in the wins against Greece and Ivory Coast. Its performances have been all the more impressive given that star striker Radamel Falcao is missing through injury.
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Colombia is led by an Argentine in Jose Pekerman, who previously guided Argentina to the quarterfinals in 2006, while he also won the World Youth Championship three times with his nation's under-20 side.
Jose Pekerman's guiding hand —
Colombia is led by an Argentine in Jose Pekerman, who previously guided Argentina to the quarterfinals in 2006, while he also won the World Youth Championship three times with his nation's under-20 side.
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Mexico has proved it's scared of no-one in this tournament after holding Brazil to a 0-0 draw. Miguel Herrera's side has advanced to the round of 16 thanks to wins against Cameroon and Croatia, while it only missed out on top spot in Group A to the host due to goal difference.
Mexican marauders —
Mexico has proved it's scared of no-one in this tournament after holding Brazil to a 0-0 draw. Miguel Herrera's side has advanced to the round of 16 thanks to wins against Cameroon and Croatia, while it only missed out on top spot in Group A to the host due to goal difference.
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USA was moments away from booking its place in the round of 16 but for Silvestre Varela's late equalizer for Portugal. Had it held on, Jurgen Klinsmann's side would have advanced to the next stage one game ahead of Germany. Team USA were beaten 1-0 by Germany in their final group game, but still reached the knockout rounds.
USA —
USA was moments away from booking its place in the round of 16 but for Silvestre Varela's late equalizer for Portugal. Had it held on, Jurgen Klinsmann's side would have advanced to the next stage one game ahead of Germany. Team USA were beaten 1-0 by Germany in their final group game, but still reached the knockout rounds.
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Brazil will need to up its game when it meets Chile in the round of 16, having yet to get into fifth gear. Neymar's goals ensured the Selecao finished first in Group A, but he will need others around him to step up if the side are to go any further.
Brazil's shining star —
Brazil will need to up its game when it meets Chile in the round of 16, having yet to get into fifth gear. Neymar's goals ensured the Selecao finished first in Group A, but he will need others around him to step up if the side are to go any further.
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Like Brazil, Argentina is another South American heavyweight to have booked its place in the next round, but one that has been over-reliant on a single player. Captain Lionel Messi has had to bail the Albiceleste out with important goals against Bosnia-Herzegovina, Iran and Nigeria.
Messiah Messi —
Like Brazil, Argentina is another South American heavyweight to have booked its place in the next round, but one that has been over-reliant on a single player. Captain Lionel Messi has had to bail the Albiceleste out with important goals against Bosnia-Herzegovina, Iran and Nigeria.
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While South and North American sides have thrived in Brazil, those from Europe have not fared so well. Reigning champions Spain crashed out of the tournament after just two games thanks to defeats against Netherlands and Chile.
Early exit for world champions —
While South and North American sides have thrived in Brazil, those from Europe have not fared so well. Reigning champions Spain crashed out of the tournament after just two games thanks to defeats against Netherlands and Chile.
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England suffered the embarrassment of an early exit after just two games following losses to Italy and Uruguay, who both slipped up against Costa Rica, while the likes of Portugal and Russia also failed to reach the last 16.
Goodbye England, Italy and Portugal —
England suffered the embarrassment of an early exit after just two games following losses to Italy and Uruguay, who both slipped up against Costa Rica, while the likes of Portugal and Russia also failed to reach the last 16.
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