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I would say that now the games get good, but that wouldn't be true. The group stage of the 2014 World Cup was thrilling from start to finish. Almost every game was exciting and filled with something that had you typing in all caps on Twitter. That's just how it's been — completely unpredictable.
But today brings us the time when things do get that much more serious. Today brings us the beginning of the knockout round.
And even without Italy starting their summer vacation earlier than many expected, there's still a decent Juventus representation in Brazil as the Round of 16 gets underway.
Three of the five Juventus players still spending their summer in Brazil take the field today when Arturo Vidal, Mauricio Isla and Chile look to end the samba movement in Brazil. Well, maybe not end it, but put to rest the talk of the host team winning the whole damn thing.
Get excited for that Isla vs. Neymar matchup out wide, folks. It should be ... interesting one.
Vamos CHILE carajoooo!!! Mañana vamos a hacer historia!!! Gracias a todos por el apoyo..nos dan mucha fuerza !!! pic.twitter.com/ri6boBRjqG
— Arturo Vidal (@kingarturo23) June 27, 2014
There's also Martin Cáceres and the Luis Suárez-less Uruguay national team trying to slow down the increasingly impressive Colombia team that took Group C by absolute storm. Mr. Cáceres, you might have your hands full today. Just a hint based on watching Colombia attack, attack and attack some more the first two weeks of the World Cup.
Also, here's the question of the day to discuss in the comment section: Which is tighter, the polo shirt worn by Chile manager Jorge Sampaoli or the jersey Cáceres will be wearing against Colombia? There you go, folks. Discuss.
SATURDAY'S SCHEDULE
Round of 16: Chile vs. Brazil — 1 p.m. local time, 12 p.m. on the East Coast, 9 a.m. on the West Coast
SB Nation preview: The favorites meet the dark horses as knockouts begin
Round of 16: Colombia vs. Uruguay — 4 p.m. local time, 4 p.m. on the East Coast, 1 p.m. on the West Coast
SB Nation preview: Los Cafeteros expected to progress
