World Cup Knockout Tournament.... Round of 16 and on....

Any early takes on Germany/Brazil, Vanz? I know there are injuries and suspensions to sort out but I'm curious what you think as the line is already out.

Neymar is officially out for the rest of WC. 

<-- new to the thread.. Van your analysis is valuable even when your picks don't hit.. looking forward to more.  

Neymar out w broken vertebrae.

time to hedge toward Germany at +107 advance  ?

Germany +107 to advance ?

I am no doctor but how serious is a broken vertebrae. Career ending? Just saw some photos of him and his 18 year old girlfriend. 

Their doctor is saying it is a "benign" fracture that will not require surgery.  I didn't get the impression it was career-ending from the articles I've seen, but a broken vertebrae is nothing to mess around with. 

You bring a very good point to the forefront, there's no question in regards to corruption within the governing body of FIFA, and it's European counterpart the UEFA, Qatar is a documented example of this charade, without doubt, the absolute worst location FIFA could have granted the 2018 World Cup on earth! (other than N.Korea) avg day time temp for June 112° night time 108°  added to the fact that Qatar has No professional league, and No players to represent the host country's team participation, as is mandatory to WC policy, but as they say, "if you want something bad enough, and have the money to pay for it, you'll find a way" unfortunately the way is 'corruption' push $3 billion in front of any organization, and you'll get whatever you seek.....I don't see Qatar happening, the shoe just doesn't fit (niether does their Islamic constitution, and by-laws) SAY NO TO QATARSAY YES TO EUROPE

Although the USA is the preferred host by worldwide consensus, the nod will go to Europe or Asia, I truly hope your assessment to the USA holds true, I can't see anyone putting on a better show, with superior stadiums, host cities, TV coverage, security, and the comfort America supplies to accommodate the International soccer fans, bottom line: people 'love' visiting America, their stadiums, their cities, and their friendly approach to please everyone...

 Your write ups have been excellent Van. I don't know much about the game of soccer but I have learned to appreciate the intricacies of this most interesting game by a combination of watching and reading your write ups. Do you also post write ups and picks of your NFL bets here at covers Van? If so I would like to read them.

Soccer is really exciting when a team is down 0-1 and playing for their WC lives! If only Belgium would have shown that kind of urgency earlier. I suppose it opens you to the counter if you do it earlier, when it's a tie score.

Argentina defense was superb for most of the match. And Messi with a play that he could only make (a magical midfield pirouette) created the only opportunity they would need. It's looking more and more like the dream matchup (for me) of Argentina and Germany (the man, Messi, vs the Machine, Germany).

I feel like I just watched a replay of France and Germany from yesterday.

I guess the secret to betting the WC is to take every favorite from the round of 16 on - why bother with analysis?  Certainly don't listen to anything I post....

Costa Rica to advance 

2 best keepers in the tourney were (IMO) Howard and Navas.

I felt Guillermo Ochoa did a great job as well Cake.

I would also add Belgium goalie to that list. This was the first loss of his career, and i haven't seen a goal go in that could be blamed on him 

Costa Rica.........

Let me say why I like Germany and Argentina.

As for Argentina, what else is there to say about this mercurial team? They are peaking at the right time and now others (besides Messi) are getting involved. They will not only have home field advantage but they will be playing a tired Dutch team that will finally run out of magic and gas. The stat regarding teams that win on penalty kicks (in the WC) losing their next game was undefeated until Brazil beat Colombia. But that was to be expected. As I mentioned here and elsewhere fatigue would not affect Brazil in that game. They almost had a week of rest and the home crowd behind them. Holland will have neither. Hence, I see Argentina to qualify at -135/-140 as a small gift!

idk, i see the dutch holding at least 50% of possession against argentina, and when the dutch hold that much possession against a team without a great backline or a parked bus, that team will undoubtedly find themselves in trouble from robben and the other trio.