After a thrilling round of group games, we are down to the World Cup last 16 stage. We have 16 teams, who will all believe they can lift the trophy, and in just over two weeks we will find out who will be crowned champions of the world.

The biggest omission from the last 16 round is certainly Germany, who struggled in their three group games and left with just three points and a bottom placed finish, an embarassing tournament for them. Argentina have really struggled so far, but found a way to qualify and that gives them hope still, despite their poor form. The smaller teams like Russia, Japan, Denmark and Sweden will already see this as job done at the tournament, they will have targeted this round, and anything else is a bonus. That should allow them to play with a little more freedom and confidence, something that could make them dangerous to their opponents.

Many of the games in this round look to be very close, and that should provide fans with great viewing over the next few days. The first game of the last 16 round takes place on Saturday afternoon, while the round will end on Tuesday next week with England vs Colombia being the last game.

World Cup Last 16 Fixtures

Saturday

France vs Argentina

Uruguay vs Portugal

Sunday

Spain vs Russia

Croatia vs Denmark

Monday

Brazil vs Mexico

Belgium vs Japan

Tuesday

Sweden vs Switzerland

England vs Colombia

The best day for fans could well be the first day, when four very good teams take each other on. Although Argentina have disappointed so far, they are a top quality team and if they come to life here then their game against France will surely be the game of the round. Later that evening, Cristiano Ronaldo takes on Luis Suarez in what looks to be a very even contest between Portugal and Uruguay.

The game for goals could come on Monday when Brazil take on Mexico. Both have plenty of creative players in their line ups and both love to attack and play to win. That should lead to us seeing a great game with plenty of goals involved, and a real treat for fans.

World Cup Betting

At the World Cup last 16 stage it is always a good idea to take stock and see what has happened so far. Brazil are still in the competition, despite not really getting out of first gear and the expectation is that they will come to life now we are at this stage. If they do that then they are a scary proposition for whoever faces them, and that is why they are currently the World Cup favourites at 4.5.

They do have the tougher side of the draw to contend with, and their first game against Mexico will not be easy for them. Should they get past that they are likely to face Belgium in the quarter finals and either France of Argentina in the semi finals, giving them a run of strong opponents.

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