World Cup 2018: Knockout stage here we come

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The knockout stage of the 2018 World Cup is set as the final 16 teams vie to wear the crown and become the new soccer kings of the world.

Two straight weeks of World Cup action and fans can finally breathe.

For one day, at least.
Disappointment has set in for 16 nations and their respective soccer clubs. Some have known for days of their fate while others had to wait until the final whistle of group play.

The margins of advancing can sometimes come down to the slimmest of parameters. Senegal knows that feeling all-too-well. Playing in only their second-ever World Cup, the team from Senegal was poised to advance to the knockout stage.

A Poland victory over Japan opened the door for Senegal. Of course, they were playing Colombia at the same exact time and trailing 1-0, ultimately losing by that very score. And for the first time ever, Senegal was eliminated thanks to the 'Fair play" tiebreaker. (A tiebreaker that comes down to whichever team holds the least amount of yellow cards advances. Tied with Japan, Senegal had five yellow cards to Japan's three.)

If there's a way to exit the World Cup, leaving via the fair play tiebreaker has to be one of the most heartbreaking.

Of course, less heartbreaking might be the way Germany exited the World Cup. The defending champions never quite gelled in their three games, Known for their scoring prowess, the Germans spent a lot of time on the attack. They fired 67 shots (20 on goal) over the span of three days, collecting a grand total of two goals.

Twice they were shutout, including in a loss to South Korea. Certain amount of credit can be given to the play of the opposition's goalkeepers, but Germany never quite looked like themselves in this World Cup. Lack of execution, sloppy play in the general area of the six-yard box, and the occasional lack of disinterest helped contribute to their demise.

Other world powers like Brazil, France, Belgium, and England were able to advance, as did an Argentina squad that needed all three games and help to advance.

Though Germany is out, along with sentimental favorites like Iceland, Senegal, and Nigeria, we will still get to witness some of the best of the world in action. Names like Ronaldo, Messi, Neymar, Kane, and (fingers crossed) James Rodriguez will still take the pitch in the knockout stage.

For 16 teams, the march continues on. As for 16 others, well, at least they can say they were there and can now begin the slow climb back towards 2022.

World Cup 2018 knockout stage

Play in the knockout stage will begin on Saturday with two games and will continue through July 3. Here's what the schedule looks like (I've highlighted my picks in bold): 

6/30: Uruguay vs Portugal (12 PM MT)
6/30: France vs Argentina (8 AM MT)
7/1:  Spain vs Russia (8 AM MT)
7/1:  Croatia vs Denmark (12 PM MT)
7/2:  Brazil vs Mexico (8 AM MT)
7/2:  Belgium vs Japan (12 PM MT)
7/3:  Sweden vs Switzerland (8 AM MT)
7/3:  Colombia vs England (12 PM MT)

I will be back after the knockout stage with more. Until then, be sure to follow Jason on Twitter for more on soccer, the Boston Red Sox, movies, pop culture and more: @jasonrh_78

photo credit: publicdomainpictures.net

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