Monday 23rd June
Australia 0-3 Spain (Prediction 1-3)
So Spain bow out with a win against an Australian team that seemed a bit jaded from their efforts in the previous two games. David Villa scored a typically exquisite backheel, his 59th goal for Spain and got very emotional when he came off as his international career drew to a close. Torres finished well from a great defence-splitting pass from Iniesta before Mata, on as a sub and should have played a lot more in this tournament, got the third.
Netherlands 2-0 Chile (Prediction 2-1)
Netherlands versus Chile wasn't up to much, no surprise with both sides already through although it was almost hypnotic looking at Blind fouling Sanchez every few minutes. The goals finally came late on in the second half, a free header from Fer from a corner and Memphis Depay scoring in injury time after a Robben break from a Chilean corner. The Dutch, I'm sure, delighted with three wins out of a possible three and topping the group.
Croatia 1-3 Mexico (Prediction 3-0)
A really well earned win for the Mexicans which I didn't see coming, worked really hard, well organised and created lots of chances, hit the bar and even had one cleared off the line before Marquez put them in front with roughly twenty minutes to go and deserved everything they got from the game. Really didn't expect them to be so good and so consistent over the three games so huge kudos to their coach Herrera. Croatia were really poor tonight which is a shame, I thought they did well in the first two games and had a great midfield, but they didn't even deserve the consolation of Perisic's well taken goal. Mexico could cause the Netherlands problems in the next round, will be interesting to watch.
Cameroon 1-4 Brazil (Prediction 0-2)
Neymar, in fairness to him, is dragging Brazil along nearly all by himself. Brazil struggled for large parts in the first half but Neymar took his two goals well, before it all fell into place for them second half (even Fred scored for God's sake, and it was offside). So FIFA breathe a sigh relief for the moment that the hosts are through but Chile could take them on Saturday if they play like they did against Spain.
PREDICTIONS FOR TUESDAY 24th JUNE
Italy 2-0 Uruguay
Costa Rica 0-2 England
Japan 1-2 Colombia
Greece 0-1 Ivory Coast