Matchday 16 - Uruguay Uncompromising

Uruguay 2 - South Korea 1
USA 1 - Ghana 2 (after extra time)

Matchday 16 saw the start of the knockout stage of the tournament. Uruguay continued their charge to the semi-finals with a 2-1 win over South Korea, while Africa's last hope Ghana stayed alive after defeating the USA 2-1 after extra time.

But it is the ominous form of two time champions Uruguay that garnered the most notice on the day, a brace of goals from Luis Suarez seeing the South Americans overcome a dogged South Korea 2-1. Uruguay controlled the game early on and took a 1-0 lead after only 8 minutes after a Diego Forlan cross avoided the entire South Korean back four, allowing Suarez to slot home for a tight angle. As has been the case for most of the tournament, once Uruguay took the lead they set back and allowed the Koreans to come on to them. This seemed a strange strategy, especially given it allowed the Koreans to get a foothold in the game and dominate possesion. They finally took advantage halfway through the second half, a scramble in the box following a free kick allowing Lee to head home to tie the game at 1-1. Learning the lesson, the Uruguayan's again pressed forward, and they again took the lead with under 10 minutes to go following a stunning strike from Suarez, who curled the ball into the side of the goal from just outside the penalty box. Uruguay again sat back and defended to the last but this time they managed to keep the Koreans out to book a place in the quarter finals for the first time since 1970. The Koreans exit the tournament, but they will be happy with their performance to get out of their group.

Uruguay will now meet the last African hope in Ghana, after they overcame the USA 2-1 after extra time. The teams were locked at 1-1 after the 90 minutes with Landon Donovan's penalty offsetting an early Boateng strike. But it was an Asamoah Gyan strike early in extra time that proved the difference and sent the Americans packing. They will be dissapointed to exit after giving themselves a glorious chance of going deep in the tournament with a favourbale draw after winning their group.

Quarter Final Matches - Uruguay v Ghana

What We Learned - That Luis Suarez is one of the most underrated stirkers in the world. All the talk pre-tournament for Uruguay was about start striker Diego Forlan, but Suarez has outshone him in the goals department 3 to 2. He only got a handful of chances last night but he burried two of them and that proved the difference in the game. Uruguay will continue to be a threat at this tournament with him in the line up.

The Falcon's Spud Of The Day - Oscar Tabarez (Uruguay) - Possibly a bit harsh as the Uruguay coach has guided his team to the last 8, but the decision to shut up shop and defend a 1-0 lead after taking it so early let Korea right back in the game, and they eventually equalised. Uruguay proved to be the better side when both teams were trying to attack and defending only let Korea in with a chance. The team may be made to pay if Tabarez makes similar tactical blunders against superior opposition.

Tonight's Games - A couple of cracking Round of 16 matches that could pass as semi-finals. Old rivals England and Germany resume their historical struggle - I expect the Germans just to edge this one, especially if it comes down to penalties. The late game sees a replay of the second round match of four years ago when Argentina takes on Mexico. Argentina have been brilliant at this tournament so far and should march on to the quarters.

Suggested Investment - Backing teams to advance worked for us last night so lets keep on with the good thing. The double of Germany and Argentina should do tonight - the Germans looking especially good value to advance at $2+ to get past the English.