2014 FIFA World Cup Predictions, Date, How to Watch: Colombia vs. Uruguay; Can Uruguay Win Without Luis Suarez?
The group stage of the 2014 FIFA World Cup was full of exciting goals, diving saves and a few upsets. We even witnessed an actual bite take place on the field. But as thrilling as the group stage was, the knockout round promises to be even more exhilarating.
On Saturday, fans get a South American matchup between Colombia and Uruguay. Which of these soccer powerhouses will move on and which will go home? Latin Post.com takes a look at both teams, while forcasting which one will be victorious in Saturday's match-up in Brazil:
Colombia
This Colombian team has been one of the best offensive squads so far in the World Cup. The team has scored nine goals en route to its perfect 3-0 record in Group C. Now Group C wasn't exactly considered a powerhouse, but Colombia was still flawless. Colombia is looking to get revenge for their defeat in the 1962 World Cup against Uruguay.
Colombia comes in ranked No. 8 overall in the world and will be playing their first knockout round game since 1990. James Rodríguez and Jackson Martinez are the two leading goal scorers for this squad with a combined five goals. Uruguay is in for their toughest defensive test yet. Team captain Mario Yepes leads this defensive unit against Uruguay.
Uruguay
The Uruguayan team finished second in Group D behind Costa Rica, but don't let that fool you. Uruguay played in one of, if not the toughest, groups in the World Cup alongside Italy, England and Costa Rica. You could certainly argue Uruguay is more battle tested than Colombia. Uruguay was so close in the last World Cup in South Africa, finishing fourth place overall.
Uruguay has always been a powerhouse when it comes to the World Cup, but unfortunately, they haven't been able to win the tournament since 1950. This squad ranks No. 7 in the world and is trying to end that more than 60-year drought. Obviously Uruguay will be without Luis Suarez because of his biting suspension that was handed down by FIFA this week. It's a big loss because Suarez had two goals for the team.
Predictions
This should be a close game with tensions running high. Both teams would love nothing more than to advance to the quarter-finals. Colombia's offense leads them to a narrow 3-2 victory.
Schedule, Date, How to Watch
These two teams will play each other at the Estádio Maracanã, the largest stadium in this year's World Cup. An estimated 80,000 fans will be watching anxiously in Rio de Janeiro. Kickoff is Saturday at 4 p.m. EST on ABC. The game can be seen live stream via the WatchESPN app.
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