As the 2014 FIFA World Cup winds down to the knockout round and the field continues to shrink to just 16 teams, the good teams -- and the bad ones -- are starting to get separated from the great teams.

One thing that has been obvious to fans around the world is this: Latin American teams are thriving more than any other region of the world.

Out of the 32 national teams that entered this year's World Cup, nine were Latin American. Those nine countries were Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Uruguay, Ecuador, Costa Rica, and Honduras. Out of those nine countries (which have been paired into six different groups), seven have successfully advanced to this year's playoff round of 16 for a chance to win the World Cup.

The only two Latin American countries to not advance are Honduras and Ecuador.

Brazil and Mexico (which are both in Group A) have been the most impressive so far with two wins against their group opponents and a tie with one another. But outside of those two, there is still very inspiring soccer being played. Chile has been one of the most underrated teams in this year's World Cup with just one loss. Latin America's dominance is felt heavily in Group D, where Uruguay and Costa Rica lead the way. Not only did Uruguay and Costa Rica play well and qualify for the round of 16, but they both did it against ultra-tough squads in England and Italy within their group.

Colombia also won Group C with a perfect 3-0 record.

The most notable success comes from the South American continent. Of the nine Latin American countries remaining, five are located in South America.

South America began the tournament with six national teams in play; Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Uruguay, and Ecuador. All except Ecuador have moved on past group play and qualified for the round of 16. Ecuador finished just two points behind Switzerland in Group E.

Even centralized Latin American nations have been flourishing this year. Mexico and Costa Rica have a combined four wins, two ties, and zero losses. Could this finally be the year for Mexico?

Europe, who has historically been South America's biggest rivals in the World Cup, sent 13 teams to Brazil. Out of those 13 teams, only five have fully clinched a spot in the next round so far.

The last Latin American country to win the World Cup was Brazil in 2002, as Spain and Italy have won the last two World Cups. Unfortunately, Brazil and Chile will be playing each other, as will Colombia and Uruguay in the first round. So, no matter what, the Latin American field will dwindle down to five after the first round.

Multiple Latin American nations are still remaining that have never even been to a World Cup Final. Those countries include Chile, Mexico, Costa Rica, and Colombia. This could be their best chance ever at winning the entire competition, especially considering it's in the familiar lands of South America. Never has a European team won the World Cup when hosted in South America.

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