Of course, everyone is waiting anxiously for the final game, but with the knockout round of the 2014 FIFA World Cup underway in Brazil, we've decided to compose a list of the 10 greatest first-round knockout games ever played in World Cup history.

The first round features the most teams, so excitement from around the world is running high:

1990, Brazil vs. Argentina

Brazil and Argentina playing in Italy: What more could you ask for?

These two very accomplished soccer nations faced off in the knockout round in what many felt was the championship game. As expected, a defensive battle took place. It wasn't until the 80th minute of play that Claudio Caniggia scored the first and only goal of the game as Argentina won 1-0. The two goalkeepers, Sergio Goycochea and Claudio Taffarel, both played magnificent.

2014, Chile vs. Brazil

What a game to kickoff the 2014 World Cup knockout round.

These two countries were very familiar with one another at this stage. This was the fourth time they had played one another in a World Cup elimination game; the others were in 1962 (in Chile), 1998 and 2010. Unfortunately for Chile, Brazil had won the previous three, and history would repeat itself. With a 1-1 tie and a scoreless overtime, the game went to a shootout. With Brazil ahead in penalty kicks 3-2, the hopes of a nation lay in the foot of Gonzalo Jara. His shot hit off the right post, and Brazil won, ending an instant classic.

1994, Romania vs. Argentina

The Romanian team used to be a force in the late '80s and early '90s. Unfortunately for Argentina, the team was without its superstar Diego Maradona after he failed a drug test. Romania and Argentina met in the knockout round in a physical match. With Romania leading 3-1, Abel Balbo scored in the 75th minute, giving Argentina high hopes. In the last 10 minutes, Argentina threw everything it had at Romania, but goalkeeper Florin Prunea and the defense wouldn't let the team down.

1982, West Germany vs. France

What a game this was.

Two elite soccer teams facing each other in Spain. With the two teams tied 1-1 at the end of regulation, one of the craziest overtimes ensued. The two teams were tied 1-1, and then France scored two goals in the first eight minutes overtime. But West Germany answered by scoring a pair of its own in the 102nd and 108th minute. The overtime section of the game had more goals than the 90 minutes of regulation. The Germans would score five of its six shootout goals, winning this exciting game. This was the first-ever World Cup knockout game to go to a shootout.

1938, Italy vs. Norway

Italy entered the tournament as the defending champions after winning it all in Rome during the previous World Cup. They began their knockout stage against Norway, who had never won a game World Cup ever, and they were expected to run right through them. But that wasn't the case. In the second minute of play, Pietro Ferraris scored in what looked like an eventual blowout. Though, after Arne Brustad tied the game with just seven minutes to go, Italy would have to win in extra time.

1938, Cuba vs. Romania

The country of Cuba has witnessed one World Cup victory, and it's one they'll remember forever.

The Cuban team qualified for the Cup and faced off against the Romanians in the knockout round. The game was back and forth from the beginning. Every time Romania scored, Cuba answered right back. Stefan Dobey scored for Romania in the 105th minute, and it looked as though Cuban fans were about to go winless. But with just three minutes remaining in overtime, Juan Tuñas scored and tied up the game. A rematch was played five days later with Cuba victorious 2-1.

1986, Soviet Union vs. Belgium

Neither the Soviet Union nor Belgium were big favorites at the '86 World Cup, but they both gave fans a great game in the knockout round. Igor Belanov played terrific and scored a hat trick. The first two goals came in regulation, sending the game into overtime. He would achieve the hat trick by scoring his third goal in extra time. But Belgium was just too much. Belgium's four goals came from four different players, and they would win the game 4-3 in a memorable knockout game.

2002, Italy vs. South Korea

In 1966, North Korea shocked the soccer world when they eliminated Italy from Group 4, ending their hopes of a championship. This time, Italy was stunned by their Southern neighbors. South Korea, the host nation, trailed Italy for most of the game and didn't score until the 88th minute of play. With the score tied 1-1, South Korea and Italy played extra time. Ahn Jung-hwan scored the eventual game-winning goal, one South Korean fans will never forget.

2002, Sweden vs. Senegal

Before 2002, the country of Senegal had never even participated in a World Cup. Sweden, on the other hand, were making their 10th World Cup appearance. Sweden struck first by taking a 1-0 lead, but Henri Camara became a national hero. Camara's first goal sent the game to overtime, and then you guessed it, he would score the game winner in the 104th minute of play to give Senegal their only World Cup knockout stage win, ever.

1938, Brazil vs Poland

The 1938 World Cup really was a memorable one.

Poland was making their debut against Brazil in a game that didn't have high hopes of entertainment. Maybe a 3-1 Brazil victory? Not exactly. If you're a fan of defense, you might want to shield your eyes. The most consecutive minutes without a goal scored was 19, which saw these two teams deadlocked after regulation. Poland's Ernst Wilimowski scored four goals, one of which came in the final minute to force overtime, and we headed to extra time with the score tied 4-4. Brazil would find the net twice in extra time to Poland's one and win 6-5 in one of the craziest games ever.

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