The 2014 FIFA World Cup has continued to be one in which major superstars have risen to the task and seized the spotlight.

Here are the players that continued to dominate in the round of 16:

1. James Rodriguez - Colombia

The Colombian superstar should be given the Golden Ball at this point as he has been everything that could Colombia could ask for and more. He makes the team tick offensively and even when there are struggles (as there were in the opening half hour against Uruguay), he knows how to make things happen. His glorious goal came out of nothing during a game that was lacking in life or suspense. On the second goal he reaped the rewards of other players' brilliance, but his celebration, in which he pointed at Juan Cuadrado, indicated that he knew who he owed the goal to. With five goals and two assists, he is the leader right now and should be a lock for the team of the tournament and best young player award.

2. Arjen Robben - Netherlands

The Bayern Munich superstar had no goals or assists in the Dutch comeback win over Mexico, but he certainly should have gotten one for the second goal. He admittedly embellished Rafa Marquez's foul that led to the penalty, but he did get a clear penalty stolen from him in the first half. Robben also had a chance to score earlier in the second half when he burst past the defense on the right wing and had his shot stopped by the brilliant Guillermo Ochoa. Robben looks like he wants redemption from his 2010 miss against Spain and he looks like might just get it this year with the way he is playing.

3. Keylor Navas - Costa Rica

Throughout the group stage, Costa Rica performed at a level that shocked the world. Every single player seemed to rise to the occasion and managed to overcome the Group of Champions or the Group of Death. Goalie Keylor Navas had been solid throughout the run but was never really the major highlight. That all changed on Sunday when he was forced to hold the fort for his collapsing team which had to fend off a determined Greek side while being a man down. He made a number of glorious saves before stopping the critical penalty in the shootout. Of the remaining goalies in the tournament, he might just be the most important to his team. No team will rely as heavily on its keeper to maintain it in this tournament.

4. Mathieu Valbuena - France

Karim Benzema might be the man attracting the most attention for France, but the team's engine and tactical genius is Mathieu Valbuena. The midfielder has been flawless throughout the tournament with precise passing and an ability to direct the play as he sees fit. He might not have the statistics of other major players in the tournament, but his influence cannot be overlooked. He has been one of the standout players of the tournament and flourished in the quarterfinals against Nigeria.

5. Tim Howard - USA

He is no longer in the tournament, but Howard put together the most dominant performance by a goalie in this tournament to date. His 16 stops through 120 minutes against Belgium not only ensured his place in the history books, but also avoided his team exiting the tournament in utter embarrassment. He had been a stalwart for the U.S. throughout the group rounds, but he found a way to up his level of play beyond all expectations. If this is in fact his final World Cup, then it was the best possible way to go for the veteran keeper.

6. Lionel Messi - Argentina

With the exception of the game against Nigeria (in which he played 60 minutes), Argentina's magician has not delivered a full 90 minutes of sustained dominance. The superstar was shut out by the Swiss for long stretches during Argentina's round of 16 match, but Messi still found a way to deliver the knockout punch when it was mandated. He did not score the goal, but if not for his technical brilliance and intelligence, Angel Di Maria never gets the pass that leads to his goal. Messi is still carrying this side on his back and that may not bode well for him or Argentina as they face stiffer competition. But for now, it will do.