The group stages of the 2014 World Cup have drawn to a close, and what a World Cup it's been. The holders out unpredictably, England out rather more predictably and teams like Costa Rica giving a great account of themselves. You can't draw breath for too long because this weekend sees the start of the round of 16. Or round 2 as it used to be called in the days before everything was named by marketing executives.

This round could make or break your fantasy football selection, and you can find previews all the way on here. It's been a goalfest so far, but will defenders finally start to earn the points? One thing's for certain at this World Cup – there's sure to be something to get your teeth into!

BRAZIL V CHILE (Saturday 28th June)

The opening fixture of round two is a real fire cracker, it's sure to be the tie of the round and possibly of the tournament so far. It's the bookmaker's favourites against everybody's dark horses, and it could well spring a surprise. Neymar has already scored 4 goals, but his team mates have looked less than impressive. Is the expectation of a home crowd weighing them down? Marcello, normally so reliable in the heart of the Brazilian defence, has looked less than solid and in Chile they're meeting their first taste of decent competition.

If Neymar doesn't score then who will? Fred was grateful to open his account against Cameroon but he'll find the Chile defence less accommodating. In Fred, Jo, Hulk and Bernard, Brazil have a supporting cast more suited to the building site than Copacabana Beach. Oscar is allowed to attack more for his country than his club, and he will provide the main threat behind Neymar.

Could Alexis Sanchez win the battle of the Barcelona stars? He and his team mates have the ability to upset Brazil, but they can be frustratingly inconsistent. Against Spain they looked like world beaters, but against Holland and Australia they were distinctly average. Medel, the pitbull at the back, will be snapping at Neymar, and it wouldn't surprise me to see him 'win' a penalty or two. It's for this reason and this reason alone that I predict an unimpressive Brazil team will progress to the quarter finals. If, however, Chile find their 'A' game again, they have the skills and work ethic to send the host nation into mourning.

COLOMBIA V URUGUAY (Saturday 28th June)

Some of the Uruguay players have been chomping at the bit for this one, but without their star player it's hard to see how they can beat the team who finished well ahead of them in the South America qualifying group.

Colombia are a highly skilled team, and they work well as a unit. Indeed, I feel that Colombia are the real dark horses of this World Cup. James Rodriguez is star in the making, and I expect him to add to the 3 goals that he already has.

I'm sorry to have to say this, but there's only one way to describe the Uruguay attack shorn of Suarez. Toothless. Cavani may have cost PSG over €60Million, but he still flatters to deceive. Godin is a rock at the heart of the team, but he will have little of quality around him. Uruguay, now the pantomime villains of the tournament, will try to draw on a siege mentality, but it won't be enough. Rodriguez and Jackson Martinez should see Colombia win by at least 2 clear goals.

NETHERLANDS V MEXICO (Sunday 29th June)

Holland looked like world beaters when demolishing Spain, bit did the paucity of the opposition flatter the men in orange? Australia gave them a fright, and a below par Chile didn't make things easy for them either.

They do, of course, possess two world class players in Robin Van Persie and especially Arjen Robben. RVP sat out the last match after suspension, but his fitness is always a worry. The Mexican defence and midfield will be putting it to the test.

Memphis Depay is another young man making a name for himself on the world stage. I expect him to make a real impact against the Central Americans.

The hero of Mexico is goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa, who locked out Brazil single-handedly. He'll need both hands and more against the Dutch. Mexico have punched above their weight at this World Cup, and their 3-1 win over Croatia was their best performance in years. Despite that result, they're hampered by a real lack of attacking talent. Javier Hernandez has finally ended his international goal drought, but he'll find the Dutch defence a much harder nut to crack. I predict a comfortable win to nil for Van Gaal's side.

COSTA RICA V GREECE (Sunday 29th June)

This is the match everyone's been waiting for. Quite fittingly with Greek involvement, it's a clash of the titans. Or not. But there's still Totel Football points to be had of course.

Costa Rica performed admirably in climbing out of group D. Few would have predicted that they'd go unbeaten against Italy, Uruguay and England. The results don't flatter them. They were particularly impressive against Italy. Joel Campbell is doing all he can to secure a berth in the Arsenal squad, and Brian Ruiz is showing ability that Fulham fans wouldn't have dreamed possible.

Greece are, as expected, dour and hard to beat. They failed to score in their first two games, but Georgios Samaras held his nerve to convert a last minute penalty to send his team through and send Ivory Coast packing. As Greece should know, there's little chance of history repeating itself. Expect a tragedy for the Greeks, as the Costa Ricans make the quarter finals.