The time has come where the entire world actually becomes just 16 countries. In the cutthroat tournament that is the World Cup, 32 nations and a world of expectations have narrowed to just 16 nations and 90 – well actually more like 98 – minutes determines whether heroes are eternally glorified or Gross Domestic Products are diminished.

It’s a cruel game, is football. The slide tackling, the flopping, the biting. The agony of nearly every player who is bumped, pushed or looked at, falling in complete despair praying that the one man who can cure their ails is watching, he who wears the bright jersey with the whistle.

US Soccer coach Jurgen Klinsmann single-handedly became the most influential man in America Thursday in his decree to the American sporting public.

As the World Cup moves into super serious mode, AKA the Knock-out Stages, those 16 teams that remain fall into bracket play to which most Americans can understand how the tournament now works. No more “The Americans lost, but they get to advance? This sport is (stupid).”, or better yet, “Can you explain why the goals count more if you win?”

Well, Kosciusko, have you caught World Cup fever? Is soccer still important to you? Was it ever important? To us, yes it is! I believe that we will win! Well, at least one more match.

Here are our picks of who will raise the Cup. Achtung, Baby!

Knock-out Stages:

Brazil v. Chile 6/28 Noon
The Scoop: Brazil won its group, but didn’t look entirely overwhelming at home. Neymar Jr. is now a household name. Chile survived a tough Group B, and is no stranger to its South American neighbors.
Nick’s Pick is Brazil 2-0. No way I’m picking against Brazil…yet.
Mike’s Pick is Brazil 3-1. Brazil puts the world on notice they are in it to win it.

A memo to Luis Suarez: It’s not OK to bite. Ever.

Colombia v. Uruguay 6/28 4 p.m.
The Scoop: James Rodriguez has become a star for an emerging Colombian team, which analysts across the globe are raving this could be Colombia’s breakout. Uruguay has bitten off more than it can chew. We just can’t help ourselves.
Nick’s Pick is Uruguay 1-0. Edinson Cavani will lead the underdogs past it’s rival.
Mike’s Pick is Colombia 1-0. Rodriguez will continue to amaze, scoring the decider in the second half.

Netherlands v. Mexico 6/29 Noon
The Scoop: The Netherlands are rolling after dismantling top-ranked Spain, winning Group B with three victories and a plus-seven aggregate. Guillermo Ochoa’s goalkeeping heroics against Brazil helped Mexico into the Knock-out stages for the fifth straight time.
Nick’s Pick is Mexico 1-0. Ochoa’s No. 13 will be lucky against the Dutch.
Mike’s Pick is Netherlands 2-1. Arjen Robben will continue his torrid play, accounting for both Dutch tallies on a goal and an assist.



Costa Rica v. Greece 6/29 4 p.m.
The Scoop: Costa Rica is the darling of the tournament, surprising the world with seven points in the Group of Champions (Group D), reaching the final 16 for the first time since 1990. Greece reaches the final 16 for the first time in its history, needing a Georgios Samaras goal to beat the Ivory Coast Tuesday.
Nick’s Pick is Costa Rica 2-1. I’m stabbin’ in the dark here.
Mike’s Pick is Greece 1-0 (3-2 on penalties). Samaras buries the winner in PKs to end the Tico’s dreams.

France v. Nigeria 6/30 Noon
The Scoop: France received an offensive explosion, scoring five goals against No. 6 world-ranked Switzerland and won its Group E convincingly. Nigeria played Argentina tightly in a loss but did enough to get through despite just one win.
Nick’s Pick is France 3-1. Karim Benzema scores two goals as France continues to roll.
Mike’s Pick is France 2-1. I also like Benzema to score, but the game is closer than it needs to be.

Hans is rooting for Deutschland! Ja! Toaster Struedel!

Germany v. Algeria 6/30 4 p.m.
The Scoop: Germany did what everyone expected them to do, which was win the Group Of Death without much hassle. Algeria moved to the final 16 with a tie against Russia on the final day of group play.
Nick’s Pick is Germany 3-0. SCHWEINSTEIGER!
Mike’s Pick is Germany 4-0. Thomas Muller continues to pile up goals, Germany has no trouble with Algeria.

Argentina v. Switzerland 7/1 Noon
The Scoop: Argentina was not overly impressive, but didn’t need to be in a weak Group F. Lionel Messi continued to score goals at an impressive rate, tied for the lead with four. Switzerland recovered from a 5-2 loss to France in the opening game to advance by defeating Honduras and Ecuador.
Nick’s Pick is Argentina 2-1. Messi has bailed them out all Cup, it’s not stopping now.
Mike’s Pick is Argentina 3-0. It’s close early, but Messi will find a way to unleash the beast once again.



Belgium v. USA 7/1 4 p.m.
The Scoop: Belgium won Group H with three victories, but have injury concerns as star Vincent Kompany is dealing with an injured groin. The United States also have a star down to injury in Jozy Altidore, but escaped the Group of Death on goal differential thanks in part to a 2-1 win over Ghana.
Nick’s Pick is USA 2-1. I’m a red-blooded American. That’s enough for me.
Mike’s Pick is USA 2-1. More late heroics, this time from Michael Bradley in stoppage time. Karma, right?