On Saturday when the FIFA World Cup resumes after a day off, the knockout rounds will begin.  The tournament has already provided soccer fans with plenty of excitement and drama but expect the intensity to step up another notch.

The left side of the bracket features many of the pre-tournament favorites and historical heavyweights.  Is this a year where we get a new champion?  It sure feels that way doesn’t it, although Belgium, Croatia and possibly Mexico appear to be the only countries which haven’t previously won that could be worthy of a deep run.  You can never count out Ronaldo and Portugal either but they have a tough path forward.

The tournaments has already said goodbye to many top players, teams and countries.  Who will be next?

Germany’s streak of 16 straight tournaments advancing to the knockout rounds is over after their debacle against South Korea.  It was a good run for Deutschland and they have given soccer fans plenty to cheer about.

Messi’s quest for the elusive World Cup title continues.  You could see the pressure and expectation saddle Messi, his team and the entire country.  After a bad start, they squeaked their way into the knockout rounds.  As bad as they have been, they are capable of beating anyone on any given day.

The race for the Golden Boot is also and interesting one.  Likely it will come down to the top three (Kane, Ronaldo and Lukaku) and depend on whether or not their teams continue to win.

Belgium has had a pretty good run in the past 20+ games.  The only question is can they keep their streak going and win it all?  Anything less will be a disappointment for their ‘Golden Generation’.

Friday is a much needed day off for everyone, so we can recharge and prepare for the excitement ahead.