It's time to bid Adeus to the group stages.
Here's a look back at those who didn't make the cut -
Iran - Even if they were pretty boring to watch, they actually had a pretty decent World Cup by their standards - which really doesn't say much. Indeed, they certainly had a chance to progress to the 2nd round, just needing victory against Bosnia to progress. Alas, their shortcomings were made clear by the already eliminated and slightly unlucky Bosnians, going down 3-1 in Salvador. Nevertheless, progress was made under Carlos Queiroz - it remains to be seen if Iran can continue to improve in the wake of Queiroz's departure.
Bosnia-Herzegovina - The World Cup's debutants didn't actually have a bad debut and to be honest were unlucky to be eliminated in their 2nd game - who knows what might have happened had their goal against Nigeria not been incorrectly disallowed for being offside. They proved that they were more than a match for Argentina, and deservedly beat Iran 3-1. Difficult to see if they'll be back given the age of many of their stars although the likes of Pjanic and Dzeko should be around for another World Cup campaign.
Ecuador - Another side unlucky to be dumped out this early - that last minute loss to Switzerland first up probably wrecked their chances despite a win against Honduras in their 2nd game, as they faced in-form France in their last game. Antonio Valencia was probably harshly sent off in that critical game but France were the better side anyway and their keeper did well denying France a 100% record from the group stages. Did the late Cristian Benitez proud though.
Honduras - One of the weaker sides of this World Cup but not by much, showing guts and determination to find their first win at a Finals despite their clear limitations. Hard to see if they'll ever get their first win even in an easier group - they have a few professionals based in Europe but most of them are based in the weaker leagues.
What about the other sides through?
France are up there along with Holland and Colombia as the form teams of this World Cup and should make easy work of a competent Nigeria side. Finally, we have a Les Bleus side that is not trying to blow itself up internally and they have a really good chance of progressing to a potential semifinal with Brazil if they can overcome Nigeria and possibly Germany.
Argentina may be 100% from the group stages but have looked far from convincing in a fairly easy group. Nevertheless, they finally have Lionel Messi in form, and in quite hot form - 4 goals from 3 games. Indeed, it is almost Maradona 1986-esque considering how average the rest of the side has been so far. With Switzerland and Belgium to come, it's a fairly straightforward route to a potential semi with the Netherlands and we know how those two get along.
By the way, it's good to see the African sides in strong contention for knockout football - Cote d'Ivoire, Nigeria, Ghana and Algeria have looked improved and more organized to compliment their power and flair with only Cameroon disappointing. Cote d'Ivoire should have made it to the 2nd round but for that refereeing howler and Nigeria deserve their place in the 2nd round. Can Algeria and Ghana join them? We've never had two African sides in the 2nd round.
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