Martin Downer's Bitesize World Cup Daily: Netherlands, Costa Rica to progress

Netherands vs Mexico

Mexico looked a good side as they beat Croatia and Cameroon and held Brazil in the group stage, but now they face formidable opponents in the shape of the Netherlands. While the Dutch are likely to struggle in defence as the tournament progresses, they possess one of the World Cup’s most dangerous players in winger Arjen Robben and a feared striker in Robin van Persie. Mexico need a good plan to cope with Robben as they risk being pinned back if their wing-backs are detailed to stop him and subsequently fail to get forward. Prediction: Netherlands 3 Mexico 1.

Costa Rica vs Greece

I’m sure all of the last 16 matches will be more than watchable due to what’s at stake, but if you were going to give one a miss then you could easily be excused from Costa Rica vs Greece at midnight tonight. Los Ticos were a revelation in the group stage, but now they will have to step out of their underdog role and become the favourites, which could be their undoing. I’m still a little baffled as to how this limited Greece side made it through, but now they’ve got half a chance of a quarter-final place. Prediction: Costa Rica 1 Greece 1 (Costa Rica win on penalties).