The knockout stage of any football tournament is always liable to increase both excitement and anticipation as the winner-take-all nature of the ties means there can be no second chances. Some teams may still insist on caginess over ambition, but eventually even they must conjure up a way of winning. The World Cup is no different. The last-16 provides an opportunity for the contenders to go through the gears and also gives an oppo...More

Slovakia bid farewell to the World Cup after Monday’s defeat to Holland in Durban. Goals from Arjen Robben and Weslye Sneijder were enough to secure a quarter final spot at the expense of the Repre, who pulled one back late on through Robert Vittek. Despite elimination Slovakian Coach Vladimir Weiss was full of praise for his side: "I'm very proud that we were in a position to play in the Round of 16 and the players showed what they wer...More

NETHERLANDS 2Robben 18, Sneijder 84 SLOVAKIA 1Vittek 90 The Netherlands are through to the quarter-finals of the World Cup after a comfortable win over Slovakia. Goals from the returning Arjen Robben and Wesley Sneijder were enough to beat the Slovakians who could not repeat their famous victory that knocked Italy out of the tournament, Robert Vittek grabbing their late reply from the penalty spot. It took just 65 seconds for Eri...More

The bottom half of the World Cup draw gets underway on Monday with the Netherlands looking to break the shackles of three defensive minded wins in the group stage, taking on the conquerors of Italy, Slovakia. Brazil will be aiming to do similar, as they take on a stylish Chile side in the late game. NETHERLANDS vs. SLOVAKIA3.00pm - Durban Stadium Solid and yet unspectacular has been the way of things for Bert van Marwijk’s Dutc...More

The Ellis Park stadium in Johannesburg is now the site of the greatest ever moment in Slovakian footballs relatively short history. The debuting nation did the unthinkable, achieving victory against defending World Champions and footballing superpower Italy. Their memorable 3-2 victory ensured they would take the Italian's last 16 spot, an almost unthinkable feat just three weeks ago. The result was met with jubilation from Coach Vladi...More

Champions Italy exited in humiliating fashion due to the absence of characteristics which historically set the Azzurri apart from opponents, particularly the defensive prowess the great Italian sides possessed. When Italian teams in previous tournaments conceded goals, they were not due to lackadaisical marking and miscommunication which were evident in the goals conceded by the four-time winners in this World Cup. Italy shockingly conc...More