LAST SIXTEEN REVIEW

Brazil stated their claim for a sixth World Cup as they cruised past the fancied Chileans and into the quarter-finals with a 3-0 win.

The Samba Kings put their South American cousins to the sword with three top quality goals while their other near neighbours Argentina also impressed with a 3-1 demolition of Mexico.

Elsewhere England were taken apart, in typically efficient style, by the old enemy and Uruguay sent the South Koreans packing thanks mostly to Luis Suarez, while Ghana kept African dreams alive. Japan departed by the most painful method of all - penalties - while Spain and the Netherlands did just enough to progress.

PERFORMANCE OF THE ROUND
Germany 4 - 1 England

It was billed as the tie of the round and for one set of fans it fulfilled all expectations as Germany destroyed England with a devastating 4-1 victory.

SHOCK OF THE ROUND
Lampard's goal that never was.

Germany started much the brighter and with assistance from a woeful English defence raced into a two goal lead. However after pulling one back through the head of Matthew Upson it appeared the Three Lions had clawed themselves back into the game when a looping effort from Frank Lampard clipped the bar and bounced at least six feet over the goal line before heading back up, hitting the bar and bouncing back down on the line.

Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer then showed everyone his uncanny Roy Carroll impression, grabbing the ball and launching it up field, more in hope than expectation, and suddenly the English players, fans and commentators realized the Uruguayan officials had failed to spot a certain goal. Lampard was gutted, Rooney was stunned and England never recovered. For Germany it was some long awaited sweet revenge for '66.

On the line? You cannot be serious!

GOAL OF THE ROUND

"...he's got an angle HEERRRE!"

South Korea had battled their way back into the game after Luis Suarez opportunistic eighth minute opener for Uruguay and were more than deserving of taking the South Americans into extra time.

However it wasn't to be for the Asian side as that man Suarez showed just why he scored 49 goals for Ajax last season. Picking up the ball at the side of the box he uses his quick feet to work a yard of space knocking the ball back towards the edge of the area before wrapping his foot around the ball and curling it a good mile around the despairing 'keeper and in off the post. Glorious.
Uruguay 2-1 South Korea

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PLAYER OF THE ROUND

Asamoah Gyan, Ghana
Perhaps something of a controversial choice but the Ghanaian's third goal of the tournament against the USA sent the whole of Africa into wild celebrations and his outstanding effort in the lone striker role was essentially what pulled Ghana into the quarter finals.

He ran tirelessly and never shirked a tackle against the big American backline even after getting kicked in the chest. While all and sundry were expecting the Americans to finally break African hearts as the game went into extra time, Gyan continued to chase every ball before finally getting his reward when he latched onto a hopeful long ball and fired past the on-rushing Tim Howard. Great effort, great finish, great performance.

HONOURABLE MENTIONS
Germany's Bastian Schweinsteiger's showing Gareth Barry and Frank Lampard how to marshal the midfield, David Villa putting Torres in his place after being left in the shade at Euro 2008 and finally the Brazilians, who just make it look oh so easy.

SOUTH AFRICA ON BORROWED TIME AFTER URUGUAY DEFEAT

South Africa are facing the very real possibility of an early exit from the World Cup Finals after a dismal display against Uruguay on Wednesday night.

The South Americans were the better team for much of the game, restricting the hosts to nothing more than hopeful long shots.

Diego Forlan gave his side a one-nil half time lead with a dipping effort that took the slightest of deflections off of a South Africa captain Aaron Mokoena.

Forlan doubled the lead with a penalty in the second half as Bafana Bafana 'keeper Itumeleng Khune was sent off for a foul on Luis Suarez before Alvaro Pereira wrapped up the win with a third goal deep into injury time.

The hosts now face the daunting prospect of needing a win against former World Champions France in their final group game to stand any chance of progress. The hosts will be hoping for a draw in France and Mexico's second group game tomorrow knowing that that gives them the most likely route to progress. In that event the Mexicans would have to beat Group leaders Uruguay in their final game to secure a place in the knockout stages while France would also have to chase victory against South Africa.

If South Africa do fail to progress they will be the first host nation ever to fail to get through the group stages of the tournament. It may also adversely effect the rest of the tournament with the party atmosphere sure to dampen should the hosts head home early.

The noise levels inside the Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria fell dramatically with each Uruguay goal and fans were streaming for the exits as their side fell two goals behind. A chorus of 'boos' replaced the seemingly unstoppable choir of Vuvuzelas as Khune received his marching orders from the referee, but the fans will now have to get behind their team for them to stand any chance of beating France next Tuesday.

For Uruguay however the first task is almost complete. A draw against Mexico in their final game will be enough for them to advance to the round of sixteen but Diego Forlan and his team will undoubtedly want to go through as group winners and show the world they are a force to be reckoned with.