The group stages have concluded in one of the most exciting and high-scoring World Cups ever held, and the first batch of knockout games are underway.
Did FIFA 14 Predict The Correct Winner For Uruguay's Suarez-Free Match?
As has been the case through the tournament, I have been simulating the fixtures using FIFA 14's World Cup mode, which is updated to reflect the form and performances of each squad. The simulations for Colombia vs Uruguay and Brazil vs Chile both predicted the correct winner--though the wrong game went to penalties.
The game was close, as I suspect it may be, and the favored Netherlands came away with a 2-0 win in the end. Mexico has performed much better than expect so far, turning around its poor year leading up to the competition, but Van Gaal's side has been even better, blowing away Spain and the rest of the opposition so far.
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The first goal came through Van Persie early in the first half, but it was difficult for either side to break down the defense after that. With Mexico pushing for an equalizer late in the game, the Netherlands doubled its lead off a counter attack 77 minutes in and wrapped up its win.
As always, it's difficult to say what will happen in the approaching match. FIFA 14 was spot on with its winners yesterday, though, and I think it would certainly be surprising for Mexico to win this one. The team consistently makes it to this stage of the tournament, but cannot seem to get through to the quarterfinals with any consistency--tune in at 12 p.m. ET to see if FIFA 14 got this one right.