Thirty-two teams have now become 16.

With the conclusion of the group stages on Thursday evening, we now know the identity of the 16 countries that will battle it out to france 2014 jersey win this summer's World Cup. It is an eclectic bunch—the favourites are there, as are the outside tips, along with an intriguing collection of dark horses and even some perceived also-rans.

Brazil and Argentina, on opposite sides of the draw, remain the firm favourites to reach next month's finals, while France, Germany and the Netherlands are among those who appear set to go much further in the competition. But might we see a spanner in the works? Few expected Algeria or the United States to get this far, yet they are still alive and very much on a high.

They neymar brazil jersey may prove difficult nuts to crack in the pressurised environment of the knockout rounds, when mistakes become World cup soccer shoes magnified and producing your best football can be increasingly hard to do.

The United States showed their resilience on Thursday, even in eventual defeat to Germany. Thomas Muller's pinpoint finish was the only time their defence broke, as Jurgen Klinsmann's side held on to qualify for the knockout stages by goal difference. The defence was not perfect, but it was good enough.

They now face Belgium in the next round, after germany 2014 jersey the Europeans beat South Korea to continue their 100 percent record in the competition. Yet Marc Wilmots' side have looked solid without being particularly impressive so far in Brazil, and the U.S. figure to be tougher opposition than anything they have faced so far.

It is the pressure of the knockout stages that might prove most important in all encounters now, though. In a one-off setting, anything can happen.

Brazil and Argentina might be the favourites, but they will have to earn it on the pitch like everyone else.