World Cup 2010 – The Round of 16 is Set

After 48 first round games there are 16 teams left of the 32 countries that came to South Africa to compete in World Cup 2010.  Here are some statistics:

• Only six European nations have qualified for the last 16 at South Africa 2010, an all-time low for the Old Continent. This once again proves the old adage that European teams struggle off their own continent.

• For the first time ever, every South American country has qualified for the second round and all but one country (Honduras) of all the Americas have qualified.

• Of the first 100 goals at South Africa 2010, the 90th minute proved the most popular time to score, with five goals at that stage.

• Three players are tied for top goals scorer with 3 goals. Spain’s David Villa, Argentina’s Gonzalo Higuain and Slovakia’s Robert Vittek.

• The US finishes atop their group for the first time since 1930 but for the first time ever in the modern era of the World Cup.

• Not surprisingly Argentina has taken more shots (64), shots on goal (30) and in goals scored (7) are in a tie with Portugal.

• Brazil had the highest pass completion record after the first round of games with a staggering 84%. The US finished 25th with an 68% completion rate.

So here are your 16 teams moving on to the “Knock Out Stage”.