GIF Recap: What the Hell Just Happened in the Round of 16 at the World Cup?

No shortage of last-minute drama, extra time, and sensational goals, the Round of 16 had it all.

Image via kgmi.com

When the final whistle blew at Arena Fonte Nova in Salvador, Brazil yesterday, it didn't just signal the end for the United States and Jurgen Klinsmann. It was also the conclusion of arguably the most exciting Round of 16 in World Cup history. There were a record five out of eight matches that needed extra time—and beyond, in some cases—in order to decide a winner and drama ensued from Brasilia to Belo Horizonte and everywhere in between. Tim Howard set a record for the most saves in World Cup history with his 16 denials against Belgium and the 154 goals scored so far in the tournament have already surpassed the 145 goals scored in total at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

Colombia's James Rodriguez continued his run of scoring in all of the South American's games by netting a brace during Colombia's 2-0 victory over Uruguay. He now leads the race for the Golden Boot at this tournament with five goals all together. The quarters are now set, with France set to take on Germany to open the round on July 4, while Brazil will clash with Colombia later that day. July 5 will begin with Argentina locking horns with Belgium, and the Netherlands and Costa Rica will then do battle for the last spot in the semis. But before you look ahead to this coming weekend, we took the time to stop and ask ourselves: What the Hell Just Happened in the Round of 16 at the World Cup?

Written by Adam Silvers (@silversurfer103)

Some Barcelona Mates Take a Moment to Compliment Each Other's Hair

Date: 6/28/2014
Match: Brazil v. Chile
Ground: Estadio Mineirao, Belo Horizante, Brazil

Let's all take a moment before the Round of 16 to hug it out and compliment each other's new summer look. Let the games begin!

David Luiz Leads an Emphatic Rendition of the Brazilian National Anthem

Date: 6/28/2014
Match: Brazil v. Chile
Ground: Estadio Mineirao, Belo Horizante, Brazil

David Luiz and the rest of the Selecao show off their pipes.

David Luiz Opens the Scoring

Date: 6/28/2014
Match: Brazil v. Chile
Ground: Estadio Mineirao, Belo Horizante, Brazil

Not exactly the prettiest goal in the tournament, but they count all the same. David Luiz got the party started in the Round of 16 in Belo Horizante on Saturday.

Alexis Sanchez Equalizes After a Terrible Giveaway From Hulk

Date: 6/28/2014
Match: Brazil v. Chile
Ground: Estadio Mineirao, Belo Horizante, Brazil

Sure, Sanchez was only put in by a terrible mistake from Hulk, but that doesn't mean the goal was a given by any means. The Barcelona man keeps his composure and rolls it past Julio Cesar in goal.

Hulk Gives Brazil the Lead...Illegaly

Date: 6/28/2014
Match: Brazil v. Chile
Ground: Estadio Mineirao, Belo Horizante, Brazil

Hulk was eager to make amends for the sloppy giveaway that gifted Chile their equalizer, but he certainly looks to have used his arm here to control this ball.

Google Pretty Much Has It Right From the Beginning

Date: 6/28/2014
Match: Brazil v. Chile
Ground: Estadio Mineirao, Belo Horizante, Brazil

We hope you've been enjoying these tournament as much as we have. This animation was so on the money for the South American clash.

Chile Came This Close to Stealing It at the Death

Date: 6/28/2014
Match: Brazil v. Chile
Ground: Estadio Mineirao, Belo Horizante, Brazil

We're not sure why Mauricio Pinilla decided to get this moment tattooed on his back, but goddamn he came close to killing the dreams of a nation in the '120 minute.

The Woodwork Plays Its Part For Brazil

Date: 6/28/2014
Match: Brazil v. Chile
Ground: Estadio Mineirao, Belo Horizante, Brazil

Having already saved them about 35 minutes earlier, the woodwork played the final role in Brazil's progression to the quarterfinals. Only a host nation would have this benefit.

James Rodriguez Opens the Scoring Like a Boss

Date: 6/28/2014
Match: Colombia v. Uruguay
Ground: Estadio Maracana, Rio de Janeiro

A real contender for goal of the tournament, James Rodriguez has firmly cemented himself as one of the best players at this World Cup. We cannot wait to see what he has in store for Brazil on Friday.

And Colombia Celebrates With a Signature Team Dance

Date: 6/28/2014
Match: Colombia v. Uruguay
Ground: Estadio Maracana, Rio de Janeiro

We can't get enough of the team dance celebrations from Colombia. They are having such a blast in Brazil.

Who Else But James Rodriguez?

Date: 6/28/2014
Match: Colombia v. Uruguay
Ground: Estadio Maracana, Rio de Janeiro

A James Rodriguez double you say? It was only fitting for the breakout star of the tournament to grab a brace when the entire world was watching.

Diego Forlan Wasn't Having a Good Time

Date: 6/28/2014
Match: Colombia v. Uruguay
Ground: Estadio Maracana, Rio de Janeiro

Once Luis Suarez was banned from the rest of the tournament—and banished from the planet—it was never going to be Uruguay's day against Colombia. Let it go, boss.

This Colombia Fan Flaps the Team to Victory

Date: 6/28/2014
Match: Colombia v. Uruguay
Ground: Estadio Maracana, Rio de Janeiro

Colombia and James Rodriguez soared to new heights against Uruguay on Saturday, and we have little to no doubt that this dude played a key role.

Gio dos Santos Gets the Party Started

Date: 6/29/2014
Match: Netherlands v. Mexico
Ground: Estadio Castelao, Fortaleza, Brazil

Gio dos Santos had Miguel Herrera and the rest of Mexico thinking this was their moment of glory. A fantastic strike from the 25-year-old put Mexico on the board first, but they wouldn't have the last laugh.

Wesley Sneijder the God

Date: 6/29/2014
Match: Netherlands v. Mexico
Ground: Estadio Castelao, Fortaleza, Brazil

There was nothing the brilliant Ochoa could do about this perfectly hit strike from Wesley Sneijder in the '88 minute. This was the beginning of Mexico's undoing.

The Cooling Break Wasn't Just for the Players

Date: 6/29/2014
Match: Netherlands v. Mexico
Ground: Estadio Castelao, Fortaleza, Brazil

This dude needed the water just as much as the players did in a sweltering Fortaleza on Sunday.

Penalty or Dive?

Date: 6/29/2014
Match: Netherlands v. Mexico
Ground: Estadio Castelao, Fortaleza, Brazil

Arjen Robben put his team in a position to advance to the quarterfinals, but was it on the up and up? You be the judge.

The Fortress of Fortaleza Stands Tall Once More

Date: 6/29/2014
Match: Netherlands v. Mexico
Ground: Estadio Castelao, Fortaleza, Brazil

Guillermo "Memo" Ochoa has produced brilliant performance after brilliant performance at this World Cup and stifled some of the most potent attacks in the world in the process. We hope he ends up with a real European contender this coming season.

Everyone Is Going to Miss Miguel Herrera

Date: 6/29/2014
Match: Netherlands v. Mexico
Ground: Estadio Castelao, Fortaleza, Brazil

Miguel Herrera has given us so much to remember him by. We're just sad that his time on the sidelines at this World Cup has come to a conclusion.

The Hunter Settles It at the Death

Date: 6/29/2014
Match: Netherlands v. Mexico
Ground: Estadio Castelao, Fortaleza, Brazil

Having missed four of his previous five penalties, Klaas-Jan Huntelaar exorcised some demons and put Holland in the last eight.

And Let The Corner Flag Know What's Up

Date: 6/29/2014
Match: Netherlands v. Mexico
Ground: Estadio Castelao, Fortaleza, Brazil

Take that, corner flag. We're sure there's a Mathieu Valbuena joke to be made somewhere.

Bryan Ruiz Opens the Scoring

Date: 6/29/2014
Match: Costa Rica v. Greece
Ground: Arena Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil

A goal that looked like it was moving in slow motion, Bryan Ruiz finally broke the deadlock for Costa Rica in the '52 minute.

Greece Extends Everyone's Misery

Date: 6/29/2014
Match: Costa Rica v. Greece
Ground: Arena Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil

Much of the talk on Twitter during this match was of how poor both sides were with respect to playing attacking football. And just when we thought Bryan Ruiz's goal would be the winner in regulation, Papastathopoulos equalized in the final moments of regulation to force extra time.

The Greek Coach Is Off for a Smoke

Date: 6/29/2014
Match: Costa Rica v. Greece
Ground: Arena Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil

Fernando Santos was sent off just before penalty kicks, and he wasn't thrilled about it.

Costa Rica Brings a Three-Hour Match to an End

Date: 6/29/2014
Match: Costa Rica v. Greece
Ground: Arena Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil

Michael Umana scores the clinching penalty to hoist 10-man Costa Rica over Greece and into the quarters against the Netherlands.

Los Ticos Celebrate Appropriately

Date: 6/29/2014
Match: Costa Rica v. Greece
Ground: Arena Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil

These fans have seen their team get past Uruguay, Italy, England, and now Greece. We would be celebrating like this, too, after making the quarterfinals of the World Cup for the first time in team history. Los Ticos!

Pogba's Header Breaks the Deadlock

Date: 6/30/2014
Match: France v. Nigeria
Ground: Estadio Nacional de Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil

Vincent Enyeama had been spectacular in net for Nigeria, but when he couldn't properly deal with this corner, Paul Pogba made no mistake with his empty net header. France was well on its way afterwards.

An OG Settles It For France

Date: 6/30/2014
Match: France v. Nigeria
Ground: Estadio Nacional de Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil

Antoine Griezmann will be the first to admit he didn't get a touch to this ball, as France's advantage is doubled through a Nigerian own goal.

This Dude Believes Until the End

Date: 6/30/2014
Match: France v. Nigeria
Ground: Estadio Nacional de Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil

The fans have played a huge part in making this one of the best World Cups on record.

Blaise Matuidi Should've Been Sent Off

Date: 6/30/2014
Match: France v. Nigeria
Ground: Estadio Nacional de Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil

We'll never figure out how this isn't a red card on Blaise Matuidi. Nasty challenge.

Algeria's Keeper Knew Trouble Was Coming

Date: 6/30/2014
Match: Germany v. Algeria
Ground: Estadio Beira-Rio, Porto Alegre, Brazil

Rais M'Bohli did everything he could in goal for Algeria on Monday, but this look screams, "We ain't winning this game!"

Germany Finally Gets on the Board

Date: 6/30/2014
Match: Germany v. Algeria
Ground: Estadio Beira-Rio, Porto Alegre, Brazil

It took extra time to settle it, and it was anything but extraordinary, but Andre Schurrle finally got Germany the goal they needed.

Ozil Puts It to Bed

Date: 6/30/2014
Match: Germany v. Algeria
Ground: Estadio Beira-Rio, Porto Alegre, Brazil

It wasn't pretty, but Mesut Ozil finally scores the would-be-winner to send Germany to the last eight.

The Desert Foxes Pull One Back

Date: 6/30/2014
Match: Germany v. Algeria
Ground: Estadio Beira-Rio, Porto Alegre, Brazil

At least Algeria can say they breached the German defense once.

Algeria's Manager Isn't Ready to Go Home

Date: 6/30/2014
Match: Germany v. Algeria
Ground: Estadio Beira-Rio, Porto Alegre, Brazil

Be proud, Vahid Halihodzic, you brought Algeria to the knockout round for the first time in team history.

Awkward German Hugging Celebration

Date: 6/30/2014
Match: Germany v. Algeria
Ground: Estadio Beira-Rio, Porto Alegre, Brazil

Klose and Neuer celebrate a quarterfinal birth as only Germans can.

Angel di Maria Gives Argentina the Lead in the '118 Minute

Date: 7/1/2014
Match: Argentina v. Switzerland
Ground: Arena Corinthians, Sao Paulo

Messi and company had been stifled for nearly 120 minutes in Sao Paulo, but all it takes is one momentary lapse. Stephen Lichtsteiner gave the ball away, Messi came marauding through the midfield, and Angel di Maria applied the winning touch.

Switzerland Came This Close to Equalizing Just Moments Later

Date: 7/1/2014
Match: Argentina v. Switzerland
Ground: Arena Corinthians, Sao Paulo

Blerim Dzemaili came within inches of bringing Switzerland right back into this match. To make matters worse, not only did his shot hit the post, it cannoned back out of play off of him to prevent a Swiss corner.

But Then It Was Goodnight, Switzerland

Date: 7/1/2014
Match: Argentina v. Switzerland
Ground: Arena Corinthians, Sao Paulo

A kiss goodnight for Otmar Hitzfeld, Xherdan Shaqiri, and the rest of La Nati.

Mascherano Looks Like He Needed a Quilmes Throughout the Match

Date: 7/1/2014
Match: Argentina v. Switzerland
Ground: Arena Corinthians, Sao Paulo

Javier Mascherano is a tough-tackling midfielder who's never been known to back down from any sort of challenge, physical or verbal. We really hope he got to chill after this match with a brew or two.

Kevin de Bruyne Finally Breaches Tim Howard's Defense

Date: 7/1/2014
Match: USA v. Belgium
Ground: Arena Fonte Nova, Salvador, Brazil

It took 93 minutes, but Tim Howard was finally beaten by the red-haired Red Devil.

Lukaku Kills Off the U.S. Dream

Date: 7/1/2014
Match: USA v. Belgium
Ground: Arena Fonte Nova, Salvador, Brazil

Romelu Lukaku proved to be the perfect substitute for a Belgium side that simply couldn't get past Tim Howard for much of the night. He came on and was the driving force behind De Bruyne's opener before scoring this beauty himself.

Julian Green Restores Hope With His First Touch

Date: 7/1/2014
Match: USA v. Belgium
Ground: Arena Fonte Nova, Salvador, Brazil

The 19-year-old validated Jurgen Klinsmann's decision to bring him to Brazil with his very first touch at the World Cup. The Bayern wonderkid scored this great volley at the beginning of the second extra time and certainly had the U.S. believing once again.

One of Tim Howard's 16 Saves

Date: 7/1/2014
Match: USA v. Belgium
Ground: Arena Fonte Nova, Salvador, Brazil

Tim Howard saved a record 16 shots against Belgium in Salvador on Tuesday. The only problem was that the United States just couldn't get anything going in the final third of the pitch.

It's All Over, Jurgen

Date: 7/1/2014
Match: USA v. Belgium
Ground: Arena Fonte Nova, Salvador, Brazil

Jurgen Klinsmann may have said before the tournament that he didn't think the U.S. had a realistic shot at winning the World Cup, but there appeared little doubt that he was a firm believer in his side until the end.

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