World Cup Preview Day 18: Of Icons and Underdogs

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Mexico's goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa practices during warm-up before the group A World Cup soccer match between Croatia and Mexico at the Arena Pernambuco in Recife, Brazil, Monday, June 23, 2014.

Image: Ricardo Mazalan/Associated Press

By Sam Laird2014-06-29 11:00:08 UTC

By the end of Sunday's knockout-stage double-header, one proud footballing nation's hopes for a first World Cup title will live on. Another's will be dashed, to be remembered as yet another disappointment. Meanwhile, one 2014 Cinderella will continue its improbable run while another sees its glass slipper shattered.

Netherlands takes on Mexico at 12 p.m. ET to get Sunday started, followed by Costa Rica and Greece facing off at 4 p.m. Read on for the only preview you need to get primed for Sunday's World Cup action — and check back for daily primers throughout the knockout stage.

Netherlands vs. Mexico

Two of the world's most iconic national soccer teams. Two impassioned fan bases. Two countries still in search of joining the elite eight who can claim a World Cup title. Netherlands-Mexico offers a classic matchup on many levels, pitting two squads with proud histories against one another.

Mexico looked like a team with no hope in 2013. El Tri qualified for the World Cup only by the skin of its teeth. Then the manically passionate Miguel Herrera took over as coach, and Mexico has looked strong in Brazil. Guillermo Ochoa has been an utter wall in goal, allowing just one score in group-play and most notably frustrating the host team time and time again as Mexico scrapped to a 1-1 draw against Brazil on June 17.

Outside of Ochoa announcing himself to the world, the team lacks any true star power — Chicharito is a big name and plays for Manchester United, but he's been coming off the bench. It's obvious this group loves playing for Herrera though, and for good reason. Here's how he reacted to Mexico qualifying for the knockout stage this week after finishing second in Group A.

Netherlands won fearsome Group B, but many a prognosticator (this one included) expected them to be left on the outside looking in as Spain and Chile moved on. But the Oranje stormed to the top of the table by winning all three of their matches, including an audacious opener in which they waxed defending champion Spain 5-1 and star striker Robin van Persie scored this truly unforgettable goal.

Mexico is a team with heart, a charismatic coach and an underdog persona. It's hard not to pull for them. But the Netherlands is still stocked with talent that, despite creeping up in collective years, appears to be aging just fine for now. Ultimately, look for that talent to win out, and the Dutch to take this one by a final score of 2-0.

Costa Rica vs. Greece

Brazil Soccer WCup Costa Rica England

England's Frank Lampard, left, challenges Costa Rica's Joel Campbell during the group D World Cup soccer match between Costa Rica and England at the Mineirao Stadium in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, Tuesday, June 24, 2014.

Image: Jon Super/Associated Press

Sunday's second matchup, instead of featuring globally recognized soccer teams, sees a pair of perpetual underdogs face off.

Costa Rica shocked the world — and that's no exaggeration — by winning lethal Group D with astonishing ease over Italy, Uruguay and England. Los Ticos forward Joel Campbell has introduced himself to the casual soccer fan with a stellar performance in Brazil, but the Central American squad looks very tough top to bottom.

Greece, meanwhile, appeared to be on its way out until a last-minute penalty in the box on Côte d'Ivoire in the teams' final Group C match gave Greece an easy goal, booking the Piratiko an unexpected ticket to the knockout stage. Greece's trademark is a grinding brand of football that lacks much spontaneity or flair, but relies on discipline and set-pieces to punish opponents.

Costa Rica, once the vast underdog in Group D, enters this matchup as a shocking favorite. Greece will look to wear them down, but Los Ticos should be able to keep their magical run going and emerge with a 1-0 win.