2014 World Cup: Top 5 performers from the Round of 16

Tuesday saw the Round of 16 draw to a close as the last few teams booked their place in the quarter finals of the World Cup.Reflecting back on who emerged victorious from a series of scintillating and unforgettable matches, one eye-catching statistic emerged all of the group winners had managed to find safe passage to the final eight.And although that remains a fascinating snippet in its own right, what that doesnt reflect justly is the manner in which they got there as nearly all the matches were tight affairs filled with late, late goalsand high-octane drama.And with that, its time to take a look at the players who made their mark as the losers were eliminated and the winners advanced one step closer to glory.

#1 Tim Howard - USA

Despite the USA eventually getting eliminated by outside favourites Belgium during the week, it was their talismanic shot-stopper who stole the show to turn in an awe-inspiring performance. 

Making a combined total of 16 saves throughout normal and extra time, the American custodian threw down the gauntlet to Marc Wilmots’ young guns as he defied them time and again to give Jurgen Klinsmann hope that his side could actually reach the quarter finals for the second time in their history.

In the end, it was the introduction of Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku that proved the difference as his fresh legs and sheer physical strength gave the Belgians the added edge they needed. Powering past Matt Besler out near the touchline, he assisted Kevin De Bruyne to score the first goal.

And he also scored one himself to give them the breathing space they needed.

But former Manchester United ‘keeper Howard should rightfully take home the plaudits for the manner in which he battled for 120 minutes to give his side a fightng chance of upsetting the odds.

It was just such a shame that the States couldn’t find the equalising goal – he would have been offered the chance to become the winning hero in between the sticks in a shoot-out.

Just imagine the scenes in Salvador had he single-handedly dragged them through to a face-off against Lionel Messi, as well as the positive repercussions it would’ve had for US soccer.

If only.