World Cup Daily Brief: The Round of 16 is set; no Ronaldo, but lots of drama to come

Throughout the tournament, we'll begin each day with our World Cup Daily Brief, bringing you all the highlights from the previous day's matches and news cycle, while also looking forward to what you can expect from the day ahead.

Good morning, soccer fans. 

After 48 matches,136 goals (28 headed in, 24 scored by substitutes) and no small share of drama, the 2014 World Cup is down to 16 teams.

Germany and the United States were joined by Belgium and Algeria on the final day of Group Stage matches to complete the knockout bracket. Here's how they did it.

The Matches:

United States 0, Germany 1: Both teams advance to knockout stages.

Portugal 2, Ghana 1: Ronaldo finally gets a win, but it means nothing.

Russia 1, Algeria 1: Algeria through to Knockout Stage for first time in history.

Korea Republic 0, Belgium 1: Red Devils sweep Group H, move on to play U.S.

What You Need To Know

With no matches scheduled for today, we have time to catch our breath, and look forward to the next four days of World Cup action. All times are ET.

Saturday, June 28

12:00 PM - Brazil vs. Chile

4:00 PM - Colombia vs. Uruguay

Sunday, June 29

12:00 PM - Netherlands vs. Mexico

4:00 PM - Costa Rica vs. Greece

Monday, June 30

12:00 PM - France vs. Nigeria

4:00 PM - Germany vs. Algeria

Tuesday, July 1

12:00 PM - Argentina vs. Switzerland

4:00 PM - Belgium vs. United States

Anything Else?

Someone was shining a laser at Russia's Igor Akinfeev before Algeria scored.

Argentina confirm Sergio Aguero will not play Tuesday against Switzerland.

Uruguay is considering a boycott of their Round of 16 match vs. Colombia.

Report: Nigeria skip training over appearance fee dispute.

What Will Everyone Be Talking About Today?

It's difficult to overstate what a wonderful beginning this was to the 2014 World Cup. We'll spend today reliving all of the best moments, counting up the amazing goals, questioning the biggest controversies and wondering whether or not the knockout stage will be as great as the group stage.

5 Must Reads

Everything you need to know about the Luis Suarez ban.

Why Colombia is banning the sale of flour before its match against Uruguay.

What Nigeria's run in Brazil means to the people back home.

No goals, no problem: Why Belgium can make a deep run by winning 'ugly'.

How the USA got out of the Group of Death.

*****

Finally, Your Moment of Happiness In Algiers

This is what happened when Slimani scored to send Algeria on to the next round.