ROM a total of 32, it`s now down to 16 teams vying to lift football`s World Cup. Unlike the group stage, where there was margin for error, mistakes in the round of 16, which kicks off today, will mean a flight home for the numerous contenders.

The first round of the tournament in Brazil has featured sparkling moments of beautiful football, packed with plenty of goals, action and drama. Noticeably, some of world football`s powerhouses from Europe have made unceremonious exits from the cup, including defending champions Spain, who only managed a win against unfancied Australia and were pummelled by Holland and Chile in the group stage. Other European powers sent home early included Italy, England and Portugal. Italy has lifted the cup four times while both the Italian and English leagues are considered amongst the best in the world. Cristiano Ronaldo`s star power also failed to improve Portugal`s poor showing. Analysts have put forward a number of reasons for the Europeans` misfortunes in Brazil, the foremost being the European players` inability to acclimatise to the South American conditions. Also, no European side has ever lifted the cup in Latin America since football`s showcase event debuted in 1930. Yet more than the weather, it just may be that the `old continent` is losing its dominance over the game as Latin America, another traditional hub of football, reasserts itself, while African and Asian sides also rise in the ranks.

But European sides should not be ruled out altogether at this point.

After all, the Dutch have carried out a clinical campaign in the first round, winning all their group matches. It is entirely possible for the Dutchmen to lift their first cup in Rio de Janeiro. Germany also look strong. However, Brazil and the other South American contenders, including Argentina and Uruguay (despite losing Luiz Suarez to a bizarre biting incident), are no greenhorns and will put up a strong fight, propelled by passionate home and regional crowds. The journey to Rio will be eventful.