Jason Pine: Can NZ upset Portugal?

Bill Tuiloma will play a vital role in tonight's match against Portugal. Photo / Getty

Mali, Serbia, USA and Senegal are through to the quarter-finals after a dramatic quartet of round-of-16 matches. So who joins them in the last eight?

Austria vs Uzbekistan - 4pm, Whangarei
Austria's progress to the knockout stages was based on strong defence, conceding just two goals in their three group games. Despite only 29% possession, they held Argentina to a 0-0 draw which knocked the increasingly frustrated South Americans out.

After defeats in their first two group games, Uzbekistan squeaked into the round of 16, courtesy of a 3-0 win over Fiji in their last match which saw them through as one of the best third-placed finishers on goal difference.

Key man: Francesco Lovric (Austria): The tall central defender is on the books of Stuttgart in Germany and has played a key role in his side's defensive solidity.

Tip: Austria 1-0

Germany vs Nigeria - 7.30pm, Christchurch
Europe and Africa collide in what promises to be an absolute cracker in Christchurch.

Germany charged through group play, scoring 16 goals and conceding just two, but there were question marks over the quality of their opposition.

Nigeria were involved in one of the games of the tournament, losing 4-2 to Brazil, before comfortable wins over Korea DPR and Hungary without conceding.

The Germans are favourites to win the tournament, but Nigeria may take inspiration from the wins of African counterparts Mali and Senegal yesterday and will go all out to join them in the quarter-finals.

Key man: Marc Stendera (Germany): Arguably the player of the tournament so far, the Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder has pulled the strings superbly in the German engine-room.

Tip: Germany 3-2

Brazil vs Uruguay, 7.30pm, New Plymouth
These two South American super-powers are set for another intriguing clash.

Brazil have delighted crowds with their typical flair and fantastic front-third play, scoring nine goals and winning all three of their group games.

Uruguay have been less prolific in front of goal, but emerged battle-hardened from a tough pool and were able to beat Serbia who have already won through to the last eight. They'll also sniff a chance with Brazil having conceded an average of a goal a game in group play.

Key man: Marcos Guilherme (Brazil): The tiny attacking midfielder hasn't yet scored at the tournament but has been heavily involved in several of Brazil's nine goals to date.

Tip: Brazil 3-1

Portugal vs New Zealand, 7.30pm, Hamilton
It's the biggest game in the young footballing careers of the Junior All Whites as they play a World Cup knockout match for the first time against a European powerhouse and one of the World Cup's form teams.

Portugal have scored goals for fun at the tournament (10 in three matches), so defensively, New Zealand will need to be rock-solid. Up front, they must be clinical in converting the chances which do come their way, as it's highly unlikely they'll be as frequent as they were in the 5-1 hiding of Myanmar last time out.

Everything points to a Portuguese win, but with a large, partisan home crowd behind them and free of any real expectation, New Zealand may just give the Europeans a run for their money.

Key man: Bill Tuiloma (New Zealand): The All Whites captain will need to draw on all his experience to rally his troops for a monumental challenge.

Tip: Portugal 2-1