For the first time in World Cup history, the two finalists from the previous tournament — Italy and France — have been eliminated in the group stage. It is also the first time the host nation — in this case South Africa — has failed to make it to the knockout round. If you ask me, These are both actually very fitting results for this highly unpredictable World Cup.

We’re at the halfway point of the tournament, but I honestly don’t think there is any clear favorite at this time. Argentina, Brazil and the Netherlands have each made strong cases, but none has completely convinced me that it will be the one lifting the World Cup on July 11.

Portugal certainly put in a stellar performance as it ran riot over North Korea by 7-0, but only days earlier managed a dismal draw against Ivory Coast. Germany also looked strong in crushing Australia 4-0, but fell to a 1-0 loss against Serbia and just scraped by Ghana with a 1-0 win. Teams have just failed to maintain consistency during the first half of the tournament.

Meanwhile, pre-tournament favorites England and Spain have struggled. England couldn’t even manage to win its group, while Spain kicked off its tournament with a loss. While some have faltered, though, others have emerged as dark horses. Chile won its first two matches convincingly. Sure, they weren’t won by large scorelines, but Chile looked a very strong and capable team in its style of play.

Our very own United States has emerged as more than capable as well. Granted, Team USA snuck into the knockout round through Landon Donovan’s late winner, but the way the team has played has been promising. Many people I know who wrote off the U.S. before the tournament have now admitted they severely underestimated them. England thought they’d have it easy in the group, but it was the U.S. who won Group C and consequently avoided Germany in the next round.

While the scores so far have certainly come as a shock, I’m also surprised by how quiet some of the stars have been.

Kaka has been only a shadow of his former self for Brazil. Wayne Rooney has failed to replicate his Manchester United form for England, most likely because he is surrounded by a weaker squad that lacks any sense of team chemistry. Lionel Messi hasn’t had the eye for goal that he had during the season with Barcelona, but his build-up play has been absolutely phenomenal — it almost seems like the ball is glued to his foot as he cuts through defenses. Cristiano Ronaldo may have found the back of the net for Portugal, but as always, he has failed to replicate his club form and play to his full potential for his country. Franck Ribery was a no-show as his France team crashed out of the World Cup, losing all three of its matches.

While I’m on the topic of France, why couldn’t Thierry Henry be called for the handball against the Republic of Ireland in the qualifiers? Why couldn’t it have been Ireland in the World Cup? At least Ireland would’ve cared and actually tried. Instead, French players with overinflated egos revolted against their coach and refused to train. In retaliation, their equally egotistical coach benched those players who questioned him, and even sent their top striker home early. Way to take the World Cup seriously…

But as with every World Cup, new players are becoming stars of the tournament. Keisuke Honda has been phenomenal in leading Japan to the knockout round. Mesut Özil has been a pleasant surprise for Germany, and his wonder-strike against Ghana was something special. While already a star in this country, Landon Donovan may finally earn some more respect outside of the U.S. after his inspirational performances thus far.

After Friday’s matches, the Round of 16 will be decided. Brazil is already a lock for the next round: all that’s left to be determined is if it is a winner or runner-up in the “Group of Death.” Meanwhile, Portugal and Ivory Coast will battle for the final spot in the group, with North Korea already eliminated. In Group H, all four teams — Chile, Spain, Switzerland and Honduras — are in contention to advance.

Now is when it starts to get really exciting. It’s win or go home from here on out. For those of you who hate the idea that a match can end in a tie, those days will be past us. Any matches tied after 90 minutes will go to 30 minutes of extra time, after which we get the always-dramatic penalty shootout.

If you haven’t given the World Cup a chance yet, now’s the time to dive in. If you’ve been engrossed by the World Cup thus far, it’s about to get a whole lot better.

– Kyle Diller is a U. Illinois junior in Media.