Mumbai, July 4 -- The FIFA World Cup knockout stage is set to deliver eight high-voltage Round of 16 clashes as the race for football's biggest prize enters its most unforgiving phase. Heavyweights Argentina, France, England and Spain will look to justify their favourites tag, while Portugal's blockbuster showdown against Spain headlines a round where one mistake can end a nation's World Cup dream.

Former Republic of Ireland and Manchester City defender and Zee5 expert Terry Phelan said the biggest difference between the group stage and knockout football is the players' mentality.

"It is a do-or-die situation now. The top players have to show that winning mentality individually and collectively because there is no margin for mistakes. A...