The tournament hasn't been set ablaze so far and perhaps this is the time for real heroes. This is how the matchups look like. The headline clash: France vs. Spain.

October 16

Colombia vs. Germany - 5pm*, New Delhi

A tough one to call with both teams coming into the game on the back of impressive wins. Colombia, perhaps, have a slight edge after convincingly beating a strong USA side in their last group game. They have also already played in New Delhi. Germany, what you got?

Player to watch: Juan Penaloza (COL)

Paraguay vs. USA - 8pm, New Delhi

Expect lots of goals. Both teams have been brutal in attack and have also leaked silly goals. Paraguay are unbeaten with three wins out of three, so their morale and confidence would to be a tad higher.

Player to watch: Alan Rodriguez (PAR)

October 17

Iran vs. Mexico - 5pm, Goa

Iran are clear favorites. After demolishing Germany 4-0, they have established themselves as the underdogs. And with Mexico being the only team to make it this far without a win, Iran shouldn't have too much trouble in getting past this hurdle.

Player to watch: Younes Delfi (IRN)

France vs. Spain - 5pm, Guwahati

On paper the headliner of the round of 16. France have netted the highest number of goals and with them also resides the tournament's top-scorer. Spain have played well but they haven't yet adapted to Indian conditions. Sorry Spain, Guwahati is also going to be humid. Both teams are yet to be tested at a high level, so anything could happen in this game.

Player to watch: Amine Gouiri (FRA)

England vs. Japan - 8pm, Kolkata

England have won all their games and are the tournament's second-highest goalscorers. They have also played good teams -- Iraq, Mexico and Chile -- which suggests they are a pretty strong side. There is a catch though: they will be without top-scorer Jadon Sancho, as he returns to Dortmund. Japan are a one-man team and unless it goes to penalties England should win, no?

Player to watch: Angel Gomes (ENG)

Mali vs. Iraq - 8pm, Goa

Mali are the tournament's best attacking side purely in terms of attempts at goal. They have had 85 shots on goal in three games. They are also fast and exciting to watch. Iraq will be without their top scorer, Mohammed Dawood, and don't look like a side Mali will have problems with. So, Mali to win.

Player to watch: Djemoussa Traore (MLI)

October 18

Ghana vs. Niger - 5pm, Mumbai

Ghana showed India how ruthless they can be. Fast and direct in attack, compact and miserly in defence. These boys look like they that can go all the way. Against first-timers Niger, Ghana should have it easy, but they must remember their last head-to-head encounter in the African qualifiers. Ghana got past Niger 6-5 on penalties after a goalless semi-final. Not so easy then?

Player to watch: Eric Ayiah (GHA)

Brazil vs. Honduras - 8pm, Kochi

Nothing much to say here. Honduras have conceded 10 goals in their last two games and Brazil -- who have won all their games -- could well make that number swell to 15. Though anything can happen at this level, you can firmly place your bets on Brazil.

Player to watch: Paulinho (BRA)

*All times are in IST