Sizing up the Libertadores final 16

If Juan Román Riquelme can get healthy, Boca Juniors have a great shot at a record seventh Copa Libertadores crown. AP Gregory Sica's Mailbag Submit a comment or question for Gregory Name: Email: Hometown: Question: SEND

Who will stop the boys from Brazil? With all five representatives gaining entry into the knockout phase of the 50th edition of the Copa Libertadores, there's a great chance that a club from Brazil will emerge as South American champions come finals time in July.

Brazilian teams have demonstrated that they're a cut above the rest in terms of overall quality this year, and their domination is evidenced by the fact that all five of its teams (except, perhaps, for Palmeiras) advanced to the knockout phase without complications (the round of 16 gets underway Tuesday night).

From the five, the most impressive has been Grêmio. Not only did the two-time Libertadores champions go undefeated through the group stage, but they did so with an attractive style of free-flowing soccer. As is traditionally the case, former winners São Paulo, Cruzeiro and Palmeiras also have been very strong, while outsider Sport Recife has used its underdog tag to surprise its opposition.

From the remaining participants, a number of teams also have proved their worth. The main clubs expected to break the Brazilian juggernaut are Boca Juniors, Nacional and perhaps Libertad. Mexican clubs Chivas de Guadalajara and San Luis may have just sneaked into the knockout phase, but both will be motivated to edge Mexico closer toward a first title triumph.

Here's a breakdown of all eight matchups, with picks for the clubs to advance to the quarterfinals.

Sport Recife (6) vs. Palmeiras (11)

Cleiton Xavier's spectacular last-gasp strike sent Palmeiras into the last 16 at the expense of Colo-Colo and set up another showdown with fellow Brazilians Sport Recife. Both teams are familiar with one another after meeting in the group stage, with Palmeiras grabbing four of the six points in play. Expect a thrilling series between two teams that emphasize the attack and tend to exhibit the traditional Brazilian flair. If there's one player who could decide the outcome, it's Barcelona target Keirrison, the Palmeiras striker who leads the tournament with six goals.

The pick: Palmeiras

Cruzeiro (5) vs. Universidad de Chile (12)

Both Colo-Colo and Everton were eliminated dramatically last week, leaving Universidad de Chile as Chile's sole representative in the final 16. La U has never won South America's ultimate prize, but will rate its chances rather highly this year after spending big money in reinforcing its squad for the tournament. Unfortunately, the Chileans will be up against Cruzeiro, which also boasts an incredibly talented squad. The Belo Horizonte giants may be one of the strongest teams in the competition, but also revealed their weaknesses in a 4-0 thumping at the hands of Estudiantes de La Plata in the group stage. Which is Cruzeiro's real face?

The pick: Cruzeiro

Libertad (7) vs. Estudiantes de La Plata (10)

Libertad kicked off the tournament with four consecutive victories, but the Paraguayans seemed to take their foot off the pedal once qualification was sealed and ended up losing their final two games. Although Libertad still won its group rather comfortably, it will have to regain its form to eliminate a confident Estudiantes. In contrast to Libertad, the three-time Copa champions have risen from the dead in recent weeks, and Juan Sebastián Verón will be eager to help the side end a 39-year wait for another international title. This is likely to be one of the most evenly balanced matchups of the round of 16.

The pick: Libertad

Boca Juniors (2) vs. Defensor Sporting (15)

Boca is the overwhelming favorite to win a record seventh title, but the fact that it languishes toward the bottom of the Argentine Clausura Championship means it has to improve a great deal to get the better of the Uruguayans. Defensor progressed to the last 16 with a dramatic 4-3 victory over Independiente Medellín in Montevideo, and such a performance will likely motivate it ahead of one of the biggest games in its history.

The first leg of the tie will be postponed until next week because a concert will be staged at the Centenario stadium on the same day as the match was scheduled. The news comes as a relief for Carlos Ischia and the Boca camp, as Juan Román Riquelme should be recovered from a lengthy injury layoff by then. Without Riquelme, Boca has managed only one victory in seven matches. But with or without the playmaker, Boca has vast experience in these kinds of situations, and its strength and determination should steer los Xeneizes closer to seventh heaven.

The pick: Boca