Showtime
A Review of the Winners & Losers through Gameweek 3 of the FIFA World Cup + Predictions for the Round of 16 Matches Ahead
…And then there were 16.
After two weeks of elite footballing action, the Group Stage of the FIFA World Cup is finally over.
32 countries. 48 matches. Grand aspirations.
But that counts for naught.
Because the real journey has yet to begin.
But before we preview the journey ahead, let’s take a look at the week that was. A week full of thrilling upsets, raw emotion, and late drama. And then, we’ll dive into the real action. Into the ‘Playground of Legends’.
LOSERS
First off, we’ll take a look at the main nations to whom we bid farewell. Teams that simply failed to show up, or struggled to match it with their footballing foes, their final performances left much to be desired.
SO CLOSE YET SO FAR — Ecuador
After 2 quality attacking matches from Ecuador and veteran talisman, Enner Valencia, there was a belief that “La Tri” could snatch an unlikely Round of 16 berth. Needing only a draw to qualify given their superior performance against Group heavyweights, the Netherlands, the Ecuadorians lacked the same vigour and energy in their decisive 3rd match with Senegal. Looking to defend their Round of 16 spot instead of playing their usual positive football, Ecuador was made to pay. A disappointing ending to a solid World Cup showing from the South Americans.
ABYSMAL — Qatar & Wales
A testament to the growth of football around the world, only 2 nations failed to grab a point throughout the Group Stage (Qatar and Canada). But whilst Canada managed to provide a strong showing throughout the tournament (with poor defensive breakdowns to blame), the same cannot be said for the host nation.
Competing in their 1st World Cup and on home soil (although admittedly the national team is comprised of naturalized refugees), their performances left much to be desired. The same can also be said for their UK counterparts in Wales.
Opening their account with a promising 1–1 draw with the US and following a 64-year World Cup hiatus, there were positive opening signs. But “The Dragons” failed to breathe any life into a Round of 16 berth with back-to-back abysmal showings. Likely the end of the great Gareth Bales’ competitive international career.
SHELLSHOCKED — Denmark
The most disappointing nation throughout the tournament for me. Touted as tournament dark horses following their deep Euro’s berth and predicted by many to top their Group (including myself), the Danes never really got going. Failing to score against Australia and Tunisia, despite world-class midfield and forward options was a big surprise. The usually ever-reliable Danes will need to bounce back from a disastrous campaign. With age on their side, they should have no trouble doing so.
LIGHTNING STRIKES TWICE — Germany
Since their triumph in Brazil, the Germans have yet to exit the Group Stage. Drawn into another tough group, the expectation was still that the Germans would find a way to sneak through. Yet 4 years on, they find themselves in the same situation. Featuring a mix of young and old, their inability to put Japan away in the 1st half of their Gameweek 1 encounter proved costly. The Asian nations (with losses to Japan in 2022 and South Korea in 2018) are quickly becoming their kryptonite.
DONE — Belgium
There are times as an avid sports writer when you hope you are wrong. When you make a prediction, but you hope with your whole heart it doesn’t come true. That was the predicament I found myself in with Belgium. And they failed to prove me wrong.
Featuring an aging squad, and plagued by internal divisions, the once mighty “Red Devils” are now a shell of their former selves. With Eden Hazard, Romelu Lukaku, and Kevin De Bruyne in the twilight of their careers (particularly the former), it may be a long time before we see Belgium make another deep World Cup run.
ON THE CHOPPING BLOCK — Romelu Lukaku
With a Round of 16 berth still up for the taking, Belgian manager Roberto Martinez turned to his star striker to make a difference off the bench. Largely unsighted since a thigh strain in late October, the Inter Milan forward failed to capitalize on 3 guilt-edge chances, which proved costly as Belgium was knocked out. A long-standing whipping boy of the world game, this performance will do little to drown out the haters.
LOST NO ADMIRERS — Cameroon
The most unlucky team to miss the Round of 16 for mine, Cameroon’s late heroics against tournament favourites Brazil were not enough to see them through. Consistent performers, “The Indomitable Lions” were left to rue their far-from-indomitable defensive efforts through Gameweek 1 and 2. Can hold their heads high. But in World Cup Finals, being consistently solid sometimes isn’t enough.
TOO LITTLE TOO LATE — Uruguay
Failing to trouble the scorers through Gameweek 1 and 2, Uruguay had it all to do in Gameweek 3. Needing a win to progress, you just knew the South American overachiever's chances of progressing would go down to the wire. And that’s exactly what happened.
After a blistering 1st half performance against Ghana, the Uruguayans were cruising towards a date with Brazil, before South Korean heroics spoiled the party. The end of the road for legends Luiz Suarez and Edinson Cavani.
And this one’s for FIFA…
FINAL MATCH-DAY DRAMA
After one of the greatest conclusions to the Group Stage in World Cup history, the tournament will experience a major shakeup. With a 48-team tournament, featuring 16 groups of 3, planned for 2026, we may never experience an ending like this again. Here’s hoping FIFA can find a way to maintain the thrills of Group Stage football, in a fair and equal manner.
WINNERS
On a more positive note, we take a look at the major winners through Gameweek 3. With most of the footballing giants' winning ways coming to an end, we shine a light on the performances of lesser-known nations who qualified for the Round of 16 with a BANG!
FLYING UNDER THE RADAR — Senegal
After a disappointing 1st-up loss to the Netherlands, the “Lions of Teranga” could have thrown in the towel. A game they could’ve easily won, the AFCON Champions showed great resolve in their next 2 matches, capped off by a dominant showing against Ecuador. Can take a great deal of confidence into their match with England. A Quarter-Final berth is now in sight.
JUST DOING ENOUGH — USA
Expected to progress pre-tournament, the US was far from clinical in their Group Stage encounters. But with a stoic defensive unit, and attacking quality, the “Red, White, and Blue” did just enough to progress, with a 1–0 Matchday 3 victory over Iran. Will need to lift against the Netherlands, but like the previously mentioned “Lions of Teranga” a Quarter-Final berth is within reach.
DEFYING ALL ODDS — Australia
Barely scraping through Qualifying, the Socceroos were destined for a long World Cup campaign. Drawing an almost identical group to their 2018 appearance, the new-look squad bounced back from a hugely disappointing 4–1 opening loss to France in fine style, with back-to-back wins against Tunisia and Denmark. Will bid farewell to Qatar in less than 24 hours, but will have lost no supporters. In saying that, stranger things have happened.
DEJA VU — Japan
The most unpredictable team in this World Cup, the “Samurai Blue” are flying once more. After a lifeless performance against Costa Rica, the Japanese stunned Spain with another 2nd half turn-around. Topping the “Group of Death”, the giant-killing Asian nation will be hoping to claim another victim in 2018 finalists Croatia.
STILL GOING STRONG — Morocco
The story of the World Cup for mine, Morocco, much like Japan has stunned the footballing world. Unlucky to have not beaten Croatia, and after demolishing European heavyweights Belgium, fans of the Northern African nation have reason to celebrate. And despite being challenged by Canada, they managed to secure the top spot in Group F. With a strong defense, and Chelsea winger Hakim Ziyech in fine form, they will prove a handful for Spain. Whatever happens, the “Atlas Lions” have already far exceeded expectations.
TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS — Switzerland
In typical Swiss fashion, the “Nati” did just enough to progress. Facing the dangerous Serbia in a do-or-die encounter, they managed to overcome a 2–1 deficit to secure safe passage to the Round of 16. Always seem to find a way to get the job done and despite a temporary retreat from their usual defensive antics, they will no doubt return to their usual squeaky-clean defense against Portugal.
COMETH THE MOMENT, COMETH THE MAN — Korea Republic
They say “form is temporary, but class is permanent”. South Korean superstar Son-Heung-min is living proof of that adage.
Following a remarkable 2021–22 Premier League season, Son, much like his nation through the tournament to date had experienced an indifferent start to this year's campaign. But with the hopes of his nation resting on his calm shoulders, it was Son who delivered the goods for his country in Matchweek 3. With a delightful assist for Wolves forward Hwang Hee-chan in the 91st minute, the Korea Republic claimed the last spot in the Round of 16, knocking out Uruguay in the process. In a far-from-dull tournament to date, it should’ve been expected.
ROUND OF 16 PREDICTIONS
With Knockout action beginning in less than 5 hours, we take a look at the match-ups and who should get through.
Netherlands v USA
For a team that has struggled to score throughout the tournament to date, the USA come up against a team that has had no trouble getting their name on the scoresheet. With both nations coming off dominant Matchday 3 performances, a fascinating encounter awaits, but “Oranje” should have too much class for their Central American Counterparts. And in big-time games, big-time players step up.
Prediction: 1–0
MOTM: Memphis Depay
Argentina v Australia
In what appears as the most lopsided encounter of the Round of 16, Australia and Argentina will go head-to-head in a surprising match-up. If the “Socceroos” have taught us anything, it is that they cannot be taken lightly, but with an Argentinian team already humbled by Asian opponents, that appears highly unlikely.
Prediction: 3–1
MOTM: Lautaro Martinez
France v Poland
With both nations coming off losses, they will be eager to return to their winning ways. Despite boasting in-form keeper Wojciech Szczesny and the ever-dangerous striker Robert Lewandowski, the overall quality of “Les Bleus” should shine through. Kylian Mbappe should be a handful for the Polish defense, and with the young forward already establishing himself as a man for the big moments, this game should have his name written all over it.
Prediction: 2–0
MOTM: Kylian Mbappe
England v Senegal
In a clash between two continental titans, this game should be far from a snoozefest. With both countries racking up their fair share of goals through the Group Stage, the more clinical nation will be rewarded. Bouncing back from their opening defeat against the Netherlands, the Kings of Africa could surprise a few and cause the 1st Round of 16 boil-over.
Prediction: 1–2 (ET)
MOTM: Kalidou Koulibaly
Japan v Croatia
Coming off another emotionally charged victory, Japan will be hoping that lightning strikes thrice against Croatia. With their European opponents progressing in an unconvincing manner, a quick start is important. But for a nation that boasts Luka Modric, one of the greatest midfielders of this generation, amongst other A-Grade talents, it is not long before the 2018 finalists rediscover their blistering best.
Prediction: 0–1
MOTM: Ivan Perisic
Brazil v The Republic of Korea
After defeat in their last match-up, the pre-tournament favourites are on notice. Despite fielding their 2nd fiddle team (with a squad depth the envy of most nations) the Brazilians will be out to rectify their mistakes with a win against the South Koreans. But headed by Tottenham Hotspur super-star Son Heung-min, it will not be easy.
Prediction: 2–0
MOTM: Vinicius Jnr
Morocco v Spain
In the match-up of the Round of 16 for mine, the high-flying Africans will come up against the youthful Spaniards. With both teams full of quality, it will be a tight-run affair. Yet despite the heroics of Hakim Ziyech, Spain should not fall victim to another less fancied opponent.
Prediction: 1–1 (3–4 penalties)
Portugal v Switzerland
What appears as the evenest match-up on paper, both nations will have high hopes of progressing. Coming off a Stoppage Time defeat, Portugal will be eager to return to the winners' list, but facing a proud Swiss outfit, they will be made to work for it. In what is likely Cristiano Ronaldo’s final World Cup, the “Seleção das Quinas” should just have enough.
Prediction: 0:0 (4–3 penalties)
MOTM: Cristiano Ronaldo
POWER RANKINGS:
If a higher-ranked team played a lower-ranked team now, I would have the higher-ranked team winning. For example, the 5th-ranked Portugal based on its current form would beat the 6th-ranked Spain.
- Brazil (0)
- Argentina (+2)
- France (-1)
- England (+2)
- Portugal (+2)
- Spain (-1)
- Netherlands (+1)
- Morocco (+3)
- Senegal (+10)
- Switzerland (0)
- Japan (+10)
- Croatia (-5)
- USA (+9)
- Korea Republic (+12)
- Australia (+10)
- Poland (0)
