The Quarters

A preview of the upcoming FIFA World Cup Quarter-Final action & the updated Power Rankings

In one of the more lopsided Round of 16 stages in recent memory, you could be forgiven for thinking there is a clear-cut tournament favourite. Yet with Quarter-Final action fast approaching, that couldn’t be further from the truth.

With defending champions France, consistent recent performers England, and a Messi-inspired Argentina amongst many teams still part of the equation, pre-tournament favourites Brazil are only narrowly ahead.

After a hectic week on a personal level, paired with a warped sleep schedule, there will be a change to my usual Matchweek structure. Not having the opportunity to watch Morocco’s famous victory, and Portugal’s dominant display, I have decided to jump straight into Quarter-Final action. So let’s get into it!

Quarter-Final Predictions

Croatia v Brazil

Fresh off a disappointing performance in the Group Stage, Croatia continued to scrape by, accounting for an exciting Japanese outfit in the Round of 16. They now face a red-hot Brazil, fresh off thumping fellow Asian opponents Korea Republic. With difference-maker Neymar only just returning to the line-up in their previous match, Brazil will only go from strength-strength, setting up a blockbuster Semi-Final date with Argentina. Neymar will stamp his authority in this match, proving his worth as one of the greatest players of the modern generation.

FIFA’s official Twitter preview for tonight’s Quarter-Final showdown

Prediction: 1–3

MOTM: Neymar

Netherlands v Argentina

In a match-up between 2 in-form teams, the match will be an enthralling watch. With both teams boasting the quality to go on and win the tournament, it will likely be the team with the most attacking quality that finds themselves going through. But with the wave of emotion behind Lionel Messi’s final campaign, the “Oranje”, despite a Cody Gakpo opener (very specific) should bow out. The “Albiceleste” train should keep on rolling.

Cody Gakpo has been in phenomenal form during the World Cup, scoring in 3 of the Netherlands' 4 matches.

Prediction: 1–2

MOTM: Lionel Messi

Morocco v Portugal

In a difficult match to read, “Giant Slayers”, Morocco will come up against “Giant Scorers”, Portugal. Coming off an emotionally charged Penalty Shoot-Out victory, after maintaining yet another clean sheet, hope will remain that Morocco can pull off yet another unlikely victory. But unlike the Lionel Messi story, this fairytale run will be put to an end. Memorable and full of giant upsets, the African nation's run was fun while it lasted. It will no doubt remain long in the memory.

Morocco has been the surprise of the tournament to date.

Prediction: 0–2

MOTM: Joao Felix

England v France

In what shapes as the most exciting encounter of the World Cup to date, “The Three Lions” will face “Les Bleus” in a fiercely competitive encounter. Both teams have been consistent performers in the World Cup to date, and it is difficult to pick a winner.

With a wide spread of goal-scorers and a breakout campaign from Jude Bellingham, England will be hoping to secure victory. But with fellow footballing phenom Kylian Mbappe, the Golden Boot leader at their opponents' disposal, it is impossible to bet against the defending World Champions. They will defy a wounded squad, and a “lack of squad depth” to squeeze through.

Kylian Mbappe, leading the Golden Boot race with 5 goals, celebrates scoring with his signature celebration.

Prediction: 2–3 (ET)

MOTM: Kylian Mbappe

POWER RANKINGS:

If a higher-ranked team played a lower-ranked team now based on form alone, I would have the higher-ranked team winning. For example, the 2nd-ranked France based would beat the 3rd-ranked England.

1. Brazil (0)
2. France (+1)
3. England (+1)
4. Portugal (+1)
5. Argentina (-3)
6. Netherlands (+1)
7. Morocco (+1)
8. Croatia (+4)

Croatia will need a huge performance from Luka Modric to help them progress to the Semi-Finals. Photo by Светлана Бекетова, CC BY-SA 3.0 GFDL, via Wikimedia Commons