World Cup Quarterfinals — Predictions & How 2 Watch!
It’s been an incredible world cup thus far. Some may even say a bit surprising, as we all bore witness to the fun pictures galleries coming out of the Olympics (rooms with no beds, too many toilets, and all around very strange interior design choices). But, admittedly, this world cup has seemingly been going off without a hitch much to everyone’s delight.
So, a quick recap of what’s happened (a few noteworthy things)
1. Germany. Is. Out. (still)
- Much to the rest of the fields delight, and a couple of awesome games from Mexico and South Korea to defeat die Mannschaft in the group stages. We don’t have the reigning world champs and their star studded lineup in the knockout round.
2. Russia advanced AND beat Spain
- No one thought much of the host nation, as they had a fairly easy group. And we’re only truly tested when playing Uruguay, but looked surprisingly strong against the weaker teams of Saudi Arabia and Mo Salah’s Egypt. Although they began the tournament with a thrashing of the Saudi’s 5 to nil. Most polls had their first knockout game going in favor of the Spanish by way of a goals galore. What occurred was an incredible effort by the Russian’s, leaving their heart on the pitch and getting through by way of Pk’s — and that had to be won against David De Gea between the posts.
3. The Saga of Group D
- While many had Group F picked as the perennial ‘Group of Death’ — true football fans were eagerly awaiting the outcome of the well balanced Group D. With Messi leading the Argentine attack, loaded with talent. Croatia with a stacked midfield, and this author’s sleeper pick to make it to the finals. Nigeria, whom we’re picked by many experts to be another sleeper choice to make it into the knockout rounds. And, of course, World Cup debutants, Iceland, who knocked the English out of Euro 2016. Without getting into the news coming out about John Obi Mikel, it all came down to Match Day 3. With Croatia already having advanced, but the other 3 all still in contention — with Argentina eventually shining through with a late goal from Marcos Rojo (Man Utd)
*note: we wanted to do a write up on all the groups, but chose to keep it brief to dive into the next topic below
So where are we now?
We’re into the last 8 — the Quarterfinals.
~Here’s our breakdown & keys to victory~
Uruguay vs. France
La Celeste (Uruguay) knocked out the reigning Euro champions with a couple glorious goals by Edinson Cavani. Les Blues (France) won an absolute thriller against the Argentine’s — a match I can only describe as a shootout. Cavani was escorted off the pitch late last game after picking up a calf injury, and is questionable for this matchup.
There is still Barcelona striker Luis Suarez who’s ‘biting’ to get on the score sheet in the knockout round, but no doubt the French defense will be the toughest he’s faced thus far. The French backline anchored by Suarez’ teammate Samuel Umtiti and Raphael Varane of Real Madrid — both very familiar with the Uruguayans’ antics. The key to the game = Kylian Mbappe + Paul Pogba. While no one can forget the wonder strike from right-back Benjamin Pavard, the former two names have truly announced themselves on the world stage. Look to the teenage striker and a strong performance from the United midfielder to set the tone against a slightly weaker (on paper) midfield and backline of Uruguay.
Prediction: Uruguay 1–3 France ( 2–4 if Cavani starts )
Brazil vs. Belgium
There are probably only a handful of people in the world who aren’t looking forward to watching this matchup. Brazil, picked to win by many computer simulations, experts, random ‘psychic’ animals of various species. Up against, what some call the golden generation of Belgian football.
The South American’s are lead by leading twitter’ hashtag Neymar, who’s clearly enjoyed finding the back of the net just as much as the softness of the Russian turf. (it must be comfy to spend that much time laying on it) But, while both of these starting lineups flaunt some of the best european club talent, it’s their depth that has lead them to reach this stage with a few close calls (Japan, you & your fans are always welcome back fyi, I digress).
I’ll try to keep this short, because this matchup alone deserves a 20 page manuscript, but…the key matchup to watch = Lukaku vs Thiago Silva & Miranda. I’ve been saying it since the beginning of the tournament, if Lukaku has himself a good tournament (he’s been incredible thus far), Belgium have a legitimate chance of reaching the final, if not win it all. How will the 6’3” 200lbs striker fair against two seasoned center backs who earn their living at PSG and Atletico Madrid?
Prediction: No freakin’ idea — it’s anyone’s game….. Brazil 3–2 Belgium
Russia vs. Croatia
Surely the hosts can’t keep going? Can they…? Already breaking the record for largest upset in a World Cup knockout round (60 place difference in the Fifa World Elo Rankings), they now find themselves against a resilient, highly skilled Croatian team who’s advanced smoothly through the group stage, and came up against a staunch Danish defence, with the round of 16 seeing both of these teams advance by way of penalties.
The Russian’s are looking determined to give their home fans a good showing, and my new favorite player Artem Dzyuba (goal scorer against the Spanish) is a one-man defensive wrecking crew, and while the matchup between him and the backline pair of Lovren and Vida will undoubtedly be entertaining to watch.
The key to the game will be Russia’s ability to shut down the midfield attacking prowess of Modric, Rakatic, Perisic, and I’ll throw Kovacic into that mix as well (thats Real Madrid, Barcelona, Inter Milan, and Real Madrid, respectively) — those midfield maestro’s will be under pressure, but play for teams who are all too familiar with teams pressing to avoid being dismantled. But, I’ve been discrediting Russia this whole tourny, and they’ve surprised me at every step.
Prediction: Russia 2–2 Croatia (Croatia advance 4–3 on pk’s)
Sweden vs. England
“It’s coming home!” What every fan of the three lions has been shouting since the stunning shootout survival against the Colombians this past round. The English are looking incredibly un-English by surviving spot kicks, a feet that NO other team has accomplished. But, everyone is still holding their breath when it comes to the squad lead by Tottenham star, Harry Kane.
It would be VERY English for them to be knocked out by the likes of Sweden. Now, not to discredit the Scandinavian wonders of this tournament. Incase anyone has forgotten, they’re responsible for knocking out the Dutch in qualifying, the Italians, and emerging a top of the group that had Germany. The Swedes have been solid throughout qualifying and the tournament, proving their decision to leave Zlatan at home in Los Angeles to be a good one. Love ya Big Z, but this squad is looking just as dangerous without ya.
Prediction: Sweden 1–2 England (don’t screw this up England)
And there you have it!
Although, no matter what predictions we give based on the data and performances we’ve seen thus far, it’s going to be a good couple days of football. There’s no way any of these outfits see their side slowly fade away in a lackluster match. No, now we’re seeing what 4 years of blood, sweat, and passion culminate to. These players will be leaving everything out there to get to that coveted next round.
How & where will you be watching?
Most of us Stateside will be stuck watching secretly from our cubicles and work desks. So hopefully you’ve got yourself a nice little streaming service tucked away ready for incognito mode.
If you’re looking to get the matches straight on your monitor in whatever conference room you’re ducking into, give Fubo.tv a shot! (they have a 7 day trial…)
Need a reminder when the games are on, get recaps post game, and receive the watch links before kick off?
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