What a tournament! Arguably one of the greatest World Cups in history, the 2018 World Cup has given us more surprises than the 2002 World Cup while giving us more last minute winners and hearbreaks than ever before. We are currently down to our last eight and some of the biggest names are missing. However, we are witnessing the rise of some unpredictable sides. In a tournament that contradicts logic and everything us analyst could use to study the game, we continue to predict the upcoming results hoping the World Cup will be even somewhat sympathetic.
Uruguay vs France
Tincho: The best defensive team of the tournament against the most lethal and explosive attack makes for an interesting matchup. Uruguay’s backline has been a brick wall so far allowing just one goal so far in five games. Terrific in the air, excellent pressure and an overall physical team that does not leave many gaps in between the lines. Cavani’s absence will haunt Uruguay offensively leaving the responsibility to score AND create to Luis Suarez who may end up playing as the lone striker.
France had their best game of the tournament so far against Argentina as they took a step back and allowed Argentina to dominate the ball. They demonstrated they have a solid plan “B” option which includes the deadly counterattacks which rely on the speed of Mbappe, Griezmann and Dembele when he comes on. However, Uruguay is an interesting matchup against France because they have similar characteristics. Uruguay defends as a unit and is marvelous is in the air which will force France to rely on their individual talent to take on players 1v1. That is why for me, I believe France will win. They have a more individually talented side with more than one way to win games. Especially against a side that is missing an integral part of their attack.
Winner: France
Cam: No Blaise Matuidi will be a loss for Les Blurs but not as big if Cavani doesn’t play. France will control possession and work the ball out wide trying to expose the outside backs. If its only Suarez up front, Kante will mark him out of the game and quick cycle the ball forward for Grezimann or Pogba. Godin and Gimenez will need to be at top of game to slow down the flying French. Rodrigo Bentancur has been impressive but will have problems with France overloading the midfield. If Cavani does play it will make France uncomfortable but not put the result in doubt.
Winner: France
Brazil vs Belgium
Cam: This game could be worthy of a final. Highest ranked remaining teams Brazil and Belgium have the stars for any classic game. Belgium could change tactics as they won’t be the team dominating possession and revert to five in the back. Brazil on the other hand will continue with their 4-3-3. Neymar will be matched up with his PSG teammate Thomas Meunier on the left wing and Eden Hazard will be attacking the inexperienced Fagner on the opposite wing. The two men midfield of Belgium could struggle if Paulinho and Coutinho comeback to defend. Brazil have been the more dominate team, but this game is a tossup as it usually is when it gets to these later stages. The Brazilian defense is less likely to break compared to Belgium and will be the difference in a close match. As a Belgian National team fan my heart says Belgium but my head says Brazil. Its difficult to see how Brazil can be stopped.
Winner: Brazil
Tincho: A game most fans were anxious to see. Two of the most star-studded sides of the World Cup finally go head to head. However, the reality is that neither side has truly reached their peak this tournament and are still a question mark in my eyes. Belgium required an epic comeback to save them from humiliation at the hands of Japan. Simultaneously, Brazil appeared vulnerable against Mexico at times. Personally, I am curious to see how Fernandinho will able to replace the suspended Casemiro in the middle of the pitch. Casemiro is a much better player offensively than his possible replacement. Brazil will also lack that physicality in the middle against a Belgium who is rumored to start Fellaini in the middle.
Also, I am curious to see whether Martinez will stick with three in the back or if he will adapt to a more individually crafty brazilian side. Belgium’s back three got exposed at times throughout this tournament especially when attacked 1v1. Players like Neymar, Coutinho and Willian will look to use that to their advantage especially on the counterattack. I believe Belgium’s fragile defense will suffer against this talented Brazilian side.
Winner: Brazil
Croatia vs Russia
Tincho: Two of the biggest surprises of the tournament so far. Croatia has arguably been the most consistent team so far this tournament. They have the best midfield of the tournament and have a striker in Mandzukic who can put them away while also being a massive target for crosses or when the team is looking to get out of danger. A team that can dominate as a unit while also being able to rely on their big names to win the games when needed.
Russia has been a revelation so far but I do not think it is because they have necessarily played amazing. Their group consisted of fairly inferior sides such as Egypt and Saudi Arabia. Against Spain, Russia did not play to anything. Afinkeev single handedly kept Russia in the game and his tremendous performance in the penalty shootout won them the game. The hosts are much better than most of us expected them to be but they still don’t belong in the same sentence as this Croatia side.
Winner: Croatia
Cam: The Russians are flying as they knocked off the 2010 Champions and want more. Croatia were excellent in the group but fell asleep against Denmark. It hard not to pick the Croats with names like Modric, Perisic, Rakitic, and Mandzukic on the team sheet. The player that could have the most impact is Ante Rebic. The winger/striker has looked great for club and country spanning back to the DFB Pokal final. He has been dangerous, and his physicality and strength will be difficult to handle. The road ends here for the Russians.
Winner: Croatia
England vs Sweden
Cam: Both teams did not have a convincing performance in the round of 16 but were able to survive. When you look at the team sheets it seems that England are all over this. However, England have not found an offensive spark since the Panama game, not looking threating in either of their games since. Sweden when needing to score, vs Mexico, were able to do so. Sweden have not been able to dominate a game offensively and they are built to withstand pressure and play on counter. England will grab a goal and Sweden won’t be able to respond. Game will most likely end in extra time or penalties.
Winner: England
Tincho: At the beginning of the tournament, I did not give England much hope. I didn’t think that this young side was capable of much considering their possible opponents in the later rounds. Now, I have to admit that Southgate has done an amazing job with this side and as the wins start racking up, the team gains more and more confidence. Nothing is more dangerous than a talented team with confidence.
Sweden has yet to truly convince me that they are a force to be reckoned with. It took a great game against Mexico and a historic result from South Korea for Sweden to somehow win their group thus avoiding Brazil. They are reliable defensively but the lack of scoring continues to be a huge question mark for them. Sweden has to play perfect defensively for the full 90 minutes knowing that England have the likes of Harry Kane or even Jamie Vardy off the bench that can capitalize on your one mistake. I’ve given in. It’s coming home
Winner: England