What we have witnessed since the start of this tournament is the exact reason why there is simply no competition like the FIFA World Cup. It is the tournament that just keep giving. Spain were the biggest casualty of the last round while Japan produced a performance of a life time in Rostov-On-Don. We are down to the last eight nations, these teams and fans can start to dream.
Here is our preview of the quarter finals:
URUGUAY v FRANCE – FRI. 6 JULY 2018, 15.00HRS
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Uruguay made it through to the quarter finals following a 2-1 win over European Champions Portugal at the Fisht Olympic stadium in Sochi. The South American nation have made it a perfect four wins in four games in this tournament. France were sensational in attack in their 4-3 victory over Argentina in the Last 16 with teenager Kylian Mbappe scoring two goals thereby joining Legendary Brazilian, Pele in the exclusive group of teenagers to score a brace at the World Cup finals. France coach Didier Deschamps is a pragmatic coach who operates with caution and would be worried with his team defense in their victory over Argentina where they let in three goals. Edinson Cavani, the star of the Sochi game is a doubt for this quarter final game and his absence is a huge concern for Oscar Tabarez and the 3.4 million citizens of Uruguay. This is a game between the two evenly balanced teams; Uruguay are strong defensively and have one of the most lethal attacking duo in international football. France have strength, guile and pace in attack, can be solid in midfield and steady defensively.
VERDICT – Uruguay are unbeaten in their last six meeting against France, winning two and securing four draws. Edinson Cavani is a crucial part of La Celeste attack, his absence would weaken the South Americans. This is a battle between two pragmatic coaches with variety of style. France have not lit up the World Cup but they have been steady. With a rich squad, Deschamps can switch system and players but he would expect more from Paul Pogba and Antoine Griezmann in order to break down Uruguay. Everything is possible in Nizhny Novgorod in this very close game. Our prediction is over 1.5 goals.
BRAZIL v BELGIUM – FRI. 6 JULY 2018, 19.00HRS
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Neymar led Brazil to a fairly comfortable two nil victory over Mexico in the Round of 16 as the Selecao book their place in the quarter finals in this mouthwatering fixture against another tournament favorite Belgium. The Red Devils didn’t have it smooth sailing as the Samba boys, their encounter in Rostov-on-Don against Japan say the Asians race into the lead with two early second half goals before Roberto Martinez team turned in around to secure one of the biggest comeback victories of the FIFA World Cup. This win over Japan showed the resilience and mental strength of the Belgians as well as their defensive frailties which could be exposed by the Brazilians who are much better physically and technically compared to the the Samurai Blues. Kazan Arena hosted an epic match in the last round (France v Argentina), we expecting another epic game from two top teams in this quarter final match. Belgium have crashed out in the quarter finals in their last two major tournaments and will hope it doesn’t become a trend as they face five-time champions in the battle for a Last four place.
VERDICT – The last time both teams met was in a second round game at the 2002 World Cup, Brazil won the game thanks to goals from Rivaldo and Ronaldo. Both sides will have a go at it; goals are on the cards. This will not go to penalties, a winner will emerge either in 90 or 120 minutes. Brazil have not hit the strides expectation but they have been strong, Belgium will need to improve defensively. Our prediction is over 2.5 goals at Kazan Arena.
SWEDEN v ENGLAND – SAT. 7 JULY 2018, 15.00HRS
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England managed to survive the penalty-shootout scare on Tuesday when they dispatched Colombia to set up the quarter-final tie with Sweden. An Emil Forsberg’s goal was all Sweden required to defeat Switzerland in the last 16 and book their place in the quarter finals. Harry Kane scored his sixth goal of the tournament in their game against Colombia but breaking the Scandinavians down will be easier said than done for Gareth Southgate men; Sweden have kept three clean sheets in four games at this finals. Janne Andersson’s team may not be playing eye-catching football but their unity and team ethic is something we have to praise. Sweden have no real star in their team so the entire group have worked together to achieve their collective success thus far. Dele Alli and Ashley Young are likely absentees for this Last eight game but the Three Lions have adequate replacements in Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Danny Rose.
VERDICT – England are favorites on paper for the game in Samara but this World Cup has offered surprises in unexpected places, nothing is given or guaranteed. Sweden may look like the exact opponent England would love to face in a fight for a Last four place but their record against the Swedes in competitive matches isn’t exactly great; winning one of the last eight. As the tournament as progressed, both teams have matured and this game will be down to the team that maximizes its strength. Our prediction is over 1.5 goals.
RUSSIA v CROATIA – SAT. 7 JULY 2018, 19.00HRS
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If you dare to dream, perhaps you can achieve it. Against all odds, Russia will be playing against Croatia for a place in the semifinals of the FIFA World Cup. The last time we saw an underdog particularly a host nation embark on such a run was with Korea at the 2002 World Cup finals. Both teams reached the quarter finals via the same route – penalties. We expect a packed vocal crowd at the Olympic stadium in Sochi with the belief of upsetting another strong European side. For the first time in this tournament, we saw Croatia struggle in their Round of 16 game against Denmark, but the hallmark of successful teams in tournaments is the ability to navigate tough moments and find a solution on a bad day; that is what Zlatko Dalic’s team did at the Nizhny Novgorod stadium last Sunday. This Saturday night game will see Croatia rely on their experienced campaigners to take them through the tough moments of the game against a team that would be backed by over 164 million citizens.
VERDICT – Russia have shown their ability offensively and defensively in the tournament so far. They have performed beyond expectation at World Cup already, they have nothing to lose as they face Croatia. The pressure is on Croatia have been one of the better teams at this tournament so far and are the stronger of the two on paper. However, we have seen more at this tournament to suggest that it is the desire on the day that counts. Can Modric, Rakitic, Mandzukic and co equal or surpass the achievement of Suker, Boban, Prosinecki and company by making it to the semifinals or even better? A close encounter is on the cards in this quarter final game. Our prediction is over 1.5 goals.
This wraps up our previews for the Quarter Finals at the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Keep playing, keep winning by visiting Babaijebu.ng