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, where pretenders are separated from contenders. Yesterday, Argentina and Portugal were eliminated from the tournament by France and Uruguay in thrilling matches.
Here is our concluding part of the Round of 16 previews.
BRAZIL v MEXICO – MON. 2 JULY 2018, 15.00HRS
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There would be fireworks at Samara Arena in this match between the Selecao and El Tri. Mexico suffered an unexpected collapse in their final group game against Sweden but will be expected to produce a similar performance like they did against Germany in their opening game at the tournament. Brazil produced a fine display in their 2-0 victory over Serbia; a victory that saw the Samba boys win Group E. The five-time World champion have injury concerns ahead of this game; Marcelo, Danilo and Douglas Costa are all doubtful for this one. The world is yet to see the best of Neymar yet, we are due for one at this finals.
VERDICT – Brazil are yet to hit expected heights at this finals yet; Mexico look more like a better side so far except in their final group game. Brazil have won four of their past six meetings but, since 1999, Mexico have won seven and draw three of their 15 matches. Mexico will trouble Brazil on the counter, with Lozano in particularly one to be wary of, but on the performance of the Selecao could find a way past El Tri. Over 1.5 goals is our prediction for this game.
BELGIUM v JAPAN – MON. 2 JULY 2018, 19.00HRS
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Japan squeezed themselves through into the last 16 thanks to the FIFA Fairplay rule as they got less yellow cards than Senegal who finished same points and goal difference too. Belgium won Group G on the final group match day in a low profile game against England. The Red Devils have been rewarded with a Round of 16 tie against the サムライ・ブルー (Samurai Blue). Coach Roberto Martinez was able to rest key players for the final game and still earned a victory ensuring a 100% record in the group stage. Belgium have won their three matches so far but they are not a cohesive unit and will need to take a notch further as they progress in the tournament. Japan have mission impossible to conquer in Rostov if they are to make it to the last eight for the first time ever.
VERDICT – The Europeans may be favorites for this game but Belgium have only won one of five head to head games against Japan. Both sides met at the 2002 World Cup, the game ended in a draw. Japan have overachieved already by making it this far but it is up to Belgium to impose their style and superiority over the Asians. Belgium need to earn their stripes in the game as the Japanese will not roll over easily. Over 2.5 goals
SWEDEN v SWITZERLAND – TUE. 3 JULY 2018, 15.00HRS
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Sweden recovered from the heartbreak in Sochi against Germany to create one of the upsets of the tournament by defeating Mexico in the final group match and winning Group F. The Swedes confidence would sky high as they prepare for the Round of 16 battle in Saint Petersburg. Switzerland made it out of their group with solid performances in all three group games including their deserved 1-1 draw with Brazil and their come from behind victory over Serbia. Both sides are well drilled defensively and rely on counter attacks in hurt opponents. Switzerland will play this game without Captain Stephen Lichtsteiner and Fabian Schar due to suspension (yellow card accumulation).
VERDICT – This could arguably be the most difficult game in the round with two closely matched teams vying for a quarter-finals spot at this year’s World Cup. Both sides have met 14 times, with 5W each, 4D. It is difficult predicting a winner in this game but Switzerland are definitely weaker without their skipper. This could go all the way to penalties but I think both sides can get on the scoresheet.
COLOMBIA v ENGLAND – TUE. 3 JULY 2018, 19.00HRS
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Not many teams have managed to recover from defeat in their opening game at this World Cup to book a second round ticket but Colombia have done that; they won Group H quite comfortably. Maybe England chose to finish second in Group G so they could fall into the easier half of the knock-out rounds but they will have their hands full against a South American nation that is quite ambitious at this World Cup finals. England lost their final group match against Belgium with Coach Gareth Southgate preferring to give every outfield player minutes under their belt. Colombia haven’t produced like they did in Brazil four years ago, James Rodriguez has fitness concerns, Radamel Falcao has lost some pace but they have the giant Centre back Yerry Mina who has popped in important goals. He will face the tournament leading scorer, Harry Kane at the Spartak stadium on Tuesday.
VERDICT – Both sides have met thrice and history favors England who haven’t lost to Colombia in all the meetings. As a matter of fact, England beat Colombia 2-0 in Lens at the 1998 World Cup finals. This will not be easy for either sides but we are convinced both sides can hurt each other. Both teams to score is our prediction.
This wraps up our previews for the Round of 16 matches at the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Keep playing, keep winning by visiting Babaijebu.ng