Just eight teams remain and you won’t find many who would’ve
predicted this particular Quarter Final line-up! After an exhilarating Round of
16, where there was either an upset or a talking point every day, we head into
the next round hoping for more of the same.
In this article, I will preview the four Quarter Final
matches.
Quarter Final 1: Uruguay
vs France
Both teams played exceedingly well to progress from the
Round of 16 against strong opposition. France were powered to a win over
Argentina by a rampaging Mbappe and a wonder-strike from Pavard. They ripped
Argentina to shreds when attacking but their defense did leave something to be
desired, as they conceded three goals. Uruguay where their customary solid self
against Portugal in the previous round, with a momentary lapse from a corner
meaning they conceded their first goal of 2018. Edinson Cavani was their hero
for the day, with a superb support performance from Suarez. Cavani injured
himself in that game and is a major doubt for this one. His absence would be a
huge blow for the Uruguayans, as their forward duo seem to have an almost
telepathic relationship on the pitch. Without Cavani, one can expect Uruguay to
sit back further and try to soak up the French attacks, and rely on
counter-attacks and set pieces for the breakthrough. France themselves will be
without Matuidi, which could see Griezman pushed to the left, with possibly
Fekir coming in centrally. With Cavani in the team, I might have leaned towards
a Uruguay smash and grab, and will keep to that prediction if the forward does
pass fit at the last moment. As things stand, I predict a narrow Frane win by
the odd goal but you can be sure Uruguay will not give up without a fight.
Prediction:
Uruguay 1 – 2 France
Quarter Final 2: Brazil
vs Belgium
This match has the potential to be the match of the round.
Brazil have been swatting away opponents without getting into top gear yet.
There has been as much discussion about their victories as about Neymar’s
antics. The Brazilian forward needs to be careful, otherwise his performances
will be lost in a wave of criticism about his play-acting. Belgium came back
from the brink of elimination against Japan, recovering from being two goals
down in the second to grabbing a last gasp winner to win 3-2! Belgium’s defense
was unexpectedly loose in that game and they’ll need to shore themselves up to
keep Brazil out. Brazil will be without the suspended Casemiro and also Danilo,
who was injured in training and will miss the rest of the tournament. Marcelo
will likely come back as a like for like replacement, having sat out the last
game. This match is too close to call as a neutral, Belgium have the firepower
to trouble Brazil but what they lack is experience at this stage of the
tournament, which is often an even bigger influence on how teams perform under
duress. I will go for another narrow victory, this time to Brazil, at the end
of a highly competitive fixture.
Prediction: Brazil
2 – 1 Belgium
Quarter Final 3: Sweden
vs England
Sweden have done extremely well in getting this far in the
tournament. They dominated the Swiss in their last game and were unlucky not to
have won more comprehensively. England broke their penalty shootout hoodoo in
the previous game against Colombia, overcoming them after having given up a
late equalizer. The English now believe they have a clear path to the final,
and looking at the lower half of the draw, one cannot argue with this fact.
However, they need to take things one game at a time, and Sweden will not be
pushovers. The Swedes have only lost one game, and that too to a last minute
moment of genius against Germany. They dispatched Mexico, and are capable of
hurting better sides on their day. England will likely be without Vardy’s
services who was injured in the last game. A lot of responsibility will once
fall on Kane’s shoulders, who will definitely be pumped up to seal his Golden
Boot credentials. This is another game which will be close but England should
just have enough quality to see off their opponents.
Prediction: Sweden
0 – 1 England
Quarter Final 4: Russia
vs Croatia
The hosts have been exemplary hosts and have defied all
expectations on the pitch. They came past Spain in the previous round despite
barely having the ball for any extended period. They defended as a solid unit
and that was the biggest reason of their success, as Spain’s meticulous passing
failed to find a way through them. Croatia were given a scare by Denmark in
their last game, but came through on penalties after an excellent showing by
their goalkeeper Subasic. They were excellent in the Group stage but lost some
of their intensity last time round. Russia will be hoping for more of the same,
having a good forward line to cause trouble. Croatia’s trump card will once
again have to be the midfield pairing of Modric and Rakitic, who couldn’t
really get into top in the last game. If they do, Croatia should get back to
their Group stage form in this game, and win easily. If they don’t once again,
Russia are quite capable of springing a surprise and keep their fairy tale
going. I somehow can’t quite see the latter scenario happening, and predict
Croatia to show their class and come through.
Prediction: Russia
0 – 1 Croatia
No comments:
Post a Comment