2018 FIFA World Cup Round-of-16 Predictions

The 2018 FIFA World Cup group stage and the round-of-16 is upon us.

Joining us are myself (@TheRealZatarain), editor-in-chief Derek Tang (@DerekTang426) and Pedro Dorantes (@PedroDorantes98). Each of us will provide a brief note on the match, followed by the prediction.

BRACKET A

Uruguay (A1) v Portugal (B2)

Portugal’s defense will be up for the challenge when they meet Uruguay’s attack of Suarez and Cavani. I believe this match will be incredibly close.

Uruguay wins in overtime, 2-1.

Uruguay’s defense has been tremendous, though arguably against subpar opposition. It’s just as well for them, because Suarez and Cavani have been wasteful. They cannot afford any slipups against a Portugal team that will naturally look to Ronaldo.

Portugal wins shootout after 1-1 finish.

This one will be tough match. Uruguay has a solid defense, that could take them far into the game. Nonetheless, the South Americans don’t have the finesse to close out the game

Portugal wins in overtime, 2-1.

France (C1) v Argentina (D2)

Argentina have been lackluster, despite the outstanding depth put forth. France, however, seem to be in much better sync and will keep moving forward. Yet another disappointing World Cup finish for Messi and crew.

France wins, 3-2.

Both teams came to the tournament with loaded rosters but have looked underwhelming. Ultimately, France look at least a bit more comfortable and should be able to push past an Argentina side that looked improved but still disorganized against Nigeria

France wins shootout after 2-2 finish.

This could go either way. While Argentina did struggle, France seems incapable of showing off its true offensive capabilities.

France wins, 1-0.

Brazil (E1) v Mexico (F2)

Mexico has always played up to their South American opponents, with some exceptions. However, Brazil look very good and could by on their way to being no worse than fourth in this tournament. Mexico’s World Cup round-of-16 curse will continue.

Brazil 3, Mexico 1

Mexico’s best option is to go for a win. If they attempt to play an open style and take the game to Brazil, they MAY lose, but if they try to just sit back and hope to catch Brazil on the occasional counter, they WILL lose since that is the antithesis of their normal playing style anyway.

Brazil 2, Mexico 1

Mexico defeat to close out the group stage looked more like a confidence problem than a game one. If they go out with the right mindset out to the field, they could really pull off another upset.

Mexico 2, Brazil 1

Belgium (G1) v Japan (H2)

Although Japan has done well in surprising us all by getting out of the group stage, this Belgium side is one of the strongest we have seen. The Japanese will have to play the best defense imaginable if they even want a shot.

Belgium 3, Japan 0

Belgium look a bit more cohesive than in previous tournaments where they had plenty of talent but lacked tactical discipline. Japan has plenty of team spirit and Kagawa and Honda should be well rested having sat out the Poland game, but they fall short of Belgium in almost every category.

Belgium 3, Japan 0

Japan can only do so much against Belgium. They will come out defensively and sooner or later their defensive line will crack. Just then, Belgium will do its damage.

Belgium 2, Japan 0

BRACKET B

Spain (B1) v Russia (A2)

Russia looked incredibly good in their first two games but were dismantled by Uruguay in their final group stage match. Spain is a much more even squad than Uruguay, so it’s bound to be a tough time for the World Cup hosts.

Spain 3, Russia 1

Russia were stubborn against Uruguay but ultimately exposed. Their best chance would be to start Dzyuba and use his physical size to try and bother de Gea, who has looked uncharacteristically clumsy in goal.

Spain 2, Russia 0

It is clear that Russia’s early results during the group stage were some sort of illusion as Uruguay showed their problems. Nonetheless, Spain has struggled against “Smaller teams”. Getting the W won’t be easy for Spain

Spain wins 1-0

Croatia (D1) v Denmark (C2)

Denmark earned their spot in the knockout stage and their group wasn’t easy. However, Croatia will present itself to be a much different challenge. Croatia is very good at finishing, which may be what crumbles Denmark.

Croatia 3, Denmark 1

Denmark have done well to reach this far, but they won’t get past a Croatian team that has made great use of its depth in talent. If Mandzukic finds his finishing touch, this could be a truly one-sided affair.

Croatia 4, Denmark 1

Croatia could really show their skills in this game. Denmark was aided by teams like Peru who were unable of finishing their scoring chances. They won’t have the same luck against Croatia.

Croatia 2, Denmark 1

Sweden (F1) v Switzerland (E2)

After dismantling Mexico, Sweden definitely turned some heads. Switzerland also didn’t take a loss in a group featuring Brazil, which will make this one of the more interesting matches of the round of 16.

Switzerland 3, Sweden 2

Sweden has raised some eyebrows with their unexpected run of form, but that should come to an end against a Swiss team that has more individual talent and a bit more experience at this stage. Suspensions will make the Swiss a bit shaky at the back, though.

Switzerland 2, Sweden 1

Sweden could really put the Swiss on their toes as they really play a very straight forward brand of football. Nonetheless, Switzerland has plenty of talent and experiences to get the win in what looks like an exciting match.

1-1 (Sweden wins it on the shootout)

Colombia (H1) v England (G2)

We’ve heard it before but here it goes again: England looks good. From top to bottom, they’ve been pretty darn good. Colombia has a very good attack but England matches them with Kane and Lingard up front.

England 2, Colombia 1

If James Rodriguez is anything less than 100%, Colombia’s task seems insurmountable against an English team that has looked more impressive than ever. They may have the pace to keep up with the English, but their midfield and defense has been shaky. Not a good sign against the likes of Lingard and Kane.

England 2, Colombia 0

Colombia does not seem as good of a team as they were 4 years ago. They miss their scoring and chances, and don’t really read the pitch all that well. They can hold off the English for most of the game, but one mistake is all it takes for the Queen’s squad to score.