LAST 16 PREVIEW WITH UK KICK-OFF TIMES
1 Saturday 4th July – Houston – 6pm
Canada v Morocco
Canada scored a late goal to defeat South Africa after qualifying in second place behind Switzerland. Morocco came from behind to draw with Holland before winning on penalties. Having drawn with Brazil in their opening game Morocco look like the best African team.
Morocco should comfortably beat Canada
2 Saturday 4th July – Philadelphia – 10pm
France v Paraguay
France have been excellent and their performance against Sweden was breathtaking. Paraguay were tough for Germany to breakdown and came through on penalties.
Paraguay are hard to break down , but France have so many attacking options they should get through
3 Sunday 5th July – New York – 9pm
Brazil v Norway
Brazil came through with a late goal to beat Japan after topping their group ahead of Morocco. Norway similarly scored late to beat Ivory Coast after coming through in second place behind France.
Brazil might just have the defence to cope with Norway’s attack and have match winners to progress
4 Monday 6th July – Mexico City – 1am
Mexico v England
Mexico have ridden the wave of being a host nation and have yet to concede a goal. England came through with a late Harry Kane double to beat DR Congo after topping their group.
Mexico will have a massive advantage playing at home but England are likely to score to end the Mexican clean sheet record. Engalnd’s defence looks vulnerable and may tighten considerably for this game. This could go all the way to penalties with England winning.
5 Monday 6th July – Dallas – 8pm
Portugal v Spain
Portugal having struggled through the group stage where they finished runners up to Colombia , manged to get past Croatia with an injury time winner and survived a scare when Croatia’s even later equaliser was disallowed for offside.
Spain had similar difficulties in the group stage however they did win their group and seemed to go up a level as they defeated Austria 3-0 in last 32 match.
I would expect this to be the end of the road for Ronaldo as Spain should win.
6 Tuesday 7th July – Seattle – 1am
USA v Belgium
An intriguing match up following Belgium’s 5-2 friendly win over USA in March.
USA have looked much improved and rising a wave of confidence although the red card to key striker Folarin Balogun against Bosnia means he is suspended for this match.
Belgium looked out of the World Cup when they trailed Senegal 2-0 late in their last 32 game but bought back to force extra time and win with a late controversial penalty.
I think the management of Mauricio Pochettino may prove vital see the USA prevail.
7 Tuesday 7th July – Atlanta – 5pm
Argentina v Egypt
Argentina have relied on Messi’s 7 goals so far and struggled to get past the bravery and entertaining football of Cape Verde in last 32 tie which went to extra time and saw the World Champions just get over the line winning 3-2, in the game of the tournament.
Egypt came through their group as runners up to Belgium after 1-1 draws with Belgium and Iran before beating New Zealand 3-1. Their last 32 tie saw them again draw 1-1 this time with Australia before winning the penalty shoot out.
Argentina showed their quality against Cape Verde and this should get them through against Egypt.
8 Tuesday 7th July – Vancouver – 9pm
Switzerland v Colombia
Switzerland are a team who seem to go un-noticed but suddenly a real threat in the knockout rounds of major competitions. They did enough to win their group despite a late equaliser conceded to Iraq in their opening game and were comfortable 2-0 winners over Algeria in last 32.
Colombia have played some great football but struggle to break teams down, perhaps against a more attack minded team like Switzerland, the game might suit their style more. I would expect Colombia to win.
Football is Academical 