QUARTER FINALS PREVIEW WITH UK KICK-OFF TIMES

1 Thursday 9th July – Boston – 9pm

France v Morocco

France come into the game having survived against a Paraguay team who fouled and intimidated the French throughout. A game that was decided when France were awarded a penalty by VAR which Mbappe scored to take his tally for the tournament to 7 goals level with Messi and his overall World Cup goals to 19 in 19 games.

Morocco were send best for long spells against Canada and their 3-0 win was flattering in the end. Morocco seem to be suffered with a mounting injuries and perhaps signs of a team running out of steam, as they go further in the World Cup.

I think the depth of the French squad will come to the fore and see France into the semi finals.

2 Friday 10th July – Los Angeles – 8pm

Spain v Belgium

Spain and Belgium both seem to be improving as the World Cup goes along.

Spain neat and tidy football is a given but their strong defence maybe just gives them an edge as Lamine Yamal slowly returns from injury. They managed to get past Portugal 1-0 with the one real piece of quality football. Belgium inspired by the FIFA nonsense showed perhaps moving on from their golden age players is the way forward and comfortably saw off USA 4-1 in similar fashion to their 5-2 friendly win in March.

I would expect the quality of Spain to be too much for a Belgian defence which hasn’t shown to be that good under pressure.

3 Saturday 11th July – Miami – 10pm

England v Norway

England’s superior quality saw off Mexico with Bellingham scoring twice which allowed them to survive a red card and Mexican onslaught although in reality they lacked the quality to break England down.

Norway despite giving away two penalties saw off Brazil very comfortably once the first penalty was saved and Haaland waited for his opportunities late in the game to strike the crucial blows.

I think this could be another game with a few goals with both teams having better attacking players than in defence.

This is the end could come down to which team defends better and I can see this going deep into extra time before a winning goal is scored.

I can see Norway with Haaland scoring the goal that ends up England’s World Cup run after the high of their win in Mexico (pardon the pun ! )

4 Sunday 12th July – Kansas City – 2am

Argentina v Switzerland

Argentina showed great ability and resilience to come from 2-0 down to beat Egypt 3-2 but were perhaps fortunate not to concede another goal at 1-0 when Egypt scored a superb goal but VAR pulled it back for an earlier foul.

Messi now on to 8 goals for the tournament despite missing his second penalty of this World Cup.

Switzerland were fortunate to beat Colombia on penalties after a drab 0-0 draw.

Argentina with their attacking power should prove enough to win.

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.

LAST 32 PREVIEW WITH UK KICK-OFF TIMES

1 Sunday 28th June – Los Angeles – 8pm

Group A Runners Up South Africa v Group B Runners Up Canada

South Africa were the beneficiaries of an underperforming South Korea team with the ageing Son Heung-Min as they won 1-0 in the final group game and snatch second place.

Canada impressed in their 6-0 win over Qatar after coming from behind to draw with Bosnia , where the introduction of Cyle Larin provided areal spark and he equalised. A defeat to Switzerland in their final group game was disappointing but not a disaster, it does however mean they have to travel to USA for the next round.

I would imagine Canada would be too strong despite having lost home advantage by finishing runners up in their group. South Africa were fortunate to come through a weak group with South Korea and Czechia underperforming.

2 Monday 29th June – Houston – 6pm

Group C Winners Brazil v Group F Runners Up Japan

Brazil won Group C with emphatic 3-0 wins over Haiti and Scotland despite an opening 1-1 draw with Morocco. Vinni Jnr is undoubtedly their main man scoring in all three games.

Japan beat Tunisia 4-0 and had creditable draws with Holland and Sweden.

Japan play great entertaining football while Brazil have world class in the vital positions of goalkeeper and central defence with a matchwinner in Vinicius Jnr. I think Brazil will have too much in both boxes for Japan.

3 Monday 29th June – Boston 9.30pm

Group E Winners Germany v 3rd place Paraquay

Germany although impressive in their opening 7-1 win over Curacao , were pushed to the limit by a good Ivory Coast team and it took until injury time before the Germans claimed a 2-1 victory.

Paraquay are a tough defensive team and bounced back after an opening USA tidal wave where they lost 4-1 before beating Turkey and qualifying with a 0-0 draw against Australia.

Germany will be nervous after loss to Ecuador but should raise their game to beat Paraquay.

4 Tuesday 30th June – Monterey – 2am

Group F Winners Holland v Group C Runners Up Morocco

Morocco after drawing with Brazil, went on to defeat Scotland 1-0 and Haiti 4-2 and continue to look impressive. Morocco are solid defensively and tend to make quick starts and then try to hold on as they did in pre tournament friendly with Norway before repeating against Brazil and Scotland. Haiti exposed weaknesses as the Morocco squad starts to struggle with injuries and perhaps the frequency of lifting their game.

Holland after struggling in a draw with Japan hit form against Sweden and Tunisia . The introduction of Brian Brobbey has given them an added dimension, which they missed against Japan.

This will be an intriguing tie but I would expect the solid defence of Morocco to limit Holland but the Dutch attacking power may prevail. Morocco may hold out and take the game to penalties, this should be one of the most evenly matched games of the round,

5 Tuesday 30th June – Dallas – 6pm

Group E Runners Up Ivory Coast v Group I Runners Up Norway

Ivory Coast came through as runners up to Germany having beaten Ecuador with a late goal and a comfortable win over Curacao. The lost to Germany after pushing the Germans all the way before conceding an injury time goal to lose 2-1. This should be a very close game with both teams good in attack.

Norway with the goals of Erling Haaland will provide a tough test for Ivory Coast. Norway rested through full team against France after good wins over Iraq and Senegal.

I think Ivory Coast have the stronger defence but their performance late in the game against Germany suggests an opening for Norway’s potent attack.

A close game and I can see Norway scoring a late winner, proving their decision to rest players against France to be the correct one.

6 Tuesday 30th June – New York – 10pm

Group I Winners France v 3rd Place Sweden

France look the strongest team of the competition in the Group stages with maximum points and scoring ten goals over the three games. It will be interesting to see how they cope as the strength of opposition increases but are firm favourites to win the World Cup.

Sweden have a great attacking threat when they beat Tunisia 5-1 but equally their defence was exposed by Holland in their 5-1 defeat. The draw with Japan was just playing out the final game for both,

This should be a relatively simple win for France who seem to be peaking at the right time. Kylian Mbappe seems to have hot form on the biggest stage.

7 Wednesday 1st July – Mexico City – 2am

Group A Winners Mexico v 3rd Place Ecuador

Mexico ensured their last 32 game at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City after winning their opening 3 games. It was great to see Mexican goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa playing at his 6th World Cup.

Ecuador after losing a late goal in their opening game to Ivory Coast to lose 1-0 were then frustrated to draw 0-0 with Curacao before a vibrant 2-1 win over Germany got them through as a best 3rd place team.

I would expect Mexico to progress with home advantage.

8 Wednesday 1st July – Atlanta – 5pm

Group L Winners England v 3rd Place DR Congo

England won their group after a great performance to beat Croatia 4-2 in the opening game before poorer performances in 0-0 draw with Ghana and a 2-0 win over Panama.

DR Congo came back from an early set back to draw with Portugal in their opening game then suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Colombia. A final night of the group stage saw them again come from behind to win 3-1 over Uzbekistan to secure a best 3rd place finish.

This will be a tough game for England but they should prevail

9 Wednesday 1st July – Seattle – 9pm

Group G Winners Belgium v 3rd Place Senegal

Belgium after a poor start drawing 1-1 with Egypt and 0-0 with Iran clicked into gear in their final game to beat New Zealand 5-1.

Senegal came through as the only 3rd place team to qualify with 3pts on goal difference after opening with two defeats 3-1 to France and 3-2 to Norway they beat ten man Iraq 5-0.

Belgium should have too much quality in attack

10 Thursday 2nd July – San Francisco – 1am

Group D Winners USA v 3rd Place Bosnia

USA after their opening two wins have the home nation firmly behind them and hoping for progress to the later stages and repeating their run when they hosted the tournament in 1994.

Bosnia were quite poor although they did scrape into last 32 with a win over Qatar.

I would expect USA to win, with Christian Pullisic back in the team and the management of Mauricio Pochettino.

11 Thursday 2nd July – Los Angeles – 8pm

Group H Winners Spain v Group J Runners Up Austria

Spain are growing into the tournament and with Lamine Yamal and Neco Williams returning from injury after suffering a draw with Cape Verde without their star men , then saw off Saudi Arabia easily before winning the group against Uruguay.

Austria are a tough European team with vast experience, having as expected beating Jordan and losing to Argentina they needed a draw with Algeria to qualify and were fortunate when Algeria surprisingly took a 3-2 lead in injury time before tall substitute Kalajdzic scored to take them through. Arnautovic remains their talisman.

Austria will provide tough opposition to a Spain team who have only briefly hit form in the tournament so far. Spain should have enough talent to beat Austria but will be a closer game than many imagine.

12 Friday 3rd July – Toronto – 0.00pm

Group K Runners up Portugal v Group L Runners Up Croatia

Croatia bounced back from their opening 4-2 defeat to England to beat Panama 1-0 and Ghana 2-1 with Luca Modric still at the centre of everything Croatia do at the age of 40.

Portugal having drawn with both DR Congo and Colombia qualified courtesy of their 5-0 romp over Uzbekistan. The Colombia 0 Portugal 0 was one of the most entertaining games of the tournament despite no goals being scored.

Ronaldo , the question is , are Portugal a better team with or without their main man at age 41.

A repeat of the Croatia v Portugal game which I attended at City Ground Nottingham 30 years ago at Euro 96. Modric v Ronaldo , this could be the final game at a major tournament for the loser.

Logic says Portugal should win this but I have a feeling Croatia are starting to play at this World Cup as Ronaldo tries to carry the team on his shoulders.

A game which should be close but I can see Croatia winning.

13 Friday 3rd July – Vancouver – 4am

Group B Winners Switzerland v 3rd Place Algeria

Switzerland despite a shock draw 1-1 with Qatar look as solid as ever in group stage football. A 4-1 win over Bosnia was followed by a 2-1 win over co hosts Canada.

Algeria came back from their opening loss to Argentina to beat Jordan before the extraordinary 3-3 draw with Algeria.

Algeria had their peak moment when they scored to lead 3-2 in injury time against Austria but the experience of Switzerland in tournament football should be too much, particularly Granit Xhaka.

14 Friday 3rd July – Dallas – 7pm

Group D Runners Up Australia v Group G Runners Up Egypt

Australia opened with an impressive win over Turkey and made it through in second place after losing to USA with a draw against Paraguay which suited both.

Egypt beat Australia either side of draws with Belgium and Iran.

Egypt might have too much defensive solidity for Australia and have a good attack with Mo Salah leading the line.

15 Friday 3rd July – Miami – 11pm

Group J Winners Argentina v Group H Runners Up Cape Verde

Argentina dominated the group with all 5 goals in their opening 2 games scored by Lionel Messi as he became leading scorer in World Cup history.

Cape Verde are the story of this World Cup with 0-0 draws against Spain and Saudi Arabia either side of their 2-2 draw with Uruguay which was my game of the group stages.

Argentina should have too much in attack to progress

16 Saturday 4th July – Kansas City – 2.30am

Group K Winners Colombia v 3rd Place Ghana

Colombia have look an excellent team providing entertaining football. Their opening 3-1 win over Uzbekistan and 1-0 win over DR Congo took them through to the knockout stages. A marginal offside decision stopped them beating Portugal.

Ghana qualified as one of the best 3rd place teams after beating Panama 1-0 with an injury time goal before a 0-0 draw with England was enough to seal qualification before their 2-1 loss to Croatia.

Colombia should win this comfortably.

The World U-16 Cup was played in Scotland in June 1989.

The group games were all played as double headers.

GROUP A

Group A began with a small attendance of around 6,000 at Hampden Park on 10th June where hosts Scotland drew 0-0 with Ghana before Bahrain beat Cuba 3-0. The Ghana team featured future full international Nil Lamptey who had a brief spell with Aston Villa. The star of the Scotland team was future international Paul Dickov who famously scored for Manchester City in their Wembley play off victory over Gillingham.

On 12th June the teams moved to Fir Park, Motherwell where over 9,000 fans saw score three goals late in the first half to also beat Cuba 3-0 before Bahrain beat Ghana 1-0 to top the group.

Fir Park was again the venue as over 13,000 saw Scotland take an early lead before Bahrain equalised to draw 1-1 and win Group A.

Scotland progressed to the Quarter Finals in Second Place as Cuba and Ghana drew 2-2.

GROUP B

Group B was played at Pittodrie Stadium in Aberdeen with all crowds around 2.500.

East Germany beat Australia 1-0 before USA beat Brazil 1-0 in the opening days fixtures. Australia team included future World Cup goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer who had a successful career in England and current Australia manager Tony Popovic.

On 12th June East Germany crushed USA 5-2 , before Australia again lost, this time 3-1 to Brazil. The USA team included future international and Rangers midfielder Claudio Reyna , whose son is currently playing for USA at World Cup.

The final round of games saw Brazil finish in second place after beating East Germany the group winners 2-1 before Australia and USA drew 2-2.

GROUP C

Group C was played at Dens Park, Dundee with crowds in the region of 6,000 per day.

Argentina opened with a 0-0 draw with China, before Nigeria beat Canada 4-0.

The second day saw Argentina again draw 0-0 this time with Nigeria before China beat Canada 1-0.

The final games saw Argentina claim second spot with a 4-1 win over Canada before Nigeria’s 3-0 win over China won them the group.

GROUP D

Group D was a very tight affair hosted at Tynecastle Stadium Edinburgh where attendances were around 3,000.

Guinea opened the scoring early before Colombia equalised with a second half penalty to make it 1-1 in the opening game.

A Luis Figo penalty opened the scoring for Portugal who led 2-0 at half time before Saudi Arabia came back to draw 2-2.

The second group games saw Saudi Arabia again draw 2-2 , this time with Guinea.

A great game between Portugal Columbia saw the Europeans win 3-2.

The final group games saw a late goal by Portugal claim a 1-1 draw with Guinea to top the group on goal difference from Saudi Arabia who beat Colombia 1-0.

QUARTER FINALS

FIR PARK – MOTHERWELL

Bahrain beat Brazil 4-1 on penalties after a 0-0 draw in front of 9,500 crowd.

DENS PARK – DUNDEE

Saudi Arabia beat Nigeria 2-0 on penalties after a 0-0 draw in front of 5,500 crowd.

PITTODRIE STADIUM – ABERDEEN

Scotland’s John Lindsay was the home hero with a late goal to secure a 1-0 win over a strong East German side, in front of 10,200 fans.

TYNECASTLE STADIUM – EDINBURGH

Argentina’s early lead was cancelled out by Portugal’s Luis Figo , and they would go on to win 2-1 with a early second half goal.

SEMI FINALS

TYNECASTLE STADIUM – EDINBURGH

A massive crowd 29,000 crammed into Tynecastle to witness Brian O’Neill score the only goal of the game as Scotland beat Portugal 1-0. The Portugal team featured future internationals Luis Figo and Abel Xavier.

FIR PARK – MOTHERWELL

Saudi Arabia beat Bahrain 1-0 in front of 9,000 fans

THIRD PLACE PLAYOFF

TYNECASTLE STADIUM – EDINBURGH

Portugal beat Bahrain 3-0

FINAL

HAMPDEN PARK – GLASGOW

Scotland u-16 team in 1989 at Hampden Park , Glasgow

A crowd of 50,956 saw Scotland open the scoring through in 7mins through Ian Downie, before Paul Dickov doubled the hosts lead in 25mins. Saudi Arabia came back in the second half to level at 2-2 before Scotland’s Brian O’Neill missed a penalty.

In the penalty shoot out Paul Dickov missed Scotland’s opening kick but a Saudi Arabia missed their third kick.

After the opening 5 kicks the scores were level at 4-4.

Saudi Arabia won 5-4 after Brian O’Neill missed again in sudden death.

Saudi Arabia u-16 team in 1989 at Tynecastle Park Edinburgh