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World Cup Last 16 Preview and Predictions

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By Josh Pitt
Twitter: @Josh_Rocket

The group stages are now over and the 2018 World Cup is already lining up to be one of the most exciting in recent years. From Ronaldo's brilliance against Spain, the struggles of some of the world's top nations, the shocking elimination of Germany and the controversial VAR calls  during this World Cup have given us a little bit of everything. Now the serious stuff starts. The knockout rounds.

The left hand side of the bracket looks to be a little stronger than the right. We have seen our fair share of surprises already at this World Cup, and there is now the potential for one of the underdogs to go all the way to the final. First though, these teams will have to make it through the round of 16. Below are our previews and predictions for these massive games.

Game 1 - France v Argentina (6/30 10am ET)
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We kick off the last 16 with a meeting between two of the pre-tournaments favorites. Argentina struggled massively in the group stage and it was only thanks to a late goal from Marcos Rojo, that they made the last 16. They face a very tough test against a French side who made it through with ease. Argentina looked better in their final group game with Nigeria, but ultimately I can see this one going one way. My prediction: A win for France.


Game 2 - Uruguay v Portugal (6/30 2pm ET)
Image result for cristiano ronaldo world cup 2018 v spain free kick
Iran gave Portugal a surprisingly tough time in their final group game, but "team Ronaldo" managed to make it through. They face a tough opposition in a Uruguay side with three wins of their opening games. Uruguay don't do anything flashy, but with a solid defense lead by Diego Godín, and world class strikers with Luis Suárez and Edinson Cavani, they are a dangerous side. This one really could go either way, and both sides have a strong chance of progressing. My prediction for this one: Close game that goes all the way to penalties.

Game 3 Spain v Russia (7/1 10am ET)
Image result for russia world cup 2018
Russia entered the tournament as the lowest ranked team. They started well with two wins, but were brought crashing back to earth with a defeat against Uruguay. Spain hasn't looked overly convincing, with new manager Fernando Hierro struggling to get out of the group stage. Despite this, my prediction is: A narrow victory for Spain.

Game 4 Croatia v Denmark (7/1 2pm ET)
Image result for luka modric world cup 2018Croatia has been one of the best team to watch so far. Lead by world class midfielder Luka Modrić, they have emerged as one of the teams who could shock Russia. Denmark showed good spirit to make the knockout round. However, my prediction here: Comfortable win for Croatia. I believe they could go deep into the tournament. 


Game 5 Brazil v Mexico (7/2 10am ET)
Image result for brazil 2018 world cup
Brazil started slowly but seems to improve with each game, and the tournament favorites finished top of their groups. Mexico began the champions Germany downfall, but endured a humbling 3-0 defeat to Sweden, meaning they finished second. Mexico has crashed out in the round of 16 six times in a row, dating back to 1994, and sadly for them I'm expecting Brazil to keep the curse going. My prediction: Brazil should win this one comfortably.

Game 6  Belgium v Japan (7/2 2pm ET) 
Image result for hazard and de bruyne 2018 world cup
Belgium was one of three teams to win all three games of their group games. The golden generation has failed at recent major tournaments, but they will believe their time is now. They will face Japan, who qualified in highly controversial circumstances on Thursday. Japan will put up a good fight. My prediction (and everyone else): A comfortable win for Belgium.


 Game 7 Switzerland v Sweden (7/3 10am ET)
Image result for shaqiri and xhakaSweden responded in the perfect way to their heartbreaking defeat to Germany, and their superb display against Mexico earned them top stop and a winnable game against Switzerland. The Swiss did just enough to quality, and were boosted by star duo Xherdan Shaqiri and Granit Xhaka avoiding suspension for their controversial celebrations. This could be a close game that could go either way. My prediction: Extra time and penalties will be needed.
Game 8 England v Colombia (7/3 2pm ET)
Image result for harry kane winner vs tunisia
England fans are dreaming of a first World Cup triumph since 1966, especially after their biggest ever World Cup win, 6-1 against Panama. The Three Lions will be pining their hopes on star man Harry Kane firing them to their first knockout win since 2006. Colombia are a dangerous opposition, but they are sweating on the fitness of star man James Rodríguez. It will be a close game. My prediction: I have to back my home country England to win. 



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