Creative design thanks to Canva, playoff bracket thanks to Fifa.com
Creative design thanks to Canva, playoff bracket thanks to Fifa.com
All groups of the World Cup table have played all of the 3 games each teams supposed to play. The last match of the group stage ended a bitter-ending for Uruguay as they failed to advance to the knockout stages when South Korea made a shocker to defeat Portugal, in which the Koreans lead by Goal scored.
The playoffs stage is set and I'm here to share with you a preview of these matches on how each team qualified and the journey that they've been through. We know that this World Cup is the tournament of upsets as Belgium, Germany, Denmark, Uruguay, and Mexico are heading home despite high FIFA men's ranking.
Netherlands vs. USA
The Dutch, who topped group A thanks to the huge contributions of Cody Gakpo who scored goals in all 3 matches in their group stage matches. Meanwhile, USA who never lost the group stage won as runner-up with England topping the list.
It can't be denied that Netherlands squad value is so much higher against the Americans. But, they have bigger names playing for their country: Pulisic, Dest, Reyna, Aaronson, and McKennie who are all still in their prime young age.
England vs. Senegal
England is one of the favorites to win this World Cup with all of the young superstars they have + Harry Kane's role as the main attacker. We've also seen the Rashford getting back to his form, Bukayo Saka's influence as the new no. 7, Declan Rice in the midfield, Stones, Kyle Walker, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Luke Shaw, and the current standout star Jude Bellingham.
Senegal on the other hand is missing their main man, Sadio Mane who suffered an injury prior to their group stage match and will miss all possible world cup matches for Senegal. However, you can't scratch the current AFCON champions yet because Mendy, Choupu-Moting, Koulibaly, and co. will fight it out.
Argentina vs. Australia
The star-studded Argentinians, who topped group C even being defeated in their opening game against Saudi Arabia will be fighting an inspired Australian side, who just defeated Denmark that makes them progress in the knockout stage as runners-up. In fact, they have the same points with France but only differ in goal difference.
Messi's last dance is at stake here and the current world's #3 squad will fight it out to progress in the Quarterfinals.
France vs Poland
Lewandowski's Poland will battle out heavily-stacked French team. Mbappe-Dembele really look scary for me in the wing but everyone knows exactly the caliber of Lewandowski.
Mbappe, the breakout star in 2018 is still in his very form scoring goals for France. Giroud is a very deadly striker and Dembele's speed is very tiring. This is one of the matches I'd want to see.
Japan vs Croatia
Japan, who topped group E, a group where Germany got knocked out. They even defeated Spain, who proceed as runners-up. Like I said, group E is the most entertaining group to watch and we've witnessed a crazy ride. Germany beating Costa Rica, Costa Rica beats Japan, while Japan beats Germany, imagine the cycle.
Croatia on the other hand held on to draw against Belgium, which forced the Belgians out of the World Cup. Modric and Perisic are leading this squad, probably their last world cup for their country.
Morocco vs Spain
Morocco, another breakout country who topped group F will be facing a very dangerous Spain, coached by Luis Enrique. Morocco's famous win against huge win against Belgium and being undefeated in group C gives them confidence. I believe this will be a tough match for the Spaniards as Ziyech & Hakimi will lead to battle it out against Spain.
Spain on the other hand have gambled so much on their young stars, mostly from the academy of FC Barcelona. The likes of Pedri, Gavi, Balde, and Ferran Torres are very young talents being brought alongside with Olmo, Asesnsio, and Busquets.
Brazil vs. South Korea
Brazil is a country that is very favorite to win this World Cup. Many researches and Artificial intelligence bots have figured out a way that Brazil has the highest chance of winning the tournament. It can also be proved by how deep their squad depth is. To mention some - Neymar, Vinicious, Rodrygo, Richarlison, Casemiro, Thiago Silva, and many more.
South Korea on the other hand is on a fairy-tale run, progressing to the knockout stage eding Uruguay and Ghana. C'mon, they were actually expected as the least competitive team in the group yet they we're able to progress against the odds. A heart break for Ghana and Uruguay, who both have the chance to win progress too. All that matters is the final result.
Portugal vs. Switzerland
Portugal progress to the knockout stage as group H winners even though being defeated by South Korea in their last match of the tournament. They will be facing another European counterpart Switzerland. This team, headed by one of the greatest Cristiano Ronaldo, who looks to be retiring after this World Cup due to age woes. This squad has so much depth, with the likes of Bernardo Silva, Felix, Cancelo, Vitinha, Nuno Mendez, Ruben Diaz, and Pepe. This team has the quality to win the World Cup too.
Granit Xhaka is leading the Swiss that will do everything they can to make another upset against Portugal. The ranked #15 vs ranked #9 will also be another match I'll watch alongside Argentina, France, Spain, and England matches.
If incase you missed my other World cup related posts, you can check it below:
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Argentina won against Australia and they are looking more confident with each match, it will be a tough match against the Netherlands but I have faith in the team, they will win the match and progress to the next round. Looking for to all the matches in the round of 16.