WHO IS MOVING ON FROM THE ROUND OF 16?
As we continue to count down the days until the kickoff of the first match in the World Cup the Climate team will continue to bring you our predictions. We’re now into the round of 16 and this week I, Trace Alexander will be accompanied by new Climate Sports member Josh Lowell. Let’s dive into these knockout stage matchups.
Group A winners vs runners-up of Group B:
Josh’s prediction: Uruguay v. Portugal
What more is there to say about this Uruguayan squad? You have one of the best strikers in the world in Luis Suarez, partnered with the PSG man in-form Edinson Cavani. Add to that, two premier La Liga defenders, in Diego Godin and Jose Gimenez… i see them easily coming out of this group on top. Unfortunately for them, Portugal is on the horizon. With the best player on Earth taking the pitch, it’s going to be tough to beat em. Not to mention the young midfield talent of Swansea loanee Renato Sanches, Barcelona’s Andre Gomes, and Pepe in defense, I see Portugal cruising to a 3-1 victory, with Cristiano Ronaldo earning yet another man of the match.
Group C winners vs runners-up of Group D
Trace’s prediction: France vs Nigeria
This matchup between Nigeria and France should be a rather one-sided affair with France coming out on top. Although, like I have said for many other underdog teams cases let’s not just remove Nigeria from the picture completely. With a few pacey attackers such as Ahmed Musa, Kelechi Iheanacho and Imoh Ezekiel manning Nigeria’s offense don’t be surprised if they cause problems for France’s defenders. On the flipside, France will have Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembelé and Anthony Martial serving as just a few names of star attackers pushing against Nigeria’s backline. With that said I believe France’s talent will prove too much for the Africans with a 3-1 victory at the final whistle. My man of the match prediction goes to Alexandre Lacazette.
Group E winners vs. runners-up of Group F:
Josh’s prediction: Brazil v. Mexico
The first team to qualify for this years world cup, this brazilian squad is stacked with talent, both young and old. 20 year old Gabriel Jesus and the star studded Neymar lead a dangerous attack, followed by Casemiro and Roberto Firmino in the midfield, this front half the pitch is as deadly as it gets. And lets not forget the brick wall in defense, which includes left back Marcelo, and the veteran center back combo of David Luiz and Thiago Silva. The Mexican team also has a huge attack, with the likes of Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez, Hirving Lozano, Carlos Vela, and Giovani dos Santos. But what they have in attack, they lack in midfield and defense. They will look to control the ball as much as possible and keep possession, but I believe the young brazilians will be too much for them. 3-0 victory for this Brazilian team, and I see Neymar bracing 2 of the 3 goals with the help from Gabriel Jesus as well.
Group G winners vs. runners-up of Group H:
A rather simple prediction to make here with the Red Devils absolutely dominating this match. The Belgians defense should be enough to neutralize Poland’s only real threat in Robert Lewandowski. On the other end of the field Kevin De Bruyne, Eden Hazard and Divock Origi will be breaking this Polish defense down like it’s nothing. I see a 2-0 win with Eden Hazard scoring a goal as well as assisting one to secure the man of the match.
Group B winners vs. runners-up of Group A:
Josh’s prediction: Spain v. Egypt
Following a disappointing early exit from the 2014 world cup, Spain will look to get back on track, as they have surely improved their attack, one thing they have been desperately lacking over the years. Alvaro Morata has turned into a goal scoring machine, and he will look to lead this offense who have been struggling as of late. The most impressive part of this Spanish team to me is their powerful midfield. David Silva is having a breakout year for Man City, and then add in the likes of Marco Asensio, Cesc Fabregas, Andres Iniesta, Isco, and Thiago Alcantara… the opponents will have a hard time getting into scoring position. And when/if they do get there, let's not forget they have to get past the best defender in the world, Sergio Ramos, also partnered with Pique, Jordi Alba, and David de Gea in goal. On the other hand, they could meet up with the hottest player in world soccer right now, Mohamed Salah. Leading the EPL in goals, Salah will look to create chances with his passing and agility, and make his brilliant runs to try and get past this stacked Spanish midfield. I don’t think he can do it by himself, and I believe Spain takes a 2-1 victory, with Salah scoring for Egypt, and the Spaniards knocking in 2 goals, one scored and one assisted by the man of the match, Isco.
Group D winners vs. runners-up of Group C
Trace’s prediction: Argentina vs Denmark
A bit like the Belgium vs Poland game it would be easy to say that Argentina will just stomp all over the Danish. However I believe this Denmark squad might be able to test Lionel Messi’s team. Even though Denmark might be lacking talent in the majority of their positions if they can put it all together with Nicklas Bendtner manning the front line, Christian Eriksen, Spurs playmaking attacking midfielder and the best young defender in the world, Chelsea starlet Andreas Christensen. I am predicting this game to be taken into extra time with the score being 1-1 after regulation and then Messi kicking it into overdrive in extras scoring the brace to move the Argentines on. Man of the match will be taken by the one and only Lionel Messi.
Group F winners vs. runners-up of Group E:
Josh’s prediction: Germany v. Costa Rica
Coming in as the defending champs of the last World Cup, Germany will look to keep the ball rolling and simply pick up where they left off. One of the stars of the 2014 cup Thomas Muller, will look to lead this attack alongside Marco Reus and Mesut Ozil. Add that to the veteran Center back duo of Jerome Boateng and Mats Hummels, they will look to be very aggressive in defense, as they usually are. A breakout star this year in the Bundesliga, fullback Joshua Kimmich will look to stay in form, as they will definitely need him to keep producing if they want to actually contend for the title, with the likes of France and Brazil standing in the way. But first, they have to get past the Costa Rican underdogs. Led by Real Madrid goalie Keylor Navas, they will look to keep the ball up the pitch to the likes of Joel Campbell and Bryan Ruiz, to try and quickly counter attack the defending champion Germans. I see no problem for Germany though, winning 2-0 with man of the match Mesut Ozil getting both assists, excellently creating as he always does.
Group H winners vs. runners-up of Group G:
Trace’s prediction: Colombia vs England
Onto the most interesting matchup in the round of 16 assuming it happens. With the Colombians featuring players such as Radamel Falcao, James Rodríguez and Davinson Sánchez they will be able to put up a very good fight against the three lions. I think a very key player for Colombia will be center half Davinson Sánchez as he will have a full season of playing against and with all of England’s players in the premier league. Knowing these player’s tactics and tendencies he will be able to provide his defense and team with a lot of intel ultimately giving Colombia an advantage. However, with Harry Kane, Dele Alli, John Stones, Raheem Sterling and veteran Jermain Defoe the red coats may be able to just squeak this one out. England has a decent defense and a pretty good midfield but you’ll see them excel in the offensive aspect of the game. With Harry Kane going for his third golden boot in three years and Raheem Sterling lighting the Premier League up currently they should prove to be a bit too overpowering for Colombia. I see this game swinging 2-1 in England’s favor but could possibly end up going Colombia’s way but for now i’ll stick with England. Man of the match will be awarded to Dele Alli as I see him assisting both goals and pulling the strings in England’s midfield.
Stay tuned for the quarter-final predictions next week!
Picture credits:
www.mirror.co.uk
www.standard.co.uk
www.soccerinfomania.com
www.express.co.uk
www.goal.com
www.fourfourtwo.com
www.skysports.com
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