Between easy routings, tight contest and one shocking exit, the Round of 16 reached its conclusion, setting up what should be four ground-shattering contests in the quarter finals. At this point, foreshadowing the results is becoming an increasingly tough task, and sadly, Octopus Paul is no longer among us. Nonetheless, we’ll try to project the outcomes of the four thrilling contests in our full predictions for the World Cup Quarter finals.
Croatia vs Brazil
Aside from their insignificant defeat to Cameroon, the Brazilian stars have been on song since the start of the tournament. Tite’s men have been solid at the back and effective upfront. However, we’ve now reached that stage of the World Cup where the Selecao bottle it without previous warming.
But will it be the case against Croatia?
Zlatko Dalic’s men have done it before. They were the ultimate Dark Horse four years ago in Russia and are now planning to rekindle the memories with another unexpected run towards the final.
Nonetheless, it just feels that the current version of Croatia lacks some of the elements that were present in the previous edition, or at least their level has slightly degraded.
So although Brazil could be vulnerable at the stage, their opponents might not possess enough strength to deliver the killing blow.
Prediction: Brazil to outclass Croatia
Netherlands vs Argentina
Even though tight contests is the common theme of the quarter finals, this one will be the ultimate toss-up. While the Dutch have been solid if unspectacular, the Argentines have kept their fans on the edge of their seat since the start of the tournament.
When these two historical rivals meet on the pitch, it’s almost impossible to predict the outcome. Netherlands have the more organized group, but the South Americans possess a plethora of mercurial talents among their ranks, as well as the best player of his generation.
If the Argentine defenses can hold up against the Oranje fury, you can always count on Lionel Messi to seal the contest in one magical moment.
Prediction: Argentine wins in the slightest of margins
Morocco vs Portugal
After knocking both Belgium and Spain out of the World Cup en route towards the quarter finals, Morocco are officially the Dark Horse of Qatar 2022.
The Atlas Lions will now be looking to stun their other Iberian neighbor and write another chapter in what has already been a fascinating fairytale.
But after solving the Cristiano Ronaldo dilemma once and for all, Fernando Santos has unlocked his troops, unleashed a new breakthrough star (Goncalo Ramos) and found the right balance in his lineup all in one fell swoop.
The North Africans’ campaign has been admirable, but it could reach its expiry date soon enough, especially if Portugal can replicate the formidable performance they displayed against Switzerland.
Prediction: Portugal prevail in epic battle
England vs France
The Quarter finals will end with another razor-tight encounter between two nations that has been rivals since their genesis.
This will be an extremely interesting matchup between the defending champions and the perennial contenders who have acted as the ultimate bridesmaid in recent international tournaments.
But as they say, “to be the man, you have to beat the man”, so perhaps knocking out the reigning champions would the ideal morale boost that charges England towards their first World Cup triumph in 56 years.
However, the mission remains easier said than done, especially when facing a side that features a host of stars, including Kylian Mbappé who’s arguably the best footballer on the planet in the current day and age.
But that’s not to say that the Three Lions are the underdogs in this one. After all, they have been smashing opponents left and right and seem to have hit their stride in the right timing.
Gareth Southgate has found the perfect balance in his formation by introducing the experienced Jordan Henderson as a third midfielder alongside Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham.
Therefore, Didier Deschamps might have to tweak his lineup in order to bolster the middle of the park, which is always the most significant battle in any tight contest.
Both sides have what it takes to prevail and go all the way towards the final, but Deschamps’ shrewdness and Mbappe’s supernatural skills could tip the scale in favor of Les Bleus.
Prediction: France emerge victorious with a late riot
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