FIFA World Cup 2018 - The Last 8
Italy and the Netherlands did not even make it here. Champions Germany, a powerhouse of so many World Cup, a winning machine have gone home to review their future just like a couple of friends who after a few drinks would ask me the same thing - what are you going to do with your future? Former Champions Spain kept the ball so well passing it all over the pitch they have gone home to play and keep the ball. Another great, Argentina even with the mesmeric Lionel Messi went packing. European Champions Portugal with the great Ronaldo went straight to the airport.
From Group stage, almost all the usual suspects went through except Group F and H. Asia has done well especially the Japanese who unfortunately led a strong Belgium and lost 2-3. Korea achieved a great 2-0 win over Germany. Has any team or player light up this World Cup yet? Not really. There were flashes. Group stage soccer can have upsets but it is merely separating the wheat from the chaff. Sometimes, there would be a meaningless last match as in some cases. In the last 16, there is no hiding. It is KO time. It can get too tactical and instead of excitement, these games can get boring and if you are an avid soccer fan watching at game at the wee hours here at 2am, you do not want any game to go into extra-time and penalties as this will rob of another hour's sleep.
Some teams peak too early and go flat later while others hardly go into second gear and may peak as they progress and yet some remain in second gear and will be going home soon. Games become more tactical when the stakes are high and some play not to lose rather than to win. Hope to hold on to the match, pop in a goal and close shop but then again soccer as in other sports is an emotional game. If a team attacks in waves but after 20 minutes or half an hour could not score, they could get tired and deflated (think Mexico v Brazil). Once a team scores, their confidence soars (think France v Argentina).
Some teams peak too early and go flat later while others hardly go into second gear and may peak as they progress and yet some remain in second gear and will be going home soon. Games become more tactical when the stakes are high and some play not to lose rather than to win. Hope to hold on to the match, pop in a goal and close shop but then again soccer as in other sports is an emotional game. If a team attacks in waves but after 20 minutes or half an hour could not score, they could get tired and deflated (think Mexico v Brazil). Once a team scores, their confidence soars (think France v Argentina).
The Last 8
Who does the soccer Gods favour?
Uruguay v France - Uruguay have 3.5 million people and have won the World Cup before. During group stage their play was scrappy. Uruguay were crap even just before the World Cup as they lost badly friendlies against Ireland (1-3) and Italy (0-3), teams that did not even qualify. Tabarez changed in his midfield to one where it could protect the defence and exert control with Vecino, Bentacur, Valvderde, Nandez and Torreira who is a terrier. Then he put in Diego Laxalt at left back and what a revelation it was. Laxalt's price tag will increase. With the strike talent of Luis Suarez and Edison Cavani, Uruguay could surprise. Suarez has not lighted up the World Cup but when it counted he chipped in with his assists and crucial goals. Some folks were blasting Cavani calling him a flop and then Cavani came to life with two superb goals to sent Portugal home. Then there is captain Diego Godin who plies his trade with Athletico Madrid and it it no coincidence that both club and country have the best defence. At 32 he is still one of if not the best defender in the world. So there you go, Uruguay can win it and go further and even win the cup. There are not many teams that can beat France and Uruguay is one of them. So far Suarez has not bitten anyone...yet. Cavani is injured and hoping to recover in time. It is a level game but if Cavani is out, Uruguay would be dented. Advantage to France.
From the beginning and in my last article, I have said France may have the most talented squad in the tournament. There is joke going around that France is the only African team left in the tournament. You get it? Kylian Mbappe was born in Paris but his parents came from Cameroon. Pogba was from Guinea. Umtiti (Cameroon), Dembele (Senegal), Kante (Mali), Nzonzi (Congo), Matuidi (Angola) and so on. Nabil Fekir was from Algeria like Zinedine Zidane. Fekir has played largely as a substitute and Thomas Lemar has not be used yet. France therefore has great strength in depth to implement their plan B or C or to change the face of the game but it depends on the astuteness and guts of Didier Deschamps. Lloris is a fine goalie. Varane and Umtiti have been solid. Did you see that goal by left back Pavard? Wow! The midfield is strong with Kante who hardly lose a ball and wins almost every ball. There are Matuidi and Tolisso and Pogba could give them an edge and a surprise with his unpredictability. Kylian Mbappe was already a star in that famous Monaco team before he left for PSG and against Argentina the world saw a new star in the making. Once Mbappe runs with the ball, he almost could not be caught. Antoine Griezmann has shown flashed why he was best player of the European Championship in 2016. He hsa shown he is a big game player even with Athletico Madrid. Fekir, Giroud,Dembele and Lemar are further options.
You can imagine Uruguay playing like Athletico and taking their time. This is their strength while France with excellent individuals may find it hard to break them down unless Deschamps could get them flowing with the right blend. Uruguay will try to stretch them to a draw (1-1) and then for the kill in extra-time. If they achieve this, Uruguay can win while France should try to win it in regulation time and be aware of their opponent's antics. I am going for a flash of individual brilliance for France to win it over 90 minutes. 1-2.
From the beginning and in my last article, I have said France may have the most talented squad in the tournament. There is joke going around that France is the only African team left in the tournament. You get it? Kylian Mbappe was born in Paris but his parents came from Cameroon. Pogba was from Guinea. Umtiti (Cameroon), Dembele (Senegal), Kante (Mali), Nzonzi (Congo), Matuidi (Angola) and so on. Nabil Fekir was from Algeria like Zinedine Zidane. Fekir has played largely as a substitute and Thomas Lemar has not be used yet. France therefore has great strength in depth to implement their plan B or C or to change the face of the game but it depends on the astuteness and guts of Didier Deschamps. Lloris is a fine goalie. Varane and Umtiti have been solid. Did you see that goal by left back Pavard? Wow! The midfield is strong with Kante who hardly lose a ball and wins almost every ball. There are Matuidi and Tolisso and Pogba could give them an edge and a surprise with his unpredictability. Kylian Mbappe was already a star in that famous Monaco team before he left for PSG and against Argentina the world saw a new star in the making. Once Mbappe runs with the ball, he almost could not be caught. Antoine Griezmann has shown flashed why he was best player of the European Championship in 2016. He hsa shown he is a big game player even with Athletico Madrid. Fekir, Giroud,Dembele and Lemar are further options.
You can imagine Uruguay playing like Athletico and taking their time. This is their strength while France with excellent individuals may find it hard to break them down unless Deschamps could get them flowing with the right blend. Uruguay will try to stretch them to a draw (1-1) and then for the kill in extra-time. If they achieve this, Uruguay can win while France should try to win it in regulation time and be aware of their opponent's antics. I am going for a flash of individual brilliance for France to win it over 90 minutes. 1-2.
Brazil v Belgium - Brazil were the bookmakers favourite before a ball was kicked. They still are but I am not the impressed. Maybe they are in second gear and shall hit top form soon. Both goalies Alisson and Ederson are considered among the world's best. Danilo, Marcelo, Filipe Luis and Thiago Silva are fine defenders. Fernandhino and Casemiro could offer protection from midfield while Paulinho and Coutinho could cause some damage. Of course their attack is awesome to choose from - Gabriel Jesus, Roberto Firmino, Fred (not my that friend) and Neymar who despite his great talent is a high roller. All you need is to walk past him and he would fly, fall and roll all over and all the way.
Belgium can look them in the eye though as they are not short on talent. In fact, this is their golden generation but they have under-achieved. (remember England those days?) Tibault Courtois is a hard goalie to beat. With Vincent Kompany back and then there are Boyota, Vertonghen and Alderweirald could cunter Brazilian attacks. Belgium have some of the best players in the world in their position - just think De Buryne, Hazard, Lukaku, Vertonghen, Kompany and Dries Mertens. It depends very much what and how Roberto Martinez fathom out his tactical choices. This should be the most entertaining match on offer - favourites versus top scorers.
Brazil have not been prolific. Casemiro has been suspended and Belgium could exploit that. This means that Fernandinho will clash with his City tema mate Kevin De Bruyne. Brazil has the better defence till now while in attack Brazil has scored seven and Belgium twelve. Brazil should go on to win this encounter 2-1 but if Belgium show up with their real level the game may end in a draw in 90 minutes. I pick a draw. 2-2.
Belgium can look them in the eye though as they are not short on talent. In fact, this is their golden generation but they have under-achieved. (remember England those days?) Tibault Courtois is a hard goalie to beat. With Vincent Kompany back and then there are Boyota, Vertonghen and Alderweirald could cunter Brazilian attacks. Belgium have some of the best players in the world in their position - just think De Buryne, Hazard, Lukaku, Vertonghen, Kompany and Dries Mertens. It depends very much what and how Roberto Martinez fathom out his tactical choices. This should be the most entertaining match on offer - favourites versus top scorers.
Brazil have not been prolific. Casemiro has been suspended and Belgium could exploit that. This means that Fernandinho will clash with his City tema mate Kevin De Bruyne. Brazil has the better defence till now while in attack Brazil has scored seven and Belgium twelve. Brazil should go on to win this encounter 2-1 but if Belgium show up with their real level the game may end in a draw in 90 minutes. I pick a draw. 2-2.
Russia v Croatia - Russia have seen poor results for some time but as host have at least reached the quarters and belief has flowed back when they took out Spain. Backed by a home crowd you cannot underestimate them to get another upset. Croatia was outstanding in the group stage but their last 16 match versus Denmark left much to be desired. IF Russia's left back Yuri Zhirkov do not play it could be a set back as Croatian winger Ante Rebic is dangerous.
Much as Russia have improved and grow in confidence, Croatia have a very talented team and one of the best midfield - Ivan Rakitic, Luka Modric and Mateo Kovacic will control the game. In attack Ivan Perisic, Ante Rebic and Mario Mandzukic could destroy. Russia's journey may end here. 0-2.
Much as Russia have improved and grow in confidence, Croatia have a very talented team and one of the best midfield - Ivan Rakitic, Luka Modric and Mateo Kovacic will control the game. In attack Ivan Perisic, Ante Rebic and Mario Mandzukic could destroy. Russia's journey may end here. 0-2.
Sweden v England - The Swedes did not come this far without any credit. They have been defying the odds and England have a poor record against them. They have shown that without their talisman Zlatan Ibrahimovic, they actually got better. They will not fear England as England have not created enough from open play but the Swedes do not have someone as deadly as Harry Kane. Sweden will take heart that England is the only team in the last eight that has not kept a clean sheet.
England seemed to be favoured by the soccer Gods in their path to glory. With Germany, Spain, Argentina, Portugal all out, they know that beating Sweden will set them up against either Croatia or Russia to get to the final. They have to show their character and winning mentality to get there. Their greatest achievement against Colombia was their character. They did not get affected by their opponent's antics and came back to triumph in their first penalty kicks victory in four attempts. Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford has been criticized for being too short for a goalkeeper at 1.85m but he made what could be the tounament's best saves against Colombia and followed up with a crucial penalty save. Playing one of the best right back in the world as a center half in a 3-man defence is a master stroke as well as a liability. Walker is very fast and has on a couple of occasions bailed out his team but he is not a natural centre-half. John Stones is having a good time and so is Harry Maguire and both can be dangerous up front from set pieces. Kieran Trippier has been outstanding while Danny Rose should be preferred over Ashley Young as a natural left footer, his speed to get past defenders and his ability to cross faster could be an asset.
Jordan Henderson will have to bring on his A game and Dele Alli has not replicated his Tottenham form while Jesse Lingard remains unpredictable. Alli seemed injured and bringing in Reuben Loftus-Cheek may be a good idea as he is powerful and so far good at the group stage. Raheem Stirling has not shown his Manchester City form or perhaps he has been asked to sacrifice by dragging defenders wide for his team mates to exploit. Stirling cannot play with his back to goal but he is excellent when running at defenders with his pace. The hero may well be Harry Kane once again whom I have always called "Hurricane". Kane is not naturally gifted nor endowed like Messi or Ronaldo but this man has nerves of steel and incredible determination, strength and belief and he has one great gift of being there at the right place and the right time. He impressed me even when he dropped deep and getting the passes on. Certainly an astute choice for the captaincy. When he scored from the spot against Panama, it was a perfectly taken penalty to the goalie's top right hand corner. Unstoppable. For the second both the goalie must be thinking where it would end up. Same spot or to the opposite side. Kane stood his ground and hit it at the same spot. Against Colombia, Ospina plays for Arsenal and has watched Kane up close and he too must have seen Kane's two earlier penalties and would have been thinking if Kane would shoot to his right again or this time left. Kane chose the middle.
England seemed to be favoured by the soccer Gods in their path to glory. With Germany, Spain, Argentina, Portugal all out, they know that beating Sweden will set them up against either Croatia or Russia to get to the final. They have to show their character and winning mentality to get there. Their greatest achievement against Colombia was their character. They did not get affected by their opponent's antics and came back to triumph in their first penalty kicks victory in four attempts. Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford has been criticized for being too short for a goalkeeper at 1.85m but he made what could be the tounament's best saves against Colombia and followed up with a crucial penalty save. Playing one of the best right back in the world as a center half in a 3-man defence is a master stroke as well as a liability. Walker is very fast and has on a couple of occasions bailed out his team but he is not a natural centre-half. John Stones is having a good time and so is Harry Maguire and both can be dangerous up front from set pieces. Kieran Trippier has been outstanding while Danny Rose should be preferred over Ashley Young as a natural left footer, his speed to get past defenders and his ability to cross faster could be an asset.
Jordan Henderson will have to bring on his A game and Dele Alli has not replicated his Tottenham form while Jesse Lingard remains unpredictable. Alli seemed injured and bringing in Reuben Loftus-Cheek may be a good idea as he is powerful and so far good at the group stage. Raheem Stirling has not shown his Manchester City form or perhaps he has been asked to sacrifice by dragging defenders wide for his team mates to exploit. Stirling cannot play with his back to goal but he is excellent when running at defenders with his pace. The hero may well be Harry Kane once again whom I have always called "Hurricane". Kane is not naturally gifted nor endowed like Messi or Ronaldo but this man has nerves of steel and incredible determination, strength and belief and he has one great gift of being there at the right place and the right time. He impressed me even when he dropped deep and getting the passes on. Certainly an astute choice for the captaincy. When he scored from the spot against Panama, it was a perfectly taken penalty to the goalie's top right hand corner. Unstoppable. For the second both the goalie must be thinking where it would end up. Same spot or to the opposite side. Kane stood his ground and hit it at the same spot. Against Colombia, Ospina plays for Arsenal and has watched Kane up close and he too must have seen Kane's two earlier penalties and would have been thinking if Kane would shoot to his right again or this time left. Kane chose the middle.
This is likely to be like an EPL match but it may not be for easy viewing. All things being equal, the game could end a draw and into extra-time as they are evenly matched until a guy called Harry Kane pops up and shoot a winner. 1-2.
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