The World Cup knockout stages are now well underway, with an excellent eight soon to be cut down to a phenomenal four. See Last Word on Football’s World Cup predictions for the quarter finals, and why we could have the match of the tournament.
World Cup Predictions for the Quarter Finals
Brazil vs Croatia
Joe Blackburn: 4-0
Jordan Hackett: 2-1
Dan Hepburn: 3-0
Joseph Howes: 3-0
Jamie Rooke: 4-0
Despite this being the quarter-final stage, Croatia have flattered to deceive so far. Zlatko Dalic’s ageing side underperformed in the group stage and only just got past Japan. The favourites for the whole tournament Brazil lie in wait next and their poor performances may finally catch up with them as Neymar and Co. put them to the sword.
Jamie Rooke
Netherlands vs Argentina
Joe Blackburn: 0-1
Jordan Hackett: 0-2
Dan Hepburn: 2-1
Joseph Howes: 1-0
Jamie Rooke: 0-2
This World Cup has been extremely complex for Argentina, losing their first match and then eventually stumbling into good form since. It would be very kind to suggest that Lionel Messi hasn’t done the majority of the work for the side. The Netherlands, meanwhile, haven’t yet lost a match and are looking to continue the counter-attacking style they used against the USA. In a word, this match could be quite stodgy. A little bit of Messi magic could make all the difference.
Joe Blackburn
Morocco vs Portugal
Joe Blackburn: 1-0
Jordan Hackett: 1-2
Dan Hepburn: 0-2
Joseph Howes: 2-3 (AET)
Jamie Rooke: (p) 1-1
This is a World Cup brimming with surprises, and this quarter-final could be one of the biggest surprises of all. Portugal are on a roll after hammering South Korea, with a strong performance putting them through after a tricky group. Morocco, meanwhile, put one of the favourites out in the last round. In spite of a strong Portugal, this has potential to be tight. Morocco win with a goal on the counter.
Joe Blackburn
England vs France
Joe Blackburn: 4-1
Jordan Hackett: 4-2
Dan Hepburn: 2-1
Joseph Howes: 0-1
Jamie Rooke: 3-2 (AET)
This is an extremely big match that could go either way. With a strong midfield, England could grab the match by the throat and take France to task. However, Les Bleus have a lot of attacking talent and may seek to press the Three Lions back into their own half, limiting the way Gareth Southgate chooses to play. As an England fan, the former is far more attractive. 4-1 to the Three Lions, it’s coming home.
Joe Blackburn
Last Word on Football recognise Qatar’s human rights abuses and instances of corruption taking place throughout the nation and in the background of the World Cup. Learn more about some of the issues surrounding the World Cup here.
