OT: 2018 World Cup - Quarter Finals

What a Round of 16 THAT was!! Amirite? It had it all! Exciting finishes, boring finishes, beautiful football, not-so-beautiful football (*cough* diving *cough*), penalty kicks, upsets, pretty goals, come-from-behind wins. Really, it had just about everything! So, where do we stand now that another 8 teams are on their way home?

France v Argentina - This was the best game either team had played in the tournament. France had looked tentative throughout group stage, despite winning their group, but really came on strong against a revitalized Argentina side which looked more confident after a pretty shaky start to their campaign. Both teams trailed for part of the game and were tied at the half way point. The second half produced a flurry of goals which really heightened the atmosphere and excitement. The back-and-forth affair looked as though it could really go either way until child prodigy Kylian Mpabbe scored two quick goals for France in the 64th and 68th minutes finally putting the game out of reach of the Argentine side. A stoppage time goal for Argentina made the score line look a little closer than it really was at the end.

Uruguay v Portugal - The Edinson Cavani show took the spotlight. Despite Portugal leading Uruguay in virtually every statistical category (and by pretty wide margins at that) Cavani was able to find the back of the net twice for Uruguay lifting them up over a Portugal team which looked pretty decent on the night. Ronaldo had a quiet evening and that may have been the difference.

Spain v Russia - Spain was clearly the better team for the duration of the game. Interestingly, however, both goals were scored by Russia (one being an own goal...oops). As I watched, Spain looked to me to be decidedly uninterested in scoring but when you look at the stats they had 23 shots, nine of which were on target. Not bad numbers but it felt like they should have had way more. To me it looked as though they would possess the ball and just pass it around Russia's penalty area looking not quite sure what else to do with it. Spain possessed the ball 79% of the time and had more shots on target (9) than Russia had total shots (7) but at the end of the day it was Russia's goal keeper who made a remarkable PK save with his foot to send Spain packing. An excellent finish for the home town underdog.

Croatia v Denmark - These two teams had very similar stats throughout the game in nearly every category. Denmark picked up several more fouls than Croatia but otherwise the stat sheets are almost interchangeable. Following up the Russia v Spain finish by also taking a 1-1 score to PKs seemed about right for this duo. Neither team was particularly sharp striking the PKs but Croatia edged out Denmark to advance.

Brazil v Mexico - Brazil was much more effective at putting shots on target (10 - 1) and drawing fouls (17 - 6). Otherwise the performances looked statistically similar. Brazil still looks a bit unsteady but they are gaining confidence as they go deeper in the tournament. This team is hard to read. I'm not yet convinced that they are a team that can win the World Cup the way they are playing now but the potential is certainly there.

Belgium v Japan - This match will probably earn the most superlatives: Most Exciting Finish, Best Come-From-Behind Victory, Most Heartbreaking Loss, Most Beautiful Team Goal (I think Most Beautiful Individual Goal would go to Pavard or Cavani). Heck, I might even be missing one or two more. Japan looked like they were going to shock a team which looked very strong during Group Stage. Belgium looked like they were going to lose another disappointing game they should win. Then, all of a sudden, Belgium won the game outright. It's really hard not to feel badly for Japan, even if you consider how Japan finished Group Stage. Perhaps Karma bit them instead of England.

Sweden v Switzerland - Yet another game in which one team (Switzerland) dominated nearly every statistical category except the one that matters. This game looked, on paper, to be a bit of a toss-up. I believe it lived up to that billing. This could have gone either way but ultimately Sweden was able to do what Switzerland couldn't and as such they will advance.

Colombia v England - This may have been the least fun match to watch. In the wise words of Alum07 (paraphrased) this game turned into a ridiculous clown show. Both teams have shaky histories in the RO16 but in the end it was Colombia who snatched defeat from the jaws of victory (or something like that). England will be happy to advance but it was an ugly affair. For everyone's sake, lets hope we don't have to put up with any more clown shows down the home-stretch.

Now on to the more fun stuff! Quarter Final Fixtures!!!

Friday - 6 July, 2018
There is a two day break before the Quarter Final matches commence. The first match on Friday will feature France v Uruguay. France should be stronger on paper but Uruguay has looked more like a team that could win this. Uruguay has only conceded one goal through four games but France was starting to look like a formidable team against Argentina. One wonders if France finally figured it out or if Argentina is really that bad. I think Uruguay will help to answer that question.

Then for dessert we're treated to Brazil v Belgium. Both teams have had their moments. Both teams have looked vulnerable. Neither team has lost yet. Something's gotta give. I expect this to be a very exciting game with second half fireworks. Can Brazil keep up with Belgium's firepower? Can Belgium maintain their confidence after that scare from Japan? If you can clear space on your Friday schedule to view this game I advise to do so. Should be a fun one!

Saturday - 7 July, 2018
This side of the bracket is seemingly less competitive. Things kick off with Sweden v England. Sounds pretty ho-hum. England will be favored to win this but as history will tell you England can't be counted on in big tournaments. This will be my "Upset Watch" match. Otherwise this isn't a terribly compelling tie.

The later game, Russia v Croatia, is slightly more interesting if only for the fact that Russia is surprisingly still alive. Contrary to pundit and "expert" opinions Russia has looked like a much stronger team than they should have been. Can they continue the magical journey with another surprising win over Croatia? Or will Croatia-which has quietly put together possibly the most solid overall performance in the tournament-prevail? I'm sure all eyes will be on this game despite not having particularly sexy teams. And who knows, we could see some wild stuff. It is Russia, after all.

As always, discuss below and Happy Watching!