FIFA World Cup
World Cup 2018 Last Eight: Fixtures, Brazil And Croatia Favorites
The Round of 16 is now history and teams have started to prepare for the round of Last Eight. With Germany, Spain, Argentina and Portugal on their way home, Brazil, Croatia and France remain as favorites to win the World Cup. Six European nations while only two Americans made it to this round.
World Cup 2018 Last Eight Fixture:
Uruguay vs France
Friday, July 6 – 10:00 AM EST
Venue: Nizhny Novgorod Stadium
The former world champions come to this match after facing European champions Portugal with Cristiano Ronaldo while France comes from defeating Lionel Messi’s Argentina. Both with several quality wins in the Round of 16. Perhaps the downside comes for Uruguay who have doubts with Edin Cavani with a leg/knee injury suffered against Portugal. France come with the firepower of Antoine Griezmann, Kylian Mbappe, and Olivier Giroud. Odds have that France will overcome Uruguay.
Brazil vs Belgium
Friday, July 6, 2:00 PM EST
Venue: Kazan Arena
Belgium had to fight real hard to get to this round after coming from behind to defeat Japan. On the other side, Brazil was handed an easier fixture against Mexico who had dropped its momentum after losing 3-0 to Sweden in last Group match. The five-time world champions have been playing better in their last matches after a scare in group stage against Switzerland. However, Belgium’s top-flight players have shown the gain experience in the best clubs in the world have given them the opportunity to play this far into the tournament. But, Brazil is Brazil and should not be taken lightly.
Sweden vs England
Saturday, July 7
Venue: Samara Arena
This Swedish team without Zlatan Ibrahimovic has shown resiliency and become a unit. Their efforts showed that not only are they capable of defeating Italy in the European playoffs, but have the capability to leave Germany out in Group stage after defeating Mexico 3-0. However, England has been war-tested against Belgium, despite having a losing effort. Against Colombia they were by far the better team. However, the Three Lions are left with sour taste being that the referee seem to have errors both ways. However, English team have an edge over the Swedish.
Russia vs Croatia
Saturday, July 7
Venue: Fisht Stadium
The host hasn’t had the best of luck in World Cup events. However, Russia has been quite the surprise in the 2018 edition. There was little hope they would come out of Group A with Egypt and Uruguay in their group and they did. However, they have Croatia on their path. A path filled with players such a Luka Modric, Ivan Rakitic, Mario Mandzukic, Ivan Perisic and Mateo Kovasic. The Russians have been a tough team to beat, if not, ask Spain. Croatia, however, has squashed all their opponents thus far. Their path to final will be between Russia, Sweden and England. Many are penciling the Vatreni have their sights placed on the finals despite Russia being a “feel-good” story.
Conclusion:
Brazil and Croatia have the better teams in this final stage of the World Cup. With this in mind, Brazil will likely win its sixth world championship while Neymar and company win their first match. The Brazilians are still reminiscing the bad act they gave at home in 2014.
