Brazil
The Selacao look all set to sail into the Quarters as they seem as a team in form. But, before that they need to overcome the challenge of doughty Chile in the pre-Quarters. All in all it seems to be mouth watering clash with their Andean rivals a clash of Samba versus Ceuca. The Brazilian on field flair made of Oscar with Fred and Hulk will be ably matched by Vidala, Alexis Sanchez and Eduardo Peredes. Brazil did well till now to impress their fans by beating Croatia 3-1 and Cameroon 3-0. However, it is Neymar who could prove to be the crucial difference between the squads, with his outrageous talent and knack for goals.
MOW prediction – Brazil edging out Chile in a close contest which may go beyond 90 minutes.
Colombia
It is Colombia who have emerged as one of the surprise package of this World Cup by topping Group C quite comfortably. A team which has shown lot of character and youthful exuberance they are a treat to watch. The way they beat tricky teams like Greece 3-0 or Cote D’Ivoire 2-1 shows the punch this team brings to this World Cup.“Los Cafeteros” will do well by stopping Edinson Cavani and Christian Stuani in their tracks and controlling the midfield marshaled by the likes of Fredy Guarin and Abel Aguilar . Their prolific strikers like James Rodriguez and Teofilo Gutierrez should see them through.
MOW Prediction – They should overcome Uruguay’s challenge by an odd goal particularly when the Uruguayans will be without the services of talismanic Luis Suarez.
Netherlands
There are fewer sights in the soccer world which are as beautiful as seeing the Clockwork Orange on a roll on a soccer pitch. The well oiled Dutch machine knows no stopping as players like De Jong, Blind and Martins Indi in defence set up the ball up field for the likes of Sneijder, Kuyt, Robben and van Persie. However the Oranje will get a taste of the Mexican jalapeno before they reach the Quarters. Their master class was on display when they sank the Spanish Armada 5-1 or Chile 2-0. Dutch will be up against a certain Guillermo Ochoa in the Mexican goal, supported by Rafel Marquez and Salcido at the back and strikers like Javier Hernandez and dos Santos threatening them.
MOW Prediction – Advantage Holland, however if the match goes to the penalties the tables could turn.
Costa Rica
Just like Cameroon in 1990 and Senegal in 2002 Costa Rica has come as a real bag of surprise albeit with a difference. Unlike those teams this team seems to be much more focused and they display greater teamwork and not mere individual brilliance. With a compact playing style bolstered by 3 B’s in the midfield Borges, Barrantes and Bolanos their real talent lie upfield where they have two star studded strikers in form of Joel Campbell and Bryan Ruiz. Their performance in Group D made many pundits eat their world when they steamrolled over likes of England and Uruguay.
MOW Prediction – Costa Ricans should edge past Greece despite of later’s stubborn defending style.
France
For the past 20 years in the World Cup French team works in a binary fashion ,that is either they have reached the finals as they did it in 1998 and 2006 or made a first round exit for example in 2002 or 2010. This French side under their World Cup winning skipper Didier Deschamp reminds the viewers of 1998 Les Bleu. The team is overflowing with talent and skills whether it is Evra, Sagna, Sissoko or Sakho in the rear or Cabaye in the middle or Giroud and red hot Banzema in the front. The team showed why they are a favourite when they crushed the Swiss 5-2 or routed Honduras 3-0. Les Bleu need to ward off the Super Eagles Nigeria in their Round-16 fixture before going ahead.
MOW Prediction – Their style and skills should help them glide past Nigeria in an exciting match.
Germany
Die Mannschaft is the most clinical football gadget which has ever graced the greens. It is their precision passing, thunder shooting and robust tackling which makes as always this German squad a firm favourite along with Brazilians and the Dutch. The way they have squashed their rivals like Portugal and USA and held out against a determined Ghana augurs well for this team. Before possibly meeting France in the Quarters they will have to edge out a foxy Algeria who are keen to avenge their 1982 exit.
MOW Prediction – Germany should see off the Algerian resistance in a mouth watering clash.
Belgium
The Red Devils are back in doing what they are best that is making mischief the devil style. And, Style is something which this squad has in plenty. The team has pleased its fans with a well fought 1-0 win over Russia and 2-1 win over Algeria. Representing a diverse country popular with immigrants this rainbow team is full of promise and class. Captained by Vincent Kompany the team has a galaxy oh stars like Fellaini, Axel Witsel, Romelu Lukaku and Eden Hazard. With Marc Wilmots at the helm, Belgium are looking for a long haul this time.
MOW Prediction – Belgium should beat USA without any major hiccups.
Argentina
The last time the tournament happened in South America Argentines emerged as the champions way back in 1978. This time around La Albiceleste see no reason why they should not lay their hands on the coveted trophy. Arguably, the World’s best player Lionel Messi is in their side argentines are picking up form gradually but surely a sign which would please their fans and coach Alejandro Sabella. The team displayed grit and determination by edging past talented Nigerians 3-2 or the Bosnians 2-1. With De Maria, Zabaleta and Mescherano supporting Higuain, Aguero and Messi Argentines seem to have the right mix of talent and the temperament.
MOW Prediction – They should sail past the Swiss comfortably.
2018 Football World Cup Results