Uruguay vs Portugal
Cam: Uruguay
Portugal have not looked convening on either end of the field in the last few games and Uruguay are the only team that haven’t conceded a goal. Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani will have their way with the Portugal back line as the European Champions bow out.
Tincho: Uruguay
A very interesting matchup against two very defensive sides. Both teams share similar characteristics and tactical planning. I don’t think it will be a high scoring game but I think Uruguay is more of a collective threat offensively. Both teams seem have trouble asserting the midfield but unlike Cristiano, Uruguay has two strikers with the ability to create like any “10”. Close game but Uruguay takes it.
Quinn: Portugal
Ronaldo is having an amazing World Cup and it is extremely difficult for me to imagine it ending for him in the round of 16. Uruguay will give them a great challenge but I believe we will see Portugal in the quarterfinals.
France vs Argentina
Cam: France
Argentina are in shamble from the fact that they only could score three times in the group stage while also conceding heavily. France have the pace and power to stop Leo Messi and whoever Sampaoli decides to play along side the King. Pogba will be rested and the attacking options will breakdown the Argentine backline.
Tincho: France
On paper, this would be an anticipated final. However, after seeing both of these teams throughout the course of the World Cup, I don’t think either of them have delivered the way we hoped they would. It will be interesting to see how the Nigeria impacts the Argentina side. With the pressure of losing in the Group Stage off their shoulders, I expect to see a more relaxed Argentina side who has more patience on the ball. I believe France will clog up the midfield and have three or more defenders within reach of Messi at all times. I think France will try to eliminate Messi out of the game and hit Argentina in the counters.
Quinn: France
This is going to be a great game (I hope). However, France is just far too good even for a team that has arguably the best player in the world. Especially after their shaky group stage. France should advance.
Brazil vs Mexico
Cam: Brazil
No fifth game for El Tri again.
Tincho: Brazil in ET
The most interesting Round of 16 matchup in my eyes. Not only do Brazil appear to be fragile, Mexico has proved once again that they are capable of defeating some of the best teams in the World. If I’m Mexican, I put the Sweden game in the past and regroup with my eyes on Brazil. Neymar has been getting hacked all tournament and this game will be no different. I would love to see Neymar relentlessly taking on Mexican defenders and forcing them to foul. If Brazil can get that psychological edge on Mexico early in the game, it will make things a lot easier. I like this matchup for Mexico honestly. In the end, Brazil’s overwhelming star power will just be too much for Mexico.
Quinn: Brazil
Mexico was one of my favorites in the group stage, so it is a bummer to admit that I don’t see them going any further. Brazil is just too experienced and skillful in its attack for even a great goalkeeper like Ochoa to keep from scoring goals.
Belgium vs Japan
Cam: Belgium
No explanation needed
Tincho: Belgium
Belgium accidentally beat England on Thursday and is now placed on a much more difficult side of the bracket. However, I don’t see how this Japanese side can defeat Belgium. After narrowly beating a 10 man Colombia in the opener, Japan never really played to their full potential and only advanced past the group stage because they had less yellow cards than Senegal. Belgium will take care of business with ease.
Quinn: Belgium
Belgium won their group with flying colors. Japan is good, and played well in the first round but it is safe to say we will see Belgium move along quite easily.
Spain vs Russia
Cam: Spain
The host have been impressive against inferior competition but have looked average against better opposition. Spain are no different even thou they are not in good form. This game will be tight and close for the whole match, but the Spanish will triumph.
Tincho: Spain
Russia is still one of the most overrated teams of the tournament to me but I believe they can give Spain a difficult time. Spain has a difficult time against physical sides and Russia seemed to be the most dangerous when they’re on the counter. La Roja will dominate possession as usual but will have a hard time breaking through Russia’s defense . Look to see Spain spread the width as much as possible with Jordi Alba and Dani Carvajal’s overlapping runs thus creating more openings in the middle. Diego Costa’s physicality will play an important role in Spain’s victory.
Quinn: Spain
Spain only won one game in the group stage, but didn’t lose any either. I think the Spaniards will be sending the 2018 World Cup hosts home earlier than they wish.
Croatia vs Denmark
Cam: Croatia
Denmark have been saved in multiple games by Kasper Schmeichel, but Croatia have found their grove. Resting multiple players vs Iceland will benefit the Croat’s in their quest for glory. Denmark are also struggling with injuries to midfielders William Kvist and Thomas Delaney, where Croatia are dominate.
Tincho: Croatia
Croatia is slowly becoming a contender to win the World Cup. It’s hard for me to find a flaw in this Croatian side. Rock solid in the back, dominating midfield and capable of putting away chances. They’ll suffocate a Denmark side who has trouble playing from the back. Croatia will dominate the ball and the score and I don’t think it will be close.
Quinn: Croatia
Croatia should advance with ease. Luka Modric is the best midfielder remaining in the tournament and should lead his side to the quarterfinals with little to no problem.
Sweden vs Switzerland
Cam: Switzerland
Both teams are sturdy defensively and rely on creative midfielder to feed the attack Emil Forsberg (Sweden) and Xherdan Shaqiri (Switzerland). This game could be a toss up as both teams are evenly matched but I will go with the Swiss due to the experience in the squad.
Tincho: Sweden
Sweden started their third match in third place and desperately needing a win against Mexico to qualify. A combination of results saw them win their group and avoid a tricky Brazilian side. I think Sweden is a side that has been improving after each game. Despite losing to Germany, I liked what I saw against Germany and with the way the bracket is set up, Sweden could make a run this summer. Switzerland’s defensive problems concern me as they move forward in the competition. They’re more than capable of putting the ball in the net but I’m not so sure they can be rock solid defensively for a full 90 minutes.
Quinn: Switzerland
To me, this will be one of the more exciting games in the round of 16 even though it doesn’t feature a typical powerhouse like many of the other games do. I am eager to watch this match and have a feeling we will see more magnificence from Shaqiri as he boosts the Swiss into the quarterfinals.
England vs Columbia
Cam: England
No James is a problem for Colombia as they could lack creativity in breaking down a back five. An in-form Harry Kane is an issue for every team that come up against England. The only question with England is the mental psych of the team and not having been at this stage before. Colombia on the other hand have experience at this stage but have been at a lack of goals unless from set-pieces or counter attacking. The Three Lions look to have something different, so it may be “Coming Home”.
Tincho: Colombia
I LOVE this match up. Colombia has potential to be one of the most entertaining sides of the tournament and their free flowing offense is something to dream about. I also love watching England attack the flanks and use their speed to get behind defenders. Having a finisher like Harry Kane means that colombian defenders must think twice when joining the attack and when the ball is at their feet. England is fantastic at finding the gaps left behind by the center backs and we’ve seen Colombia struggle with communication at the back at times. I think these are perfectly matched teams and it should be a great match.
Quinn: England
This is a toss up. If James plays, I like Colombia in this. However, without their star playmaker and prolific goal scorer I think the English side will advance unless Falcao, Cuadrado and gang all have solid outings.