World Cup: Round Of 16 Preview

It has been a fascinating group stage of the tournament, with shock result after shock result and some big-name eliminations. Belgium and Germany have been spectacular flops, and there will undoubtedly be some inquests into their abject failures to progress from seemingly comfortable groups. It has been a compelling viewing, however, and clearly shows that none of the fancied sides can take anything for granted. So let’s look ahead to some games.

England Vs Senegal
Sunday sees the first-ever meeting between these two nations, and Gareth Southgate’s men will come into this game as strong favourites. England topped group B easily and will be confident coming into this game. There had been a considerable clamour for Phil Foden’s inclusion from the English media and fans ahead of the last match, and Southgate had no choice but to give him his first start of the tournament. The young Man City maestro duly delivered a stellar performance against Wales. Harry Kane still looks like a man out of form, but his manager will stick with him going into the knockout stages.

Senegal produced a big performance in their last group game to defeat Ecuador and advance as runners-up to the Netherlands in group A. They are a classic counterattacking team, so England will have to be wary of some fine offensive talent like Ismailia Sarr of Watford and Boulanger Dia of Villarreal. The Senegalese, of course, are missing their star man this World Cup as Sadie Mane was ruled out through injury. This will be a tougher assignment for England than many expect.

Prediction
England 1-0 Senegal

Argentina Vs Australia
Argentina recovered well after the embarrassing opening day defeat to Saudi Arabia to top Group C. Lionel Messi has been instrumental in that recovery, even allowing for a missed penalty in the victory over Poland. They could have won that game by a wider margin, but it was a shameful performance from the Poles as they barely advanced over the halfway line at any stage. Australia may take a similar approach and try to frustrate Argentina, but Messi & Co will be confident of unlocking the Aussie backline.

Australia surprised many to finish runners-up to France in Group D, especially after their heavy 4-1 defeat to the French in the opening game. A battling 1-0 win over Denmark in the final group game set up this last 16 tie, and they will come into this game with nothing to lose. This is a squad of fewer stars than the Aussies may have had in previous years, and Matthew Leckie will hope to continue his excellent form as he has been their outstanding performer so far. Results have shown nothing is a given at this World Cup, but this could be a long night for Australia.

Prediction
Argentina 3-0 Australia

Japan Vs Croatia
The big success story of the World Cup so far has undoubtedly been Japan. Victories over Spain and Germany en route to topping Group E have shocked everyone, including the Japanese supporters who bring a special atmosphere to the games. The Japanese players seem to feed off that energy as they have shown astounding fitness levels in their games. Whether it’s laying bodies on the line to deny opposition players or a 70-yard counterattack with seven blue jerseys bounding forward in search of a goal, it has been great to watch. This will be the second occasion these teams have met in a World Cup, following a 0-0 draw in the 2006 group stages.

Croatia have been solid, if unspectacular, so far. A convincing 4-1 victory over Canada sandwiched between two 0-0 draws was enough to see them advance ahead of Belgium to the last 16. They finished runners-up at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, so they know what’s required, and I’m sure it will suit them that they are coming in under many people’s radar. Veteran Luka Modic continues to stylishly orchestrate this team with the deft strokes we have become accustomed to for the previous 3 World Cups, and if Japan can stifle his influence in this match, they will have every chance of causing another upset.

Prediction
Japan 2-1 Croatia