There world cup are a few mouth-waterworld cup world cup ing in shape-usain world cup the sector-finals world cup world cup of the World Cworld cup up – but will there be any extra shocks?
Morocco are the marvel package inside the final eight, world cup and feature already crushed European giants Belgium and Spain on their way to this level – can they upload Portugal to the list?
“I understand many people don’t suppose it, but I’ve world cup were given a heart,” said BBC Sport soccer expert Chris Sutton. “And my coronary heart is going to rule my head with my prediction for that tie.”
Sutton is predicting the outcome of each recreation in Qatar.
Penalties were his undoing in two of the 8 last-sixteen ties – he picked the wrong crew whenever to succeed at spot-kicks – but he nonetheless successfully guessed the winner in 5 suits.
That turned into enough to preserve his 55% fulfillment fee inside the match, after he selected the right outcome in 26 of the 48 organization video gworld cup ames.
Before the World Cup commenced, Sutton selected 12 of the 16 teams that advanced to the primary knockout level, which include France, his choose to win the tournament, and England, who he thinks will reach the quit of their avenue on Saturday.
Croatia v world cup world cup Brazil graphicCroatia v Brazil (Education City, 15:00 GMT)
I’ve labored as a co-commentator for BBC Radio 5 Live at all 4 of Brazil’s games at this World Cup, and no group has definitely gone toe to toe with them but.
Each in their organization video games commenced with groups sitting in – protecting deep with a low block – and two of the 3 teams they played, Serbia and Switzerland, did no longer manage a shot on the right track.
The difference after they performed South Korea in the ultimate sixteen become that they scored an early aim in a knockout tie, which opened the sport up – and it became 3-0 and over earlier than the 1/2-hour mark.
Having Neymar again from injury truly helped Brazil in that healthy, and they made a chunk of a declaration with the manner of their victory.
If every body doubted they may win this World Cup, they might not any extra. They flexed their muscular tissues and said: ‘Things are getting severe and we’re geared up.’
-
Star names set for heavy-hitting World Cup ultimate 8
-
BBC to broadcast Friday’s World Cup quarter-finals
-
Who will win World Cup Golden Boot? Vote now
Croatia will play with balance, as opposed to world cup massed defence – world cup however they in reality won’t be at the the front foot.
They only simply were given beyond Japan inside the ultimate round, but that wasn’t the first time they observed a manner to get via a recreation.
I can not see them going any in addition, even though. They have were given some accurate players – young and old – however Brazil might be too sturdy.
Sutton’s prediction: 0-three
-
Dancing Brazil ‘might not apologise’ for having amusing
-
‘Brazil positioned down biggest marker at World Cup’
-
How Croatia confirmed nous to break Japanese hearts
Netherlands v Argentina graphicNetherlands v Argentina (Lusail Iconic Stadium, 19:00 GMT)
Whoever wins this tie, it’s miles probable to intend the give up of the road for at least one footballing legend at a World Cup.
Netherlands train Louis van Gaal is probably in his final job in world cup control, even as that is almost surely Argentina icon Lionel Messi’s final tournament in this degree.
Van Gaal is doing matters differently to the traditional 4-3-3 the Dutch usually play, but they had been powerful, although world cup they’re now not exactly beautiful to look at inside the way their excellent groups of the past have been.
Argentina have performed with a touch more panache on their manner to this stage, helped via some portions of brilliance from Messi. however they’re a crew with issues in their own.
You can clearly get at them and create probabilities, and I sense like Netherlands forwards Memphis Depay and Cody Gakpo may get a few properly possibilities.
Have I referred to earlier than now that the Netherlands are my left-subject pick for the event? As I said, they don’t play the prettiest soccer, however they get the activity performed. I’m sticking with them here, too.
Argentina’s fans are the satisfactory at this World Cup; they are absolutely the loudest. Any team with Messi of their side won’t move quietly, but they might be heading domestic quickly.
Sutton’s prediction: 2-1
-
‘Van Gaal counters critics as Dutch reach quarters’
-
‘Genius’ Messi keeps Argentina World Cup dream alive
Saturday, 10 December
Morocco v Portugal graphicMorocco v Portugal (Al Thumama Stadium, 15:00 GMT)
Bringing in Goncalo Ramos for Cristiano Ronaldo turned into a super pick out by way of Portugal supervisor Fernando Santos for their win over Switzerland inside the closing sixteen.
I like that form of robust control after Ronaldo’s behaviour whilst he became taken off at some point of their defeat by way of South Korea at the give up of the institution level.
Like Manchester United, Portugal look like better off with out Ronaldo.
They were so fantastic in opposition to the Swiss, which turned into a big wonder to me – however then I didn’t recognise Ronaldo would not begin.
Morocco are going to find this sport a lot more difficult than stopping Belgium or Spain, however they’re high-quality-organised defensively – they’ve best conceded one aim at this World Cup – and extremely competitive on the ruin.
It worries me that they is probably without West Ham United’s Nayef Aguerd, who came off injured in opposition to Spain and is one in all their key defenders.
But I actually need Morocco to head though – their fans are super and it would be a sensational story for them to reach the semi-finals.
My head is telling me Portugal, because they’re bubbling with confidence now, however I am a chunk of an old romantic – and I am going to follow my coronary heart here.
Sutton’s prediction: 1-0
-
Hakimi seizes second and can provide Moroccan elation
-
‘One country’s victory and an entire vicinity’s joy’
-
‘Ronaldo reduced to function of movie star no one needs’
England v France graphicEngland v France (Al Bayt Stadium, 19:00 GMT)
We will all have our thoughts about who should start for England and what formation they must play, but Gareth Southgate has barely placed a foot incorrect so far in Qatar, and he could have a plan for this game too.
Southgate become getting panned before this World Cup started out because of some bad latest effects inside the Uefa Nations League, however down the years he has finished a extremely good activity and he does not get the credit he deserves.
Suddenly he has got England in a position where the expectation is there once more, but now it gets genuinely critical – England want to win three games to win the World Cup and they’re going through a few top-quality competition, beginning with France.
-
Alan Shearer column: Show fear? Let everybody else be terrified of England
-
Seven matters that make Mbappe a superstar
Southgate’s side will have lots of defending to do on Saturday. If they do forestall Kylian Mbappe, they have got Ousmane Dembele to deal with on the alternative flank – and Olivier Giroud up front as properly.
But Mbappe, Dembele and Antoine Griezmann do no longer work hard while they’re out of possession, so if England are brave they may get probabilities.
I in reality suppose England can win this tie. However, earlier than the match, France were my pick to win it and I feel I ought to go with the holders to undergo on that basis, although it is going to be very near.
I also expected England might handiest go as a long way because the sector-finals. I honestly hope I am wrong.
Sutton’s prediction: 1-2
-
Mbappe? Kane? Pick your world cup England-France blended XI
-
And put your self in Southgate’s shoes – who must begin for England?
-
Fifa World Cup: Groups & Schedule
-
World Cup TV Coverage guide
Get the latest effects and aim notifications for any group at the Fifa World Cup by means of downloading the BBC Sport app: Apple – Android – Amazon
Get your daily dose of Fifa World Cup response, debate & evaluation with World Cup Daily on BBC Sounds