The group stage is over and we now enter the knockout rounds of the 2018 World Cup in Russia. The holders Germany were the biggest team to fall at the first hurdle, putting an end to an 80-year run of consistent success in the competition. The schedule has been set, some promise to be hugely exciting contests while others, less so. Here is a round of 16 watchability rankings so you know which matches to wait for. All times are Eastern.
- Sweden v Switzerland – Tuesday July 3, 10 AM Fox/FS1
Let’s be honest here, Sweden v Switzerland is probably the least exciting World Cup knockout match since the 2006 tie between Switzerland and Ukraine. That match, incidentally, was the last time the Swiss reached the last 16 of a World Cup. That 0-0 draw hardly set pulses racing and neutral fans won’t expect this match to be much better.
- Belgium v Japan – Monday July 2, 2 PM Fox/FS1
Belgium beat England on Thursday to ensure top seeding and what should have been an easier path to the final in Moscow. The draw hasn’t exactly worked out that way but the Belgians will still be relatively pleased with this tie. Japan is the first team to ever qualify for the last 16 of a World Cup draw via the fair play rules but did put in a couple of decent performances to justify their place in the knockout stages.
- Croatia v Denmark – Sunday July 1, 2 PM Fox/FS1
This could be an excellent match. Croatia has been the most consistently impressive side in the tournament so far and will have high hopes for this match. Denmark has also impressed with midfielder Christian Eriksen performing at a high level so far. It would be a surprise to see either of these teams progress further than the quarter-finals but this should still be an entertaining clash.
- Spain v Russia – Sunday July 1, 10 AM Fox/FS1
It’s the holders against the 2010 winners in a match which would hardly have been as interesting if it was taking place a few months ago. Flashback to a time before Spain sacked its manager on the eve of the tournament and when Russia was one of the worst teams in the competition. Now, things are a little more even and it would not be a huge surprise to see the host nation come out on top here.
- Uruguay v Portugal – Saturday June 30, 2 PM Fox/FS1
Uruguay v Portugal will feature some of the best players on the planet playing for teams which are hardly the most stable. Neither team is blessed with the most impressive defence which means that this match could turn into a shooting gallery for the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani. Expect goals.
- Colombia v England – Tuesday July 3, 2 PM Fox/FS1
It’s always fascinating to see how England plays in World Cups, even if the team hasn’t done well of late. England has won just two World Cup knockout matches since 1990 but will be hoping to set that record right against Colombia. The South American side reached the quarter-finals four years and was only stopped by hosts Brazil. This could be a brilliant match.
- Brazil v Mexico – Monday July 2, 10 AM Fox/FS1
Brazil entered this tournament as one of the favourites but things have changed since the elimination of Germany. The Brazilians are now the clear frontrunners to lift their sixth World Cup title at 7/2 on Betway as of 29 June. They come up against Mexico in what will be its first major test in Russia. Most eyes will be fixed on superstar Neymar who has so far failed to live up to his potential at the tournament. If he can put on a display against a solid Mexico team then Brazil will take some beating.
- France v Argentina – Saturday June 30, 10 AM Fox/FS1
These two teams really challenged Germany for the title of ‘Most Disappointing’ in the group stages but as we enter the knockout rounds, anything can happen. France has one of the best squads in the world but manager Didier Deschamps still hasn’t made his mind up on how they should be playing. Still, there is enough individual talent on the pitch for France to really make a push for the later stages of this tournament.
For Argentina, things are a little different. The last-gasp winner against Nigeria gave Argentina a place in the last-16 which, in all honesty, it doesn’t deserve. All eyes will be on Lionel Messi in this one and there is a feeling that both of these sides are just one good result away from really starting to impress. Don’t be surprised if the winner of this match goes on a run which stretches to the semis.
