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World Cup: Quarterfinal Predictions – One upset is bound to happen

By Orri Benatar

SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA - JULY 03: Emil Forsberg of Sweden celebrates after scoring his team's first goal during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Round of 16 match between Sweden and Switzerland at Saint Petersburg Stadium on July 3, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA - JULY 03: Emil Forsberg of Sweden celebrates after scoring his team's first goal during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Round of 16 match between Sweden and Switzerland at Saint Petersburg Stadium on July 3, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images) /
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Quarterfinal predictions time. These four matches are going to be even and it’s hard to foresee a clear outcome for any of these games.

For my Round of 16 picks, I correctly guessed five results and got one score totally correct (thanks Brazil and Mexico). I messed up on Uruguay, Russia, and England. The hope is that these four matches will be totally correct. With how crazy this World Cup has been, I don’t expect these to be right.

Uruguay 0-1 France

News has been coming out that Edinson Cavani will not be fit enough for Uruguay tomorrow. That is a big blow for Uruguay’s strike partnership as that puts Luis Suarez in a position where he will need to be the target man and the creator. Uruguay’s best way of scoring without Cavani is through a header from Godin or Gimenez.

France has the attacking intelligence and speed to break down the Uruguayan defense. The key is Kylian Mbappe. A game similar to how he played against Argentina will spell trouble for Uruguay. France can get one and make the semifinals.

Brazil 3-1 Belgium

This should be an explosive game of football. This game is loaded with talent and should spell goals. Brazil will be the only team that scores a bunch of goals. Belgium is unlikely to change the lineup and the glaring hole is the lack of wide defenders. Yannick Carrasco doesn’t play defense and with Willian or Neymar running on that side, Brazil will capitalize on that weakness. Belgium will have a tougher time breaking down an underlooked Brazilian defense.

Russia 0-0 Croatia (Croatia wins on penalties)

Russia will park the bus and Croatia won’t break it down. This game will be only the second scoreless draw of this World Cup and will go to penalties. Subasic will be the hero again and Croatia will make the semifinals. This match is the toughest to call. Even harder than the next game.

Sweden 1-0 England

I got the upset pick and for the second straight round, I am picking against England. Sweden’s midfield is designed to stop attacking midfielders. Fortunately for Sweden, England’s attacking midfielder hasn’t played well in his two appearances.

Dele Alli was ineffective against Tunisia and Colombia. England should go more physical in midfield with Ruben Loftus-Cheek and put in either Jamie Vardy or Marcus Rashford. Vardy or Rashford have the tenacity to disorganize the Swedish defense with their speed.

Sweden is strong and not to be meddled with. They are a legitimate contender to not just make the semifinals but to become the ninth country to call themselves world champions.

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