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FIFA World Cup 2018 is off to a flying start! The group stage has finally come to an end, and to term it 'thrilling' will be sort of an understatement. Needless to say, the tournament has been chock-full of upsets and shockers with a number of red-hot favorites failing to step up to the plate.
The script of the initial episode could not have been any better. But the real competition is yet to begin. After two thoroughly entertaining weeks, we are finally entering into the knockout stages with only 16 out of 32 teams left in the tournament.
Of course, the biggest thunderbolt is the absence of the defending World Cup champions - Germany. Die Mannschaft crashed out of the World Cup after their appalling 2-0 loss to South Korea in their third and final World Cup 2018 encounter.
Also Read: World Cup 2018: 3 reasons why Germany crashed out
Here are the teams that have managed to qualify for the Round of 16:
Uruguay (winners of Group A)
Russia (runners-up in Group A)
Spain (winners of Group B)
Portugal (runners-up in Group B)
France (winners of Group C)
Denmark (runners-up in Group C)
Croatia (winners of Group D)
Argentina (runners-up in Group D)
Brazil (winners in Group E)
Switzerland (runners-up in Group E)
Sweden (winners in Group F)
Mexico (runners-up in Group F)
Belgium (winners in Group G)
England (runners-up in Group G)
Colombia (winners in Group H)
Japan (runners-up in Group H)
Having said that, we take a look-see at each upcoming fixture and predict the winners of each match.
#1 France vs Argentina
The clash between France and Argentina will be the first blockbuster knockout tie of the World Cup which will take place on Saturday.
Unlike many other title favorites, France did not face any major hurdle in passing the group stage as they finished first in Group C ahead of the likes of Denmark, Peru and Australia. Out of the 3 matches, Les Bleus prevailed in two and ended their fixture against Denmark in a scoreless tie.
On the contrary, Argentina had to overcome many stumbling blocks on their journey. La Albiceleste opened their World Cup campaign in a majorly unpromising fashion as Iceland pulled off a 1-1 draw against them.
However, things were expected to pick up, but a 3-0 drubbing at the hands of Croatia virtually killed their hopes. All the same, they secured a last-minute progression courtesy of Nigeria's win against Iceland and Rojo's winner against Nigeria.
It goes without saying that the clash is expected to be a cliff-hanging contest as both the sides are important contenders. Nevertheless, France will in all likelihood outclass Jorge Sampaoli's side if the lineups and recent performances are anything to go by.
P.S - A sincere apology to all Lionel Messi fans.
#2 Portugal vs Uruguay
Pitted against some relatively easy sides such as Russia, Saudi Arabia and Egypt - Uruguay went on to win all 3 World Cup encounters to bag all possible 9 points. Consequently they qualified on top Group A.
Portugal was paired with tougher opponents comprising the likes of Spain, Morocco and Iran in Group B.
The Navigators earned a 3-3 draw against Spain in arguably the most exciting match of the World Cup so far, captivating the footballing world. The team also triumphed over Morocco with a marginal scoreline of 1-0, before drawing with Iran.
Nonetheless, Fernando Santos' side which boast of an in-form Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to surpass Uruguay in the Round of 16.
Also Read: World Cup 2018: 4 reasons why Portugal could win in Russia
#3 Spain vs Russia
The buzz-worthy managerial change only two days before their match with Portugal did backfire against Spain, as evidenced by their underwhelming performance in the group stage. Fernando Hierro's side stuttered through the first round and only procured 5 points from a rather straight forward group.
On the other hand, Russia derived 6 points from Group A thanks to two victories against Saudi Arabia and Egypt respectively, before a thrashing versus Uruguay.
Despite this, Spain's big-name squad and majestic stature will enable the side get the better of a plucky Russian roster in the knockout stage.
#4 Croatia vs Denmark
Croatia astounded the footballing world with their incredible first-round display, particularly their performance against Argentina. They conquered La Albiceleste, much to our surprise. As such, Croatia are one of three teams to have earned all nine points from the group stage.
Denmark were also impressive in Group C, but they undoubtedly pale in comparison to The Blazers. Åge Hareide's side's sole win came off against Peru which was a paltry 1-0 scoreline.
Croatia is expected to coast past Denmark without much difficulty.
#5 Brazil vs Mexico
A gritty Brazilian side put all the brickbats to bed with their magnificent comeback post a disappointing tie versus Switzerland. The team went on to win both remaining matches to end the first round atop Group E with seven points in hand.
Mexico also left the world awestruck with their gutsy upset against Germany in the opening World Cup encounter. After that, El Tri edged past South Korea before suffering a licking at the hands of Sweden to finish second in Group F.
Prediction for this clash is fairly simple as Brazil is billed to cruise past Mexico.
#6 Belgium vs Japan
Belgium kicked off their World Cup run in a classy manner via a 3-0 victory against Panama. In the other two games, The Red Devils displayed the same tenacity to end the opening round with the most goals scored.
On the other hand, Japan were fairly lucky to have not bowed out from the group stage itself, owing to the fair play rules which made the difference between them and Senegal.
The Akira Nishino led team only managed four points with a win and a draw against Colombia and Senegal respectively.
As such, the prediction is in favor of Belgium as a matter of course.
#7 Sweden vs Switzerland
Sweden's journey into the World Cup and progression into the knockout stages are one for the books. The team was put in a group that consisted of the likes of Germany, Mexico and South Korea, yet Blågult emerged first in the group.
Switzerland were similarly placed in a not so easy group with Brazil and Serbia the favorites to progress through the category. Nevertheless, the Red Crosses ensured their qualification with a win against Serbia and a purposeful draw against Brazil.
As for the prediction, Sweden will triumph in the humdinger ten to one.
#8 Colombia vs England
The showdown between Colombia and England will be another riveting contest.
Both teams acquired same number of points in the first round. England won their first two matches against Tunisia and Panama before losing 1-0 to Belgium, finishing second in Group G.
Colombia prevailed in their last two matches which saw them top Group H ahead of Japan, Senegal and Poland.
Both squads are rife with superstars, but a close win for England is on the cards against Los Cafeteros.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and they do not necessarily represent the views of Sportskeeda.
