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When the 2018 FIFA World Cup began, nobody thought that Germany would experience such a humbling exit, nobody thought that Croatia would win all of their group matches, and even the most optimistic of Japan fans would have had doubts of their qualification to the next stage.
There was quite a lot of drama in the first round of which made it almost impossible to predict the outcome of the upcoming matches. Yet by looking at the form the teams are in, the strengths and weaknesses, the style of play, and the technical aspects, we try to predict the winners of the round of 16 games...
Argentina vs France
So by looking at their group stage performance, many would easily write off Argentina. According to how they played in the group stage there is no way they stand a chance against star-studded France, but when a team has a player of the quality of Lionel Messi in their ranks, write them off on your own peril.
Live: France vs Argentina
France have been subdued so Deschamps side are expected to adopt a more attacking approach which in turn will give Argentina the chance to exploit them on the break. If there is space to exploit, the likes of Higuain and Messi, backed by Banega's creativity, could finally break free.
Prediction: Argentina to win 1-0
Portugal vs Uruguay
So the Atletico Madrid defensive pairing is considered one of the best if not the best in the competition. Jose Gimenez and Diego Godin form a very strong defence, and to penetrate such a defence you need equally strong midfield which is what Portugal really lack. If it is one of Ronaldo's days, Portugal to win, if not, Suarez and co. to go to the next round.
Prediction: Uruguay to win on penalties after 2-2 at full time.
Russia vs Spain
On paper, Spain are the clear favourites, but on the day anything can happen.
Ramos and Pique have been struggling as a pair, and Russia are more than capable of capitalising on that. They might just emulate what South Korea did in 2002. Russia have performed particularly well in the group stage, but still getting past the 2010 World Cup champions would take some effort.
Prediction: Spain to win 2-1
Croatia vs Denmark
This match looks one of the most one-sided of the matches in this round. Croatia hold a visible superiority in the midfield while Denmark will be hoping for Erikson's magic and a strong performance from their defence led by their Premier League winning goalkeeper of 2016, Kasper Schmeichel. But how considering how dominant Croatia were in their group, there seems less of a chance of an upset happening in this match of the pre-quarterfinals.
Prediction: Croatia to win 2-0
Brazil vs Mexico
This match has the potential to be the most exciting match of this tournament. Mexico have the most lethal counter-attack of the tournament but it can go wrong too as it did against Sweden.
Brazil will be wary of the counter-attacking threat of Mexico and they'll need their defenders to be at their best. Hirving Lozano is a player who can decide the game in Mexico's favour whereas Phillipe Coutinho has been Brazil's best performer in midfield creative wise.
Prediction: Brazil to win 2-1
Sweden vs Switzerland
Sweden are a strong cohesive unit as they showed against Germany and Mexico, and they have a capable leader in Granqvist. But Swiss players have potential too. Xhaka showed his calmness against the Serbian midfield. Shaqiri, we all know, has the flair in his play and is a different player when he puts on his national team colours. These two are the most evenly matched teams at least on paper.
Prediction: Switzerland to win 1-0
England vs Colombia
By the look of things, it's going to be a pretty interesting game. Colombia have their centre-back pairing of a Tottenham Hotspur and a Barcelona player Davinson Sanchez and Yerry Mina. In addition, the main attacking threats of James and Quintero cannot be overlooked. James' magic took Colombia into the quarterfinal last time and they'll be hoping for the same this time around.
England have Harry Kane in prime form and the side have been a pretty cohesive unit though they've only beaten Tunisia and Panama.
Prediction: England to win 2-1
Belgium vs Japan
Japan having qualified for the Round of 16 is itself an achievement and there is not much they can do about this match. Romelu Lukaku will have his best chance to get past Harry Kane in the race for the Golden Boot. Only way Japan can get through is if they give 10/10 defensive performance and do well on set pieces otherwise Belgium seems too good for them.
Prediction: Belgium to win 3-0
