Knockout Stages Predictions

Now that I've gone through each group we make it to the Knockout rounds. For those unfamiliar, the groups are each matched up as such: A&B, C&D, E&F, and G&H. The winner from each group will play the second qualifier from the other group. Ex: Winner of Group A plays the 2nd place team of Group B. I will label them 1A and 2B. The number is the place and the letter is the group they are from. Below I have place the bracket and how I believe it will turn out. Below the bracket I give a quick glance at each matchup as well.

1A:Uruguay
2B:Portugal	Portugal
1C:France	France
2D:Nigeria		France
1E:Brazil		Brazil
2F:Sweden	Brazil
1G:Belgium	Belgium
2H:Colombia			Brazil
1B:Spain			Argentina	Argentina
2A:Egypt	Spain
1D:Argentina	Argentina
2C:Peru		Argentina
1F:Germany		Germany
2E:Switzerland	Germany
1H:Poland	Poland
2G:England

First round matchups

Uruguay-Portugal will be a hotly contested game against two teams that will look to score early and often. This is one of the most intriguing games in the round of 16. I expect this to be hotly contested but for Ronaldo and Portugal to make it onto the next round.

France-Nigeria is a game that France will look to own. They will have much more experience and star power so I see them advancing in a game they should control.

Brazil-Sweden should be a fun game and a contrast of styles. Brazil will be high flying and have stars throughout their team. Sweden will rely on team uniting and a suffocating defense. It will be interesting to see how this plays out and if Brazil looks like a true title contender at this stage. I think they will win a close game here.

Belgium-Colombia is a matchup of two countries looking to capitalize on a rich talented generation of players. Belgium seems to have more talent and balance in their squad which could prove vital. Colombia will hope James can lead them but Belgium will be a little too much too handle.

Spain-Egypt is another game where I believe the cinderella will finally crash out. Spain will cruise to victory here with Egypt realizing it needs more then Salah.

Argentina-Peru sees two of the final teams to qualify in the CONBEMOL face off. While Argentina is a big power, Peru held them to a draw in both Qualifying games.

Germany-Switzerland will be a tough match for the Swiss but they have a chance if they are in form. Germany will look to dispatch them early with a goal and then play control to make it to the quarter-finals.

Poland-England is going to be an interesting matchup for both squads. Poland is challenging to make their best finish since the 80's while England is trying to confirm they are a world power. In a tightly contested matchup Lewendoski will provide a moment of brilliance to take Poland on and have England wondering how to improve.

Quarterfinals
Portugal-France will be intense and whichever star shines brightest will prevail. France have a little more star power and it will be enough for them to advance.

Brazil-Belgium should be a great game. Redemption versus the golden generation. The redemption tour continues with Neymar leading the way.

Spain-Argentina will be a battle of powerhouses. Messi will be in great form and with the pressure he has on the World stage he will provide a goal to win and advance.

Germany-Poland should be fun but the Germans will prove too strong for the Poles.

Semifinals
France-Brazil should be a great game and has the makings of a classic. While the frenchman have talent they have not completely gelled yet. With Brazil looking to redeem themselves they will stay strong and prove to be one of the top nations if not the best in this matchup.

Germany-Argentina will be a rematch of the 2014 final. While Germany escaped with victory in Extra time it was an extremely tight match. With even more pressure on Messi to show he can win the big one, Argentina will get revenge in another classic that will be fun to watch.

Final
Brazil-Argentina will be an all South American affair. Two powers in the world and two greats on the field. Brazil will be slightly disappointed they don't get the Germany revenge game they are looking for. These two heated rivals will be at their best in a hard physical match. It will come down to the end and unlike 2014 Argentina and Messi will find Glory in holding the Cup when all is said and done.

Hope you enjoyed the previews and enjoy watching the World Cup!

World Cup Preview Group H

Group H is the most open group of the tournament with very team looking like a contender to not only advance but win the group.

Countries in Group H
Poland, Senegal, Colombia, Japan

Poland has Lewendoski up front and if he is on they look to be a tough team to deal with. Poland hasn't had a team this good since the 70's and 80's when they placed 3rd in the World Cup twice. While that is a high bar to reach they will be favorites to get out of their balanced group this year. Poland has the talent to surprise even in the knockout stages as well.

Senegal is playing some of it's best soccer in history and will look to parlay that into another appearance in the knockout rounds. This is only their second appearance in the World Cup and they had great success reaching the quarterfinals in their only other appearance. With Sadio Mane up front they will look to him to lead the team to the glory they had in their other World Cup appearance. While they have talent it will be tough to advance past a balanced group.

Colombia enjoyed their best run at the World Cup in 2014, reaching the quarterfinals. With James Rodriguez and Falcao, the high scoring and lively Colombians will be fun to watch again. In a balanced group Colombia will fancy their chances of reaching the knockout rounds again this year. If they can continue to play at a high level they will challenge in the knockout stages as well.

Japan has qualified for the last six World Cups and will look to reach the knockout stages for a third time following appearances in 2002 and 2010. With a sudden coaching change Japan seems at a crossroads. Nishino was just named the coach in April and has not seen good results since taking over. This team has talent and will hope it comes together at the right time to see them through to the knockout stages.

Here is how I see this group playing out
Poland
Colombia
Senegal
Japan

World Cup Preview Group G

Now onto Group G that has two powers of Europe and some hopefuls beyond that.

Countries in Group G
Belgium, Panama, Tunisia, England

Belgium has been in nice form and will hope that there immense talent will continue to carry them farther. After an appearance in the quarter-finals in 2014 they will look to match or surpass their 4th place finish in 1986. With Hazard captain the squad and Lukaku scoring the goals Belgium will look to lead their group. They have all the parts needed for a team to make it far and show they are a serious contender on the world stage.

Panama is ecstatic to have made it out of the CONCACAF. They took the spot the U.S. gave up when they lost to Trinidad and Tobago. This is Panama's first appearance at the World Cup and they hope to show they belong. Panama will have to be all in for them to have a chance in this group. Their defense needs to keep the games low scoring and hope to find some goals to make it to the knockout rounds in a surprise.

Tunisia is a small country that is excited to be here. They will be looking for their second ever win in the World Cup. Tunisia has one of its best squads but is facing injuries to some key players that will hurt their chances. If they can somehow escape the group they will be consider the best of all time in Tunisia, but don't expect that to happen with the strong favorites up front.

England is trying to grab consistency and prove they are a world power after many seasons of underperforming. This group gives them a chance to battle with some good teams as well as having a great chance at getting to the knockout rounds. They will need their stars to shine and hope they can all bring it together to make a run in Russia. With Kane and Sterling up front they have the attacking prowess but need constant play from the back and midfield for it to come to fruition.

This is how I see it playing out
Belgium
England
Panama
Tunisia

World Cup Preview Group F

Onto another group with a clear favorite and multiple teams that will fight for the second spot.

Countries in Group F
Germany, Sweden, Mexico, South Korea

Germany is a world power and will look to continue its dominance. They are a rare team that has many of its player all play for the same club at Bayern Munich. This has helped them tremendously with chemistry and knowing how to play to each others strength. After winning four years ago Germany remains a favorite to win and be the first repeat champions since Brazil in 1958 and 1962. With the talent they have and one of the greatest coaches in Low Germany will be a force to be reckoned with.

Sweden impressively beat Italy to get the last qualify spot for UEFA. They have talent and can contend in the group. All of this will be overshadowed by the absence of the greatest Swede to possibly ever play. Zlatan continues to be retired from national soccer while playing in the MLS this year. With Zlatan, Sweden has a goalscorer who is always a threat but without their attack leaves something to be desired. Their defense is strong and if they find goals somewhere they could surprise with a trip to the knockout stages.

Mexico have proven adept at making it out of the group stages as evidence by 6 straight appearances in the Round of 16. Unfortunately for them it has ended there each time. Can this be the group that elevates the nation and brings them to the quarterfinals? With a similar cast of characters they will like their chances this time around. For many of their longtime players this could be the last World Cup so they will look to make the most of it. Chicarito, Dos Santos, Guardado, and Marquez will look to finish it off on this talented but aging squad.

South Korea has a possible star in Tottenham man Son Heung-min. He has been in great form and is the man South Korea need for them to find a way into the knockout round. South Korea has had a nice run of qualifying for 9 consecutive World Cups. They have not had much success in the event however, only reaching the knockout phases twice in that span. They did make an incredible run to fourth place when they hosted the event in 2002 though. Making out of the group will only be possible if Son is playing his best and the defense holds strong.

Here's how I see it playing out
Germany
Sweden
Mexico
South Korea

World Cup Preview Group E

The two Kings of South American have very similar groups behind them. One favorite with three teams all expecting to advance as well.

Countries in Group E
Brazil, Switzerland, Costa Rica, Serbia

Brazil is one of the best Countries of all time and they are playing like the best team in the world currently. With Neymar leading the attack and all the pieces fitting together they seem almost unstoppable at the moment. After the embarrassment they suffered at the hands of Germany in 2014 they will be eager to run their way to the championship.

Switzerland is looking to pounce and show they can compete with the top nations. Shaqiri leads this squad of formidable players that shined in 2014. With their group of players they will challenge to make it to the knockout stages for a third time in the last four World Cups. With their team approach they will be well drilled and have the ingenuity of Shaqiri to create goals.

Costa Rica will try to represent the CONCACAF well and reach the knockout stages for a second World Cup in a row. If Keylor Navas can repeat as a world class keeper Costa Rica stands a great chance of making it our of the group stages again. If Costa Rica finds goals from someone up front they will be in good shape though.

Serbia is another team that will contend for second and a chance at the knockout stages. They have a great history as Yugoslavia but have not been as strong since representing themselves as Serbia. They have talent in their squad but will have to be in top form to make it out of the group stage. If their defense holds and they find some goals from Tadic, Matic, and Mitrovic they could surprise however.

Here's how I see it playing out
Brazil
Switzerland
Costa Rica
Serbia

World Cup Preview Group D

Now onto Group D who has another favorite with some interesting teams behind.

Group D Countries
Argentina, Iceland, Croatia, Nigeria

Argentina will look to avenge their finals loss by bringing home the trophy this time around. While they had a rocky qualification they will hope to put that behind them and capture the brilliance this team posses. With Messi engineering the offense, there's bound to be goals from the attacking options of Higuain, Dybala, and Aguero. The World Cup Championship has continued to elude Messi so he will be all in on trying to grab his first to cement his legacy in the game.

Iceland were darlings of Euro 2016 and will hope to continue that momentum into the World Cup. The main concern is that multiple players are fighting to be fit for the tournament including their star:  Gylfi Sigurdsson. If their players are fit they could surprise and make it out of this tough group. They will be a fun team to watch, especially if they are at full strength as evidence by their run in Euro 2016.

Croatia is a consistent participant that will look to build on their recent run of Qualification. Their best finish was Third in 1998 but haven't made it past the group stage since. With Luka Modric now captaining and commanding the midfield Croatian will look to show they are still a serious contender without longstanding Captain Dario Srna. There is still a lot of talent in this squad but they will have to put it all together to make it our of the group.

Nigeria has a lot of potential and could make it out of the group. Alex Iwobi and Victor Moses lead the Super Eagles into the World Cup. They will hope to soar out of the group on the wings of their youth. Their youth team has had great success recently and it is finally paying off on the national stage. They are looking to make it past the round of 16 for the first time after making it to the knockout stages 2 times in the past 5 World Cups.

This is a group that should have a lot of intrigue and I am excited to watch. From Icelands rise to the Super Eagles it promises excitement in every match. I will keep my eye on every game and be interested to see who makes the biggest statement from this raucous group.

Here's how I see it playing out then
Argentina
Nigeria
Croatia
Iceland

World Cup preview Group C

Group C is one with a fan favorite and one nation that looks to go all the way with two squads fighting to make an appearance in the knockout stages.

Countries in Group C
France, Australia, Peru, Denmark

France enters this tournament as one of the few favorites to take home the trophy. With Balotelli seemingly ready to reach his full potential finally that may be the outcome. The Roosters should be able to escape the group but will have some tough games that will prepare them for the knockout rounds.

Australia continues to get out of the Oceana region and hopes they can build on that momentum in a Group that seems to have an opportunity behind France. Their run of 4 World Cups is remarkable enough but they will be looking to reach the knockout stages for only the second time. Australia was a fan favorite in a tough Group 4 years ago and hope to be more than that this time around. The 'roos have some fun parts and will look to send off all time leading scorer Tim Cahill off with a bang.

Peru made it out of the ultra competitive CONMEBOL and will fight with everything they have to get to the knockout stages. With a team content on attacking at will there will be goals scored when Peru takes the pitch. If their defense can hold strong that will take them to the knockout rounds feeling confident they will make games interesting for anyone opposite of them.

Denmark is a nation that has made the most of it's trips to the World Cup. In 3 of the four World Cups they have qualified for they have made it out of the Group stage. They even reached the quarterfinals in 1998. They will be hoping to repeat their success this summer in Russia and have the parts to do so.

This a group with intrigue after France and even gives France a tough task before the knockout stages. Their will be some interesting games and a fight for the second spot is more than enough of a reason to tune in to Group C.

Here's how I see it playing out.
France
Peru
Denmark
Australia

World Cup Preview Group B

After looking at a weak Group A with a mess of teams after a favorite, Group B looks pretty clear cut as well. They have two teams at the top with two hoping to provide some moments of magic.

Group B Countries
Spain, Portugal, Morocco, Iran

Spain is a world power that will be a favorite not only to win their group but the whole thing. Their recent run of two Euro Championships with a World Cup sandwiched in-between through 2008-2012 shows their brilliance. With an incredible keeper and such team chemistry they will be tough to beat throughout the whole tournament. As such Portugal will challenge but I see them winning this group by holding off Portugal.

Portugal has possibly the best player in the world and that will give them reason to believe in every game. Ronaldo is in fine form and looks to take it to the World Cup with Portugal. Portugal feels good after winning Euro 2016 as well. While missing the knockout stages four years ago in Brazil based on goal differential they will be hungry to get farther this time. The difference between Portugal and Egypt is that Portugal have the depth behind Ronaldo to make a run if they are at their best. Given their group they should be able to make it to the knockout stages and then hope individual brilliance can take them even further.

Morocco is a side that is looking to bolster it's case for hosting in 2026 and getting to the knockout rounds this year would make a great impression. They were impressive in qualifying but it seems a stretch for them to make much of an impact in the group. They will have to be ready to stay stout and find a couple goals to advance but it will be unlikely.

Iran is another side that should be proud of qualifying while looking to make the most out of the chance they have. Iran has only won once before in the World Cup so getting a win or a couple draws would qualify as a success for this Country.

This seems like a pretty straight forward group that sees Spain and Portugal advance. Seeing how Spain continues to regain form after missing Euro 2016 and the brilliance of Ronaldo provides the entertainment from Group B.

After looking at the teams this is how I see it playing out:
Spain
Portugal
Morocco
Iran

World Cup Preview Group A

As the World Cup draws near, it's time to look at how the Groups could play out and what to watch for as the US sits at home lamenting a chance in Russia. I will look at one group a day and make some predictions on how it will finish and what each team will look like going into the Cup. After I finish the Group predictions I will predict the knockout rounds all leading up to the start of World Cup 2018.

Group A teams
Russia (host), Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Uruguay

This is slightly underwhelming group that could get really interesting. Both Russia and Uruguay will think of themselves as favorites and those two at first glance look like the easy picks to get out of the group. Now to go through the teams

Uruguay look like an experienced team ready to take the next step and compete for the championship. With Suarez up front and having a year of no antics that sets them up nicely for the World Cup. They will look to pounce on an easy group and prepare for tougher matches in the knockout stages.

Russia may be hosts but their team is not as strong as usual and could be punished for that in a group that has some countries ready to make use of a rare chance. Russia has not played well recently and it looks like they are failing to take advantage of hosting with a less than thrilling team. If they can get the fans on their side they still have the strength to make it out of a weak group but it will take a miracle for them to advance any farther.

Egypt is the most interesting country but has a huge question mark since Mo Salah injured his shoulder in the Champions League final for Liverpool. He has been one of the best five players in the world(maybe the best) this past season for Liverpool. If he is fit and in his top form, The opposing teams will have to look out for his speed and finishing and that could propel Egypt to the knockout stages. Egypt is also looking for their first win at the World Cup and if Salah can bring that back he will be a national hero.

Saudi Arabia has looked impressive recently even without a clear goalscorer in their lineup. If they continue that fine form they will look to pounce on the weak group and make it to the knockout stages for the first time since their first World Cup appearance in 1994. With all this said here is how I see things turning out in Group A.

All in All this should be an interning group to watch with three teams really fighting for the second spot in the knockout rounds. I won't be surprised by anything other than if Uruguay somehow squander a chance to win and get the first slot from this group. With the hosts and a star in Salah (if he plays) this group should be a fun one for everyone to follow.

If Salah participates
Uruguay
Egypt
Saudi Arabia
Russia

If Salah does not participate
Uruguay
Saudi Arabia
Egypt
Russia