Well, there you go! The first two knockout matches were more like gentle soccer, but yesterday delivered two absolute World Cup thrillers. Brazil vs. Norway and Mexico vs. England lived up to all the hype: speed, drama, goals, emotions, and chills. The rain at the Aztec Stadium seemed to even play into the English players’ hands.And Erling Haaland? He is playing so incredibly well right now that Donald Trump is probably trying to convince Gianni Infantino to rewrite the long-haired Viking with the number 9 into the US national team. After all, it doesn’t hurt to ask.
Potti’s Playoff Compass
The tournament tree is narrowing down day by day, and the first quarter-finalists are already set. Currently, only 12 of the initially 48 teams are still fighting for the World Cup trophy. Switzerland can relax and watch the action today. The national team will not enter the tournament scene until Tuesday against Colombia – thereby keeping the last hopes of the DACH project alive.By the way, the intern now has square eyes and murmurs team names and tournament paths even in his sleep. He thinks a couple of football-free days would do him good. We’re checking the vacation request.
The Games YesterdayRound of 16: Brazil vs. Norway 1:2
What a hammer of a game! And my gut feeling was spot on. Admittedly, I had a bit of sympathy for Norway in my prediction. But what the Scandinavians delivered yesterday was simply outstanding.Brazil had more of the game but kept running into a brick wall: Ørjan Nyland. The Norwegian goalkeeper delivered an absolutely world-class performance, even saving a penalty and keeping his team in the game with several brilliant saves.And up front? Well… Erling Haaland is just Erling Haaland. Give this guy half a meter of space – and it’s dangerous. Two chances, two goals. Once with a powerful header, once with a tremendous strike. You can’t play soccer more efficiently than that.My conclusion: Whoever knocks Brazil out automatically becomes a favorite contender for the World Cup title. With this goalkeeper, a Haaland in stunning form, and a team that fights so passionately for one another, Norway could indeed go “all the way” this year. The Vikings are definitely rowing full steam ahead towards the World Cup trophy.
Round of 16: Mexico vs. England 2:3
What a spectacle at the legendary Aztec Stadium! Five goals, two penalties, a red card, and an atmosphere that sent chills down your spine even through the TV screen.England got off to a better start and pulled ahead early with a double strike from Jude Bellingham. But Mexico never gave up in front of their home crowd, battling back twice and even smelling a chance to equalize after England’s red card. The Three Lions defended with everything they had while short-handed and held on to their slim lead until the end.My conclusion: My 3-2 prediction for England was indeed a bullseye. The Mexicans thrilled their fans with a passionate performance, but in the end, they lacked that famous ounce of luck. England, on the other hand, not only showed footballing quality but above all: mentality. Winning with ten men at the Aztec Stadium is truly a significant achievement. And who knows – perhaps the Three Lions finally made peace with the Aztec Stadium exactly 40 years after the “Hand of God.”
Monday, July 6 – Today’s Matchups
Round of 16: Portugal vs. Spain – 9 PM
This is how a World Cup week should start. Portugal vs. Spain – there’s hardly a more intense rivalry. This matchup is always electric. It’s about much more than just advancing to the quarter-finals – it’s also about prestige, pride, and the right to annoy your neighbor for the next few months or better yet: years.The last big chapter of this rivalry was written just over a year ago in the Nations League final. Back then, Portugal prevailed after a penalty shootout. Spain would love to settle that score.Today, two absolute heavyweights meet on the pitch. Spain loves possession, control, and short passing. In contrast, Portugal boasts enormous individual quality and still has Cristiano “SIUUUU!” Ronaldo, who can decide a game singlehandedly even at 41 years old.
My prediction: It will be dramatic, close, and likely not for the faint-hearted. I believe Spain will edge out a thrilling match with a 2-1 victory after extra time and advance to the quarter-finals.
Round of 16: USA vs. Belgium – 2 AM
If the bookmakers are to be believed, today we can expect the most evenly matched round of 16 matchup of this World Cup. The odds are exactly at 50:50 – there’s no favorite!Belgium brings plenty of quality. Technically strong, individually excellent, and always capable of deciding a game with a single action. The USA counters with exactly what has distinguished them in this tournament so far: passion, work rate, and an unwavering will to win every game. This team looks like they would still be sprinting in the 120th minute.On top of that, the atmosphere will be electric. The American fans will rally behind their team as if it were the Super Bowl. I believe that this energy will make the decisive difference today. My gut tells me: The USA may not win any beauty contests, but they will prevail with heart, will, and a huge amount of passion. My prediction: 2-1 in favor of the USA – the host moves on to the quarter-finals.
The Games YesterdayRound of 16: Brazil vs. Norway 1:2
What a hammer of a game! And my gut feeling was spot on. Admittedly, I had a bit of sympathy for Norway in my prediction. But what the Scandinavians delivered yesterday was simply outstanding.Brazil had more of the game but kept running into a brick wall: Ørjan Nyland. The Norwegian goalkeeper delivered an absolutely world-class performance, even saving a penalty and keeping his team in the game with several brilliant saves.And up front? Well… Erling Haaland is just Erling Haaland. Give this guy half a meter of space – and it’s dangerous. Two chances, two goals. Once with a powerful header, once with a tremendous strike. You can’t play soccer more efficiently than that.My conclusion: Whoever knocks Brazil out automatically becomes a favorite contender for the World Cup title. With this goalkeeper, a Haaland in stunning form, and a team that fights so passionately for one another, Norway could indeed go “all the way” this year. The Vikings are definitely rowing full steam ahead towards the World Cup trophy.Round of 16: Mexico vs. England 2:3
What a spectacle at the legendary Aztec Stadium! Five goals, two penalties, a red card, and an atmosphere that sent chills down your spine even through the TV screen.England got off to a better start and pulled ahead early with a double strike from Jude Bellingham. But Mexico never gave up in front of their home crowd, battling back twice and even smelling a chance to equalize after England’s red card. The Three Lions defended with everything they had while short-handed and held on to their slim lead until the end.My conclusion: My 3-2 prediction for England was indeed a bullseye. The Mexicans thrilled their fans with a passionate performance, but in the end, they lacked that famous ounce of luck. England, on the other hand, not only showed footballing quality but above all: mentality. Winning with ten men at the Aztec Stadium is truly a significant achievement. And who knows – perhaps the Three Lions finally made peace with the Aztec Stadium exactly 40 years after the “Hand of God.”
Monday, July 6 – Today’s Matchups
Round of 16: Portugal vs. Spain – 9 PM
This is how a World Cup week should start. Portugal vs. Spain – there’s hardly a more intense rivalry. This matchup is always electric. It’s about much more than just advancing to the quarter-finals – it’s also about prestige, pride, and the right to annoy your neighbor for the next few months or better yet: years.The last big chapter of this rivalry was written just over a year ago in the Nations League final. Back then, Portugal prevailed after a penalty shootout. Spain would love to settle that score.Today, two absolute heavyweights meet on the pitch. Spain loves possession, control, and short passing. In contrast, Portugal boasts enormous individual quality and still has Cristiano “SIUUUU!” Ronaldo, who can decide a game singlehandedly even at 41 years old.
My prediction: It will be dramatic, close, and likely not for the faint-hearted. I believe Spain will edge out a thrilling match with a 2-1 victory after extra time and advance to the quarter-finals.Round of 16: USA vs. Belgium – 2 AM
If the bookmakers are to be believed, today we can expect the most evenly matched round of 16 matchup of this World Cup. The odds are exactly at 50:50 – there’s no favorite!Belgium brings plenty of quality. Technically strong, individually excellent, and always capable of deciding a game with a single action. The USA counters with exactly what has distinguished them in this tournament so far: passion, work rate, and an unwavering will to win every game. This team looks like they would still be sprinting in the 120th minute.On top of that, the atmosphere will be electric. The American fans will rally behind their team as if it were the Super Bowl. I believe that this energy will make the decisive difference today. My gut tells me: The USA may not win any beauty contests, but they will prevail with heart, will, and a huge amount of passion. My prediction: 2-1 in favor of the USA – the host moves on to the quarter-finals.