Before the last two Round of 16 matches, this World Cup has once again written some emotional stories. The USA bids farewell after a surprisingly poor performance in the tournament – and with that, the last host of the World Cup is out as well. Whether the ongoing unrest surrounding the US team had any impact on this is hard to judge, but it seems the whole situation hasn’t gone unnoticed by the team.However, the most emotional farewell was that of Cristiano Ronaldo. Eventually, for every great career, the last World Cup appearance comes – and even though that moment had been anticipated, it somehow felt unreal. With CR7 leaving, one of the greatest legends in football history is stepping off the World Cup stage. This goodbye stirs a bit of nostalgia even among many neutral football fans.
Potti’s Playoff Compass
The tournament tree is getting narrower day by day and the first quarterfinalists have already been determined. Currently, only 10 of the original 48 teams are still fighting for the World Cup trophy. After today’s two matches, the quarterfinals will be complete.
The intern has requested the day off for tomorrow, citing: Public Viewing. If Switzerland wins, he likely won’t show up anyway. If they lose, probably not either. Whether the next article appears on time or at all is currently hanging in the balance.
The Matches from YesterdayRound of 16: Portugal vs. Spain 0:1
That was a good Round of 16 match – but not a great one. There was plenty of excitement, and it went back and forth at times. To be honest, I expected a bit more spectacle from this prestigious duel between the two neighbors. Spain had more possession overall and the better chances, while Portugal fought hard in response. Goalkeeper Diogo Costa, in particular, repeatedly frustrated the Spanish forwards with several spectacular saves.Then came the 91st minute. Mikel Merino, who had just been subbed in minutes before, was in exactly the right spot after a beautiful combination, and pushed in the much-celebrated 1:0 for Spain. Portugal then threw everything forward, but the lucky punch hit. Spain advances to the quarterfinals – Portugal is out.My conclusion: My 2:1 prediction for Spain after extra time was at least not entirely off in terms of the winner. This was likely Cristiano Ronaldo’s last World Cup appearance. Though… with CR7, you never can tell. I’ll only believe in his retirement from international football when he isn’t playing for Portugal at the Euros two years from now. Meanwhile, Spain progresses with impressive maturity through the tournament. Sometimes, just one substitute in injury time is all it takes.
Round of 16: USA vs. Belgium 1:4
Ouch! In the most important game of the tournament so far, the USA had a disastrous evening. I had actually counted on the host reaching the quarterfinals after their previous performances. However, there was nothing resembling a party. The USA never found their usual form. Belgium appeared more mature and determined from the start, taking full advantage of the Americans’ mistakes and winning quite deservedly. Charles De Ketelaere particularly stood out with two goals.The USA equalized thanks to a beautiful free kick by Malik Tillman, but a crucial blunder by goalkeeper Matt Freese for the 1:3 decided the match. Belgium sealed the deal with a fourth goal in injury time.
My conclusion: This time, my 2:1 prediction for the USA was completely off. Belgium showed its strongest tournament performance precisely at the Round of 16 and rightly advanced to the quarterfinals. The USA, on the other hand, stumbled in front of their home crowd mainly due to their own mistakes. If you gift Belgium that many chances, you exit sooner than planned.
Tuesday, July 07 – Today’s Matchups
Round of 16: Argentina vs. Egypt – 6 PM
On paper, this sounds like an easy affair. But that’s exactly what I thought a few days ago before the Gauchos’ match against Cape Verde – and suddenly the title defender was hanging by a thread. Argentina should therefore be warned.Egypt arrives in Atlanta with a lot of confidence. The historic advancement to the Round of 16 has given the team an additional boost. Defensively, the North Africans are very compact, fighting for every inch of grass and have, of course, Mo Salah, a player who can decide a game with a single action at any moment.Still, I believe the Pharaohs’ journey ends today. Argentina received a timely wake-up call against Cape Verde and will certainly not underestimate the outsider this time. I expect a focused performance from the Albiceleste.My prediction: Egypt will put up a strong fight and keep Argentina busy. In the end, however, Messi & Co. will prevail with
2:0.
Round of 16: Switzerland vs. Colombia – 10 PM
The moment of truth for the Swiss national team has come! After three football-free days, Switzerland finally gets back into World Cup action – and with them rest the last hopes of our once joint DACH project on the Swiss team.However, they face a very tough opponent in Colombia. The South Americans are technically skilled, play at a high pace, and have proven throughout the tournament that they can turn a game around in just a few minutes.Switzerland brings exactly the virtues that often make the difference in knockout matches: a solid defense, tactical discipline, and impressive mental strength. It might not always look spectacular – but it’s often effective. This might just be the key to the quarterfinals today.My prediction: It will be tight, intense, and dramatically until the last minute. The Swiss team will seal the deal with a 2:1. Our DACH project continues to live on – now only in the CH version, but as long as Switzerland is in, there’s still something for us to celebrate.
The Matches from YesterdayRound of 16: Portugal vs. Spain 0:1
That was a good Round of 16 match – but not a great one. There was plenty of excitement, and it went back and forth at times. To be honest, I expected a bit more spectacle from this prestigious duel between the two neighbors. Spain had more possession overall and the better chances, while Portugal fought hard in response. Goalkeeper Diogo Costa, in particular, repeatedly frustrated the Spanish forwards with several spectacular saves.Then came the 91st minute. Mikel Merino, who had just been subbed in minutes before, was in exactly the right spot after a beautiful combination, and pushed in the much-celebrated 1:0 for Spain. Portugal then threw everything forward, but the lucky punch hit. Spain advances to the quarterfinals – Portugal is out.My conclusion: My 2:1 prediction for Spain after extra time was at least not entirely off in terms of the winner. This was likely Cristiano Ronaldo’s last World Cup appearance. Though… with CR7, you never can tell. I’ll only believe in his retirement from international football when he isn’t playing for Portugal at the Euros two years from now. Meanwhile, Spain progresses with impressive maturity through the tournament. Sometimes, just one substitute in injury time is all it takes.Round of 16: USA vs. Belgium 1:4
Ouch! In the most important game of the tournament so far, the USA had a disastrous evening. I had actually counted on the host reaching the quarterfinals after their previous performances. However, there was nothing resembling a party. The USA never found their usual form. Belgium appeared more mature and determined from the start, taking full advantage of the Americans’ mistakes and winning quite deservedly. Charles De Ketelaere particularly stood out with two goals.The USA equalized thanks to a beautiful free kick by Malik Tillman, but a crucial blunder by goalkeeper Matt Freese for the 1:3 decided the match. Belgium sealed the deal with a fourth goal in injury time.My conclusion: This time, my 2:1 prediction for the USA was completely off. Belgium showed its strongest tournament performance precisely at the Round of 16 and rightly advanced to the quarterfinals. The USA, on the other hand, stumbled in front of their home crowd mainly due to their own mistakes. If you gift Belgium that many chances, you exit sooner than planned.
Tuesday, July 07 – Today’s Matchups
Round of 16: Argentina vs. Egypt – 6 PM
On paper, this sounds like an easy affair. But that’s exactly what I thought a few days ago before the Gauchos’ match against Cape Verde – and suddenly the title defender was hanging by a thread. Argentina should therefore be warned.Egypt arrives in Atlanta with a lot of confidence. The historic advancement to the Round of 16 has given the team an additional boost. Defensively, the North Africans are very compact, fighting for every inch of grass and have, of course, Mo Salah, a player who can decide a game with a single action at any moment.Still, I believe the Pharaohs’ journey ends today. Argentina received a timely wake-up call against Cape Verde and will certainly not underestimate the outsider this time. I expect a focused performance from the Albiceleste.My prediction: Egypt will put up a strong fight and keep Argentina busy. In the end, however, Messi & Co. will prevail with 2:0. Round of 16: Switzerland vs. Colombia – 10 PM
The moment of truth for the Swiss national team has come! After three football-free days, Switzerland finally gets back into World Cup action – and with them rest the last hopes of our once joint DACH project on the Swiss team.However, they face a very tough opponent in Colombia. The South Americans are technically skilled, play at a high pace, and have proven throughout the tournament that they can turn a game around in just a few minutes.Switzerland brings exactly the virtues that often make the difference in knockout matches: a solid defense, tactical discipline, and impressive mental strength. It might not always look spectacular – but it’s often effective. This might just be the key to the quarterfinals today.My prediction: It will be tight, intense, and dramatically until the last minute. The Swiss team will seal the deal with a 2:1. Our DACH project continues to live on – now only in the CH version, but as long as Switzerland is in, there’s still something for us to celebrate.