The knockout phase is picking up speed – and with each game, it becomes clearer who has real title ambitions. France is marching forward, Mexico is thrilling the home fans, and Norway continues to create a stir. At the same time, it is clear that there will be no easy opponents from now on. Every mistake could mean elimination from the World Cup, while every strong performance can keep the dream of the title alive. The biggest football nights are still ahead of us.
Potti’s Playoff Compass
The first round of 16 matchups are set – and one thing is already clear: anyone still in the tournament has earned their place fair and square. Admittedly, we all pictured the Paraguay vs. France duel a bit differently from a German perspective. However, Canada vs. Morocco and Brazil vs. Norway are already promising real football delights with plenty of suspense. There are no easy opponents left from now on. A small mistake, a moment of brilliance, or even a single set piece could now determine whether a team moves on or heads home. This is exactly why the most beautiful phase of a World Cup begins for me now.From a German-speaking perspective, all eyes are now completely on Austria and Switzerland. My little “ACH project” continues. Maybe our two neighbors can close the gap that Germany left way too early. I’m keeping my fingers crossed for both of them – the longer they stay in, the more enjoyable this World Cup will be from our perspective.
Yesterday’s MatchesRound of 16: Ivory Coast vs. Norway 1:2
It’s a pity that two of the biggest positive surprises of the tournament faced each other in the round of 16. Both teams have made a really strong impression in this World Cup and certainly deserved at least one more round. That’s why the expected close and intense duel unfolded. The Ivory Coast kept Haaland in check for a long time, but world-class players decide world-class matches. Just before the end, the Norwegian struck coldly and took his team to the round of 16 for the first time since 1998. Brazil should be warned – Norway is likely to be anything but a desired opponent for the Seleção.
Round of 16: France vs. Sweden 3:0
I could have nearly reused my preview 1:1 as the match summary. That’s exactly how the match went. But I’ll spare myself the modesty. France dominated from the start, played with great tempo and individual class, and continually posed unsolvable problems for the Swedish defense. The Scandinavians fought valiantly but could never decisively slow the power of the “Équipe Tricolore.” The 3:0 victory is entirely justified. France impressively confirms its title ambitions. Paraguay will quickly realize that they are facing an opponent in the round of 16 who radiates their favorite status on the pitch – unlike Germany.
Round of 16: Mexico vs. Ecuador 2:0
Mexico has firmly controlled its home World Cup so far. Ecuador could not stop “El Tri” either. After a one-hour rain delay, the hosts kicked things off like wildfire, setting the course for victory early and then managing the lead with ease. Particularly impressive: Four games, four victories, no goals conceded. With this defensive stability and the euphoric fans behind them, Mexico poses a real challenge for any opponent.Wednesday, July 1 – Today’s MatchupsRound of 16: England vs. DR Congo – 6 PM
England enters this duel as the clear favorite. The Three Lions possess significantly more individual class and have shown hardly any weaknesses in the tournament so far. However, no one should underestimate DR Congo. The Africans play boldly, are physically robust, and have earned their place in the knockout phase with passion. These characteristics could pose problems for England at least in phases.
My tip: DR Congo will sell themselves dearly and put England to the test. In the end, however, the greater quality will prevail. England wins 3:1 and advances to the next round.Round of 16: Belgium vs. Senegal – 10 PM
This matchup promises much more tension than the name Belgium might initially imply. The “Red Devils” possess enormous quality in their squad and can decide a match at any time with their individual class, but Senegal has already proven in the group stage how unpleasant and disciplined they can be. The Africans defend compactly, switch quickly, and have Ismaïla Sarr, who can cause problems for any defense.
My tip: Belgium will have more ball possession, but Senegal will consistently pose dangerous threats. I am betting against the bookmakers and believe that the Africans will prevail. Senegal wins 2:1 and advances to the round of 16.Round of 16: USA vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina – 2 AM
The USA enters this duel as a clear favorite. Athletic, skillful, and fast, the Americans have so far impressed. However, Bosnia and Herzegovina have earned their place in the playoffs with passion and great fighting spirit and will not give up easily.My tip: In this match, my heart beats for both sides. I lived in the USA for several years, but on the other hand, I know Bosnia’s coach Sergej Barbarez personally. Emotionally, I would love to see the Bosnians advance. However, for the atmosphere in the host country, the elimination of the USA would be a total disaster. The favorite will prevail. The USA wins 2:0 and advances to the round of 16.
Yesterday’s MatchesRound of 16: Ivory Coast vs. Norway 1:2
It’s a pity that two of the biggest positive surprises of the tournament faced each other in the round of 16. Both teams have made a really strong impression in this World Cup and certainly deserved at least one more round. That’s why the expected close and intense duel unfolded. The Ivory Coast kept Haaland in check for a long time, but world-class players decide world-class matches. Just before the end, the Norwegian struck coldly and took his team to the round of 16 for the first time since 1998. Brazil should be warned – Norway is likely to be anything but a desired opponent for the Seleção.Round of 16: France vs. Sweden 3:0
I could have nearly reused my preview 1:1 as the match summary. That’s exactly how the match went. But I’ll spare myself the modesty. France dominated from the start, played with great tempo and individual class, and continually posed unsolvable problems for the Swedish defense. The Scandinavians fought valiantly but could never decisively slow the power of the “Équipe Tricolore.” The 3:0 victory is entirely justified. France impressively confirms its title ambitions. Paraguay will quickly realize that they are facing an opponent in the round of 16 who radiates their favorite status on the pitch – unlike Germany.Round of 16: Mexico vs. Ecuador 2:0
Mexico has firmly controlled its home World Cup so far. Ecuador could not stop “El Tri” either. After a one-hour rain delay, the hosts kicked things off like wildfire, setting the course for victory early and then managing the lead with ease. Particularly impressive: Four games, four victories, no goals conceded. With this defensive stability and the euphoric fans behind them, Mexico poses a real challenge for any opponent.
Wednesday, July 1 – Today’s MatchupsRound of 16: England vs. DR Congo – 6 PM
England enters this duel as the clear favorite. The Three Lions possess significantly more individual class and have shown hardly any weaknesses in the tournament so far. However, no one should underestimate DR Congo. The Africans play boldly, are physically robust, and have earned their place in the knockout phase with passion. These characteristics could pose problems for England at least in phases.
My tip: DR Congo will sell themselves dearly and put England to the test. In the end, however, the greater quality will prevail. England wins 3:1 and advances to the next round.Round of 16: Belgium vs. Senegal – 10 PM
This matchup promises much more tension than the name Belgium might initially imply. The “Red Devils” possess enormous quality in their squad and can decide a match at any time with their individual class, but Senegal has already proven in the group stage how unpleasant and disciplined they can be. The Africans defend compactly, switch quickly, and have Ismaïla Sarr, who can cause problems for any defense.
My tip: Belgium will have more ball possession, but Senegal will consistently pose dangerous threats. I am betting against the bookmakers and believe that the Africans will prevail. Senegal wins 2:1 and advances to the round of 16.Round of 16: USA vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina – 2 AM
The USA enters this duel as a clear favorite. Athletic, skillful, and fast, the Americans have so far impressed. However, Bosnia and Herzegovina have earned their place in the playoffs with passion and great fighting spirit and will not give up easily.My tip: In this match, my heart beats for both sides. I lived in the USA for several years, but on the other hand, I know Bosnia’s coach Sergej Barbarez personally. Emotionally, I would love to see the Bosnians advance. However, for the atmosphere in the host country, the elimination of the USA would be a total disaster. The favorite will prevail. The USA wins 2:0 and advances to the round of 16.