With England, Belgium, and the USA, the next Round of 16 participants are set. While Harry Kane once again made the difference and Belgium dramatically turned around an almost lost game, the Americans impressed with a solid performance. The playoff compass is becoming clearer – and today the last two representatives of the (D)ACH trio are in action.
Potti’s Playoff Compass
The Round of 16 bracket is filling up – and the next real matchups are already set. Host Mexico faces England. The euphoric home fans against the experienced Three Lions led by Harry Kane – you can’t get much more World Cup atmosphere than that. The USA vs. Belgium also promises a lot: speed, physicality, and plenty of individual class on both sides. This should be one of the most evenly matched duels of the round.Today, the last representatives of the (D)ACH trio take the stage. Austria is up against Spain, while Switzerland faces Algeria. Two tough tasks – but this is why you play for the World Championship, after all. Let’s hope my little DACH project continues to live on tomorrow.
The Matches From YesterdayRound of 16: England vs. DR Congo 2:1
Honestly, I could have used my preview as a blueprint for this match. I even initially noted that Harry Kane would score twice – but then erased it because I didn’t want to write the same thing every time. I should have left it alone.The DR Congo shocked England early with 1:0 and defended passionately afterwards. Especially goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi had the game of his life, frustrating the English attackers with one save after another. But then it was Harry Kane’s time. First, the Bayern striker headed in the equalizer, and just before the end, he stunningly hammered the ball into the corner for the winner.To be honest: Whoever at FC Bayern came up with the idea of bringing Harry Kane to Munich should feel deep gratitude for all time. The man is simply world-class. And the match? Speed, chances, drama. This is how knockout football should look. For me, it’s one of the most entertaining games of this World Cup so far.
Round of 16: Belgium vs. Senegal 3:2 after extra time
What a game! Belgium was nearly clinically dead. Until the 85th minute, the contender was deservedly trailing 0:2 – and my hunch seemed to be spot on again. Even worse: The Belgians clashed on the field and appeared to want to go at each other at times. Normally, this is a sure sign that a team is falling apart. Perhaps this verbal altercation was the wake-up call they needed.Suddenly Belgium turned up the heat. Romelu Lukaku narrowed the gap in the 86th minute, and just three minutes later, Youri Tielemans actually equalized. Senegal, which had everything under control thanks to goals from Habib Diarra and Ismaïla Sarr for a long time, ran out of steam in extra time. Belgium took control, and after a VAR review, Tielemans converted the penalty to make it 3:2. A spectacular turnaround, showing once again: In football, you should never pull the plug too early. Even clinically dead teams sometimes come back to life.
Round of 16: USA vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina 2:0
The USA rightfully moves into the Round of 16. In front of their home crowd in San Francisco, Mauricio Pochettino’s team controlled the match for long stretches and rarely allowed Bosnia and Herzegovina to express themselves. Folarin Balogun put the hosts ahead just before halftime, but later created a stir of a different kind: After a hard tackle, the goalscorer saw a red card and had to leave the field early.With a man advantage, Bosnia pressed for the equalizer, but the Americans defended disciplinedly and allowed hardly any clear chances. Instead, Malik Tillman capped off a mature performance from the US boys with a beautiful free-kick to make it 2:0.Coach Sergej Barbarez’s team never really threatened the hosts. In the Round of 16, they will now face Belgium, a true test. After this solid performance, however, the Americans can have legitimate hopes of reaching the quarter-finals.
Thursday, July 02 – Today’s MatchupsRound of 16: Spain vs. Austria – 9 PM
Honestly, my sympathies today are firmly with Austria. I would be thrilled if Ralf Rangnick’s team could upset the favorites and pull off a big surprise. But for that, everything has to go right: a disciplined defensive performance, maximum efficiency in front of goal, and probably a bit of good fortune too.Spain is definitely one of the strongest teams in the tournament. The Iberians play their football with impressive calm, have plenty of individual quality, and let the ball flow like hardly any other team. My wishful tip: 2:1 for Austria.
However, my gut feeling tells me: Spain wins 2:0 and advances to the next round. Still, hope is allowed – knockout games have their own laws after all.
Round of 16: Portugal vs. Croatia – 1 AM
This could be a real tough task for Portugal. Croatia is one of those teams that you never quite have on your radar – until you suddenly find yourself playing against them. The Croatians are tactically well-organized, strong in duels, and bring plenty of experience to the table. Exactly the mix that can really hurt you.Nevertheless, I see Portugal slightly ahead. The individual quality is simply enormous. A good moment from one of their top stars could be enough to decide the match.My tip: It won’t be a footballing fireworks display but a true battle of attrition. In the end, Portugal narrowly wins 2:1 and secures their ticket to the next round. Croatia will make it much harder for the Portuguese than many expect.
Round of 16: Switzerland vs. Algeria – 5 AM
In this match, the situation is clear: My sympathies lie with Switzerland. The Swiss have played an exceptionally strong tournament so far, duly earning the group victory, and have proven time and again that this team is to be reckoned with. Now it’s time to take the next step.However, Algeria is exactly the kind of opponent that can be a real handful – uncomfortable, passionate, and fighting to the last minute. The North Africans have already shown in the group stage that they won’t be intimidated by any opponent. If anyone remembers the 3:3 against Austria in the sixth minute of stoppage time, they know: This team never gives up.Still, I believe that Switzerland is mature enough to handle such tasks. My only problem: The kickoff is at 5 AM. If the Swiss indeed win, I’ll probably only find out the result at breakfast – and hopefully start the day with a smile. My tip: The Nati wins 3:1 and rightly moves into the Round of 16. Keep it going, Switzerland.
The Matches From YesterdayRound of 16: England vs. DR Congo 2:1
Honestly, I could have used my preview as a blueprint for this match. I even initially noted that Harry Kane would score twice – but then erased it because I didn’t want to write the same thing every time. I should have left it alone.The DR Congo shocked England early with 1:0 and defended passionately afterwards. Especially goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi had the game of his life, frustrating the English attackers with one save after another. But then it was Harry Kane’s time. First, the Bayern striker headed in the equalizer, and just before the end, he stunningly hammered the ball into the corner for the winner.To be honest: Whoever at FC Bayern came up with the idea of bringing Harry Kane to Munich should feel deep gratitude for all time. The man is simply world-class. And the match? Speed, chances, drama. This is how knockout football should look. For me, it’s one of the most entertaining games of this World Cup so far.Round of 16: Belgium vs. Senegal 3:2 after extra time
What a game! Belgium was nearly clinically dead. Until the 85th minute, the contender was deservedly trailing 0:2 – and my hunch seemed to be spot on again. Even worse: The Belgians clashed on the field and appeared to want to go at each other at times. Normally, this is a sure sign that a team is falling apart. Perhaps this verbal altercation was the wake-up call they needed.Suddenly Belgium turned up the heat. Romelu Lukaku narrowed the gap in the 86th minute, and just three minutes later, Youri Tielemans actually equalized. Senegal, which had everything under control thanks to goals from Habib Diarra and Ismaïla Sarr for a long time, ran out of steam in extra time. Belgium took control, and after a VAR review, Tielemans converted the penalty to make it 3:2. A spectacular turnaround, showing once again: In football, you should never pull the plug too early. Even clinically dead teams sometimes come back to life.Round of 16: USA vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina 2:0
The USA rightfully moves into the Round of 16. In front of their home crowd in San Francisco, Mauricio Pochettino’s team controlled the match for long stretches and rarely allowed Bosnia and Herzegovina to express themselves. Folarin Balogun put the hosts ahead just before halftime, but later created a stir of a different kind: After a hard tackle, the goalscorer saw a red card and had to leave the field early.With a man advantage, Bosnia pressed for the equalizer, but the Americans defended disciplinedly and allowed hardly any clear chances. Instead, Malik Tillman capped off a mature performance from the US boys with a beautiful free-kick to make it 2:0.Coach Sergej Barbarez’s team never really threatened the hosts. In the Round of 16, they will now face Belgium, a true test. After this solid performance, however, the Americans can have legitimate hopes of reaching the quarter-finals.
Thursday, July 02 – Today’s MatchupsRound of 16: Spain vs. Austria – 9 PM
Honestly, my sympathies today are firmly with Austria. I would be thrilled if Ralf Rangnick’s team could upset the favorites and pull off a big surprise. But for that, everything has to go right: a disciplined defensive performance, maximum efficiency in front of goal, and probably a bit of good fortune too.Spain is definitely one of the strongest teams in the tournament. The Iberians play their football with impressive calm, have plenty of individual quality, and let the ball flow like hardly any other team. My wishful tip: 2:1 for Austria.
However, my gut feeling tells me: Spain wins 2:0 and advances to the next round. Still, hope is allowed – knockout games have their own laws after all.Round of 16: Portugal vs. Croatia – 1 AM
This could be a real tough task for Portugal. Croatia is one of those teams that you never quite have on your radar – until you suddenly find yourself playing against them. The Croatians are tactically well-organized, strong in duels, and bring plenty of experience to the table. Exactly the mix that can really hurt you.Nevertheless, I see Portugal slightly ahead. The individual quality is simply enormous. A good moment from one of their top stars could be enough to decide the match.My tip: It won’t be a footballing fireworks display but a true battle of attrition. In the end, Portugal narrowly wins 2:1 and secures their ticket to the next round. Croatia will make it much harder for the Portuguese than many expect.Round of 16: Switzerland vs. Algeria – 5 AM
In this match, the situation is clear: My sympathies lie with Switzerland. The Swiss have played an exceptionally strong tournament so far, duly earning the group victory, and have proven time and again that this team is to be reckoned with. Now it’s time to take the next step.However, Algeria is exactly the kind of opponent that can be a real handful – uncomfortable, passionate, and fighting to the last minute. The North Africans have already shown in the group stage that they won’t be intimidated by any opponent. If anyone remembers the 3:3 against Austria in the sixth minute of stoppage time, they know: This team never gives up.Still, I believe that Switzerland is mature enough to handle such tasks. My only problem: The kickoff is at 5 AM. If the Swiss indeed win, I’ll probably only find out the result at breakfast – and hopefully start the day with a smile. My tip: The Nati wins 3:1 and rightly moves into the Round of 16. Keep it going, Switzerland.