Wow, Cape Verde! The small island nation actually had the reigning world champion on the edge of an upset last night. Argentina was wobbling significantly and only managed to save themselves with their last reserves of strength over the finish line. What a game! That’s why we love the World Cup!Speaking of crazy stories: Australia had previously reached the knockout stage only twice in the history of a World Cup. In both cases, they were eliminated in round one by a hair’s breadth – and in both instances, the opponent went on to become world champion! In 2006 it was Italy, in 2022 Argentina. Last night, Australia wrote the third chapter of this quirky story: Once again, the Socceroos narrowly fell in the first round – this time against Egypt. If this trend continues, we could actually send the World Cup trophy to Cairo in advance.However, streaks are known to eventually break. And my gut feeling tells me that this will happen this year.What’s for certain: The round of 16 is complete. All eight matchups are set, and the major duels can begin. From now on, there are at most two World Cup games per day – but almost exclusively high-profile matches. Hard to believe, but in just 15 days, the entire magic will be over again. So let’s enjoy every single game while it lasts.
Potti’s Playoff Compass
The group stage was just the warm-up. In the round of 16, some favorites had to shift into high gear to even advance. Now it’s all about pure survival. Full throttle. No losses allowed. And the tournament bracket holds some absolute treats. Brazil against Norway, Mexico against England, Spain against Portugal – even the most neutral football fan might find it hard to get to bed on time.I’m especially looking forward to the host nation Mexico. The home crowd will pressure the English for 90 minutes, as if they had just eaten their last taco. Can Harry Kane & Co. withstand this cauldron? We will see.Switzerland can also continue dreaming of a major coup. The Nati faces Colombia on Tuesday, keeping the last hopes of the DACH project alive. Let’s see how long the Alpine team stays in the race.
And one more note on the graphic: If connection lines, arrows, or tournament paths don’t appear 100% accurate, it’s neither the system’s fault nor your eyes – but rather our graphic department. They are still on an extended summer vacation. The intern has been working double shifts but is slowly demanding more than minimum wage. Outrageous, really.
The games yesterdayRound of 16: Australia vs. Egypt 3:5 on penalties.
Egypt is through to the round of 16 for the very first time after a won knockout match at a World Cup. Overall, this is fair, as the North Africans appeared more mature, controlled, and had more of the game along with better chances. Australia put up a passionate fight but narrowly fell short in the end.For me, one scene remains completely puzzling: the goalkeeper change just before the penalty shootout. The Australian keeper had made an outstanding performance, saving several shots and giving his team the chance to even go to a penalty shootout. Why he was taken off at that moment is beyond me.Even more bizarre: the Egyptian penalties were really anything but World Cup quality. Still, the substitute keeper couldn’t save a single one – in fact, he didn’t even get a single touch of the ball.Was this change pre-agreed or even the keeper’s request? If so, I take everything back. If not, that decision belongs to the most bizarre coach moves of this World Cup.
Round of 16: Argentina vs. Cape Verde 3:2 after extra time.
I was completely off. My 3-0 prediction for Argentina was way off. And I wasn’t alone: Many experts anticipated a clear outcome. Instead, we witnessed one of the most spectacular games of this World Cup.Cape Verde played completely fearlessly and brought the reigning world champion to the brink of elimination twice. Lionel Messi put Argentina ahead, but the “Blue Sharks” consistently found an answer. Even when Lisandro Martínez put the Albiceleste ahead again in extra time, Cape Verde struck back with a stunning goal. Only in the 111th minute did Argentina secure the decisive 3:2 after a Messi corner and an unfortunate deflection.
Conclusion: Argentina is through – but the real winner of the night is Cape Verde. The World Cup newcomer captured the hearts of football fans with their courageous performance and pushed the titleholder to their limits. Anyone who watched this game won’t forget the name Cape Verde anytime soon.
Round of 16: Colombia vs. Ghana 1:0.
The last ticket for the round of 16 goes to Colombia – and there were really no major doubts about that. The South Americans controlled the match from the start, took the lead early thanks to Jhon Arias, and had the game under control at all times. Ghana remained surprisingly harmless for long stretches and hardly troubled the stable Colombian defense.Colombia could even have made the score more decisive, but they missed some great opportunities. In the end, the 1:0 was more than enough for a deserved advancement to the next round. Here they will face Switzerland, an opponent that has also given off an extremely sovereign impression so far. I’m already looking forward to this duel – it could be much closer than today’s game.
Saturday, July 4 – Today’s Matchups
From now on, only a maximum of 2 matchups per day (night)
Round of 16: Paraguay vs. France – 7 PM
I admit: It still feels strange to be writing about Paraguay here. Germany should have been in this spot. Everything was set for a big neighborhood duel against France – instead, the DFB Eleven exited in the penalties, and Paraguay can continue dreaming of a World Cup fairy tale. But probably not for much longer.I am convinced: France will demonstrate how to crack Paraguay today. The South Americans thrive on their passionate defense, their discipline, and their ability to disrupt the opponent’s rhythm. However, the French possess exactly the quality to break down this defensive wall: high tempo, quick transitions, and plenty of individual class. After a solid 3:0 against Sweden, the Bleus will end the Paraguayan World Cup fairy tale today with a
3:0 win, confidently advancing to the quarter-finals.
Round of 16: Canada vs. Morocco – 11 PM
Canada against Morocco – perhaps not the most glamorous round of 16 on paper, but definitely one of the most exciting sports-wise. What’s interesting is the view on the betting odds: bookmakers surprisingly see Morocco as a clear favorite. However, my assessment isn’t as straightforward. The North Africans have impressed me throughout the tournament, but I see them as slight rather than clear favorites.Canada will have to put everything on the line today. It requires 120% effort; every duel, every sprint, every tackle must count. Additionally, they need a crowd that will push the team forward for 90 minutes. Only if both come together will the Canadians have a realistic chance of reaching the last eight.Nevertheless, I believe in Morocco. The North Africans seem to bring a somewhat more complete overall package. Defensively, they’ve been extremely stable, switching swiftly and have impressively shown that they can compete against strong opponents. Exactly this mix should make the difference in the end.My prediction: Canada will sell themselves dearly, but in the end, Morocco will take a deserved 2:1 victory and advance to the quarter-finals.
The games yesterdayRound of 16: Australia vs. Egypt 3:5 on penalties.
Egypt is through to the round of 16 for the very first time after a won knockout match at a World Cup. Overall, this is fair, as the North Africans appeared more mature, controlled, and had more of the game along with better chances. Australia put up a passionate fight but narrowly fell short in the end.For me, one scene remains completely puzzling: the goalkeeper change just before the penalty shootout. The Australian keeper had made an outstanding performance, saving several shots and giving his team the chance to even go to a penalty shootout. Why he was taken off at that moment is beyond me.Even more bizarre: the Egyptian penalties were really anything but World Cup quality. Still, the substitute keeper couldn’t save a single one – in fact, he didn’t even get a single touch of the ball.Was this change pre-agreed or even the keeper’s request? If so, I take everything back. If not, that decision belongs to the most bizarre coach moves of this World Cup.Round of 16: Argentina vs. Cape Verde 3:2 after extra time.
I was completely off. My 3-0 prediction for Argentina was way off. And I wasn’t alone: Many experts anticipated a clear outcome. Instead, we witnessed one of the most spectacular games of this World Cup.Cape Verde played completely fearlessly and brought the reigning world champion to the brink of elimination twice. Lionel Messi put Argentina ahead, but the “Blue Sharks” consistently found an answer. Even when Lisandro Martínez put the Albiceleste ahead again in extra time, Cape Verde struck back with a stunning goal. Only in the 111th minute did Argentina secure the decisive 3:2 after a Messi corner and an unfortunate deflection.Conclusion: Argentina is through – but the real winner of the night is Cape Verde. The World Cup newcomer captured the hearts of football fans with their courageous performance and pushed the titleholder to their limits. Anyone who watched this game won’t forget the name Cape Verde anytime soon.Round of 16: Colombia vs. Ghana 1:0.
The last ticket for the round of 16 goes to Colombia – and there were really no major doubts about that. The South Americans controlled the match from the start, took the lead early thanks to Jhon Arias, and had the game under control at all times. Ghana remained surprisingly harmless for long stretches and hardly troubled the stable Colombian defense.Colombia could even have made the score more decisive, but they missed some great opportunities. In the end, the 1:0 was more than enough for a deserved advancement to the next round. Here they will face Switzerland, an opponent that has also given off an extremely sovereign impression so far. I’m already looking forward to this duel – it could be much closer than today’s game.
Saturday, July 4 – Today’s Matchups
From now on, only a maximum of 2 matchups per day (night)Round of 16: Paraguay vs. France – 7 PM
I admit: It still feels strange to be writing about Paraguay here. Germany should have been in this spot. Everything was set for a big neighborhood duel against France – instead, the DFB Eleven exited in the penalties, and Paraguay can continue dreaming of a World Cup fairy tale. But probably not for much longer.I am convinced: France will demonstrate how to crack Paraguay today. The South Americans thrive on their passionate defense, their discipline, and their ability to disrupt the opponent’s rhythm. However, the French possess exactly the quality to break down this defensive wall: high tempo, quick transitions, and plenty of individual class. After a solid 3:0 against Sweden, the Bleus will end the Paraguayan World Cup fairy tale today with a 3:0 win, confidently advancing to the quarter-finals.Round of 16: Canada vs. Morocco – 11 PM
Canada against Morocco – perhaps not the most glamorous round of 16 on paper, but definitely one of the most exciting sports-wise. What’s interesting is the view on the betting odds: bookmakers surprisingly see Morocco as a clear favorite. However, my assessment isn’t as straightforward. The North Africans have impressed me throughout the tournament, but I see them as slight rather than clear favorites.Canada will have to put everything on the line today. It requires 120% effort; every duel, every sprint, every tackle must count. Additionally, they need a crowd that will push the team forward for 90 minutes. Only if both come together will the Canadians have a realistic chance of reaching the last eight.Nevertheless, I believe in Morocco. The North Africans seem to bring a somewhat more complete overall package. Defensively, they’ve been extremely stable, switching swiftly and have impressively shown that they can compete against strong opponents. Exactly this mix should make the difference in the end.My prediction: Canada will sell themselves dearly, but in the end, Morocco will take a deserved 2:1 victory and advance to the quarter-finals.