After the first two quarter-finals, which were convincingly won by France and Spain, there is likely to be much more fire on the pitch today. Norway vs. England has been the highlight of this entire World Cup for me so far – and I admit: I can hardly decide who to cheer for. Tonight, with Argentina vs. Switzerland, we have another match with plenty of dramatic potential. I am looking forward to a football day that has the makings of giving us two real World Cup classics.
Potti’s Playoff Compass
There is good news. Our Swiss intern seems to have taken his probationary requirements seriously. He showed up on time to the office this morning. The sunglasses are gone, his eyes are clear, and his coffee cup is finally back to a normal size. Moreover, the latest edition of Potti’s Playoff Compass was freshly printed on my desk. No crooked Swiss flags, no golden “Road to the Final” inscriptions, and – I could hardly believe it – not even a single cowbell was seen or heard.When I cautiously asked how he was today, he responded unusually seriously: “I’ve learned from my mistakes.” A sentence I noted down just in case. You never know.Because I’m still not completely trusting the calm. Tonight at 3 a.m., the quarter-final between Switzerland and Argentina awaits. If the national team actually knocks Lionel Messi and Co. out of the tournament, I fear the worst. Our intern could not only turn the entire hotel lobby inside out but might also be absent for two days straight.For this reason, I have proactively activated the on-call service and informed the HR department. One can never know how loud a Swiss can celebrate when suddenly the semi-finals of a World Cup beckon 🇨🇭
The Game Yesterday: Quarter-final: Spain vs. Belgium 2:1
My prediction was back on track this time. Completely, in fact. However, Spain had to work harder than I would have expected. Belgium proved to be a tough opponent and pushed the Ibérians until the final phase.Spain controlled the ball and the game for large stretches, but Belgium held on with a lot of passion, a compact defense, and dangerous counterattacks. Fabián Ruiz deservedly put Spain in the lead, but Charles De Ketelaere equalized just before halftime, making the quarter-final completely open again.As many were getting ready for extra time, Spain’s new Mister Last Minute struck again. Mikel Merino, who had already been the match-winner against Portugal in the round of 16, pounced coolly after a goalkeeper error by Belgium’s substitute keeper, Senne Lammens, to score the 2:1 and send Spain into the semifinals. Ironically, the goalkeeper change after Thibaut Courtois’ injury ultimately cost Belgium dearly.Spain once again underscored its title ambitions. Anyone who scores the decisive goal in the final phase two times in a row possesses exactly the mix of quality, patience, and mentality needed on the road to the World Cup title. France vs. Spain – this semi-final already promises football at the highest level.
Saturday, July 11 – Today’s MatchesQuarter-final: Norway vs. England – 11 p.m.
I’ve been looking forward to this match for several days now. Two top teams, two different playing styles, and in the middle, Erling Haaland. Right now, it seems like half the football world is only asking one question: Who can stop this guy?Haaland is delivering a World Cup performance that absolutely matches his superstar status. With his goals, power, and incredible presence, he has almost single-handedly taken Norway to the quarter-finals. Especially the victory against Brazil has shown that the Scandinavians are no longer just a dark horse. This team now believes it can make history.But that’s exactly what makes England stand out as well. The Three Lions appear more solid than they have in a long time. Against Mexico, the team was tactically disciplined, strong in duels, and offensively always dangerous. Harry Kane scores reliably, the midfield works tirelessly, and defensively, England has hardly allowed any weaknesses thus far.For me, this quarter-final might be the most balanced one of the entire round. Here, raw power meets team cohesion, Haaland faces Kane, and Norwegian euphoria clashes with English composure. Football doesn’t get much better than this. My heart would love for Haaland and the Norwegians to pull off the big win. My mind, however, tells me that England is just a bit more complete in the end. I expect a high-level and dramatic game.My prediction: England wins narrowly with 3:2 after extra time and advances to the semi-finals.
Quarter-final: Argentina vs. Switzerland – 3 a.m.
I’ve been supporting Switzerland for weeks and, of course, I’m looking forward to this match with enormous anticipation. After the dramatic penalty shootout against Colombia, the national team has really won the hearts of many neutral football fans.The task could hardly be bigger. With Argentina, not only is one of the top favorites for the World Cup title waiting, but also a team whose matches seem to have drama built into the program right now. Both against Cape Verde and Egypt, the Albiceleste won with 3:2 – each time in matches that were tight until the end. In the knockout stage, Argentina has shown the kind of cold-bloodedness that decides major tournaments. Lionel Messi continues to pull the strings, the midfield controls the game, and offensively, the South Americans possess the quality to decide a match with a single flash of brilliance.Switzerland will therefore have to rely on its greatest strengths once again. Compact defense, disciplined work, and striking at the right moment. That’s how the national team has convinced so far. The team plays incredibly cohesively, fights for each other, and never gives up. Traits that can be worth their weight in gold in a quarter-final.Nonetheless, my gut feeling is telling me something different this time. I may wish for a Swiss sensation, but somehow I lack the belief that Argentina will let this opportunity slip away. Perhaps I am mistaken – and that would be one of the few predictions where I would actually be happy to be wrong.My prediction: Argentina wins 3:2 and advances to the semi-finals. If Switzerland proves me wrong, our intern may disappear from the scene for the rest of the weekend.
The Game Yesterday: Quarter-final: Spain vs. Belgium 2:1
My prediction was back on track this time. Completely, in fact. However, Spain had to work harder than I would have expected. Belgium proved to be a tough opponent and pushed the Ibérians until the final phase.Spain controlled the ball and the game for large stretches, but Belgium held on with a lot of passion, a compact defense, and dangerous counterattacks. Fabián Ruiz deservedly put Spain in the lead, but Charles De Ketelaere equalized just before halftime, making the quarter-final completely open again.As many were getting ready for extra time, Spain’s new Mister Last Minute struck again. Mikel Merino, who had already been the match-winner against Portugal in the round of 16, pounced coolly after a goalkeeper error by Belgium’s substitute keeper, Senne Lammens, to score the 2:1 and send Spain into the semifinals. Ironically, the goalkeeper change after Thibaut Courtois’ injury ultimately cost Belgium dearly.Spain once again underscored its title ambitions. Anyone who scores the decisive goal in the final phase two times in a row possesses exactly the mix of quality, patience, and mentality needed on the road to the World Cup title. France vs. Spain – this semi-final already promises football at the highest level.
Saturday, July 11 – Today’s MatchesQuarter-final: Norway vs. England – 11 p.m.
I’ve been looking forward to this match for several days now. Two top teams, two different playing styles, and in the middle, Erling Haaland. Right now, it seems like half the football world is only asking one question: Who can stop this guy?Haaland is delivering a World Cup performance that absolutely matches his superstar status. With his goals, power, and incredible presence, he has almost single-handedly taken Norway to the quarter-finals. Especially the victory against Brazil has shown that the Scandinavians are no longer just a dark horse. This team now believes it can make history.But that’s exactly what makes England stand out as well. The Three Lions appear more solid than they have in a long time. Against Mexico, the team was tactically disciplined, strong in duels, and offensively always dangerous. Harry Kane scores reliably, the midfield works tirelessly, and defensively, England has hardly allowed any weaknesses thus far.For me, this quarter-final might be the most balanced one of the entire round. Here, raw power meets team cohesion, Haaland faces Kane, and Norwegian euphoria clashes with English composure. Football doesn’t get much better than this. My heart would love for Haaland and the Norwegians to pull off the big win. My mind, however, tells me that England is just a bit more complete in the end. I expect a high-level and dramatic game.My prediction: England wins narrowly with 3:2 after extra time and advances to the semi-finals.Quarter-final: Argentina vs. Switzerland – 3 a.m.
I’ve been supporting Switzerland for weeks and, of course, I’m looking forward to this match with enormous anticipation. After the dramatic penalty shootout against Colombia, the national team has really won the hearts of many neutral football fans.The task could hardly be bigger. With Argentina, not only is one of the top favorites for the World Cup title waiting, but also a team whose matches seem to have drama built into the program right now. Both against Cape Verde and Egypt, the Albiceleste won with 3:2 – each time in matches that were tight until the end. In the knockout stage, Argentina has shown the kind of cold-bloodedness that decides major tournaments. Lionel Messi continues to pull the strings, the midfield controls the game, and offensively, the South Americans possess the quality to decide a match with a single flash of brilliance.Switzerland will therefore have to rely on its greatest strengths once again. Compact defense, disciplined work, and striking at the right moment. That’s how the national team has convinced so far. The team plays incredibly cohesively, fights for each other, and never gives up. Traits that can be worth their weight in gold in a quarter-final.Nonetheless, my gut feeling is telling me something different this time. I may wish for a Swiss sensation, but somehow I lack the belief that Argentina will let this opportunity slip away. Perhaps I am mistaken – and that would be one of the few predictions where I would actually be happy to be wrong.My prediction: Argentina wins 3:2 and advances to the semi-finals. If Switzerland proves me wrong, our intern may disappear from the scene for the rest of the weekend.