World Cup Last 16 Predictions

SATURDAY:

CANADA V MOROCCO

Canada have already done what they'd never done at a World Cup before in winning a game, making it out of the group stage and winning a knockout game.

They needed a late winner from Stephen Eustaquio to beat South Africa in the last 32 and this one will arguably be their first biggest test.

Morocco caused another major upset in the last round by beating Holland on penalties and are showing that their journey to the semi finals four years ago was not a one off.

They're again showing that they can compete with the best teams in the world after getting a draw against Brazil in their opening game before beating the Dutch in the last round and both results will give them belief that they can again go far.

They're a strong team in all areas of the pitch and because of this I'm backing them to win this game and book their place in the next round.

PREDICTION: 1-2

PARAGUAY V FRANCE

Paraguay were excellent against Germany and especially defensively as they were tough to beat and limited Germany to very few clear cut chances.

This game will be their first big test because of the calibre of side France are and the quality they possess in attack.

France have been by far the best team to watch at this World Cup and they showed why in their last 32 tie against Sweden.

Paraguay will get men behind the ball in an attempt to make it difficult for them, but I see Didier Deschamps' side having too much for them.

PREDICTION: 0-3

SUNDAY:

BRAZIL V NORWAY

Brazil have come unstuck against European opposition in the knockout stages at every World Cup since winning it in 2002 and there will be pressure on them because of this.

They have been far from perfect at this World Cup so far and will need to play better in this one if they're to reach the knockout stages.

Norway will definitely look to pose a threat and especially with players like Martin Odegaard and Erling Haaland in their side.

But I think Brazil will end their European nations hoodoo and book their place in the next round because Norway are not on the same level as the other European sides who knocked them out in the past.

PREDICTION: 2-1

MONDAY:

MEXICO V ENGLAND

Mexico are one of the few sides who are yet to concede a goal at this World Cup and they've also played some good football as well.

They're yet to be tested at this tournament and this game will be their first big one as England on paper have better players.

But they do have their brilliant record at the Azteca to back them up because they've lost just twice there in their history.

England were disappointing for much of the game against DR Congo and I worry about them defensively coming into this game.

They’ve looked open and vulnerable defensively at times during this tournament and Mexico will look to exploit this weakness as they are a dangerous side going forward.

Because of this alongside Mexico’s record at the Azteca and England likely to struggle with the altitude, I think the Mexicans will keep up their strong record at the Azteca and book their place in the Quarter Finals.

PREDICTION: 2-0

PORTUGAL V SPAIN

Portugal beat Spain in the Nations League final last summer via a penalty shootout where they scored all five of their penalties.

Repeating that result here will be tough because they haven't exactly clicked at this tournament in that they're yet to convince.

Spain are yet to concede a goal at this tournament and are finally starting to click as they showed in their win over Austria in the last round.

This will be their first big test at this tournament due to the quality of opposition they're facing and it could determine their chances of going all the way.

It will definitely be a close game because of the strength of both sides on paper and I'm backing Spain to come out on top and book their place in the next round.

PREDICTION: 1-2

TUESDAY:

USA V BELGIUM

USA will be without Folarin Balogun for this one following his red card against Bosnia and his absence is no doubt a massive blow for them.

He caused Bosnia all kinds of problems before his sending off with his energy and all-round play and I thin the US will miss having that kind of player up top.

Belgium looked very average for much of their game against Senegal until the final few minutes of the game which was when they put the pressure on.

They haven't convinced in any of their games so far and I don't see them putting in a convincing display in this one.

The USA will miss Balogun, but they still have more energy in their side than Belgium do and have been a better team to watch.

Because of this and the game being played on home soil, I think they'll come out on top here and reach the next round.

PREDICTION: 2-0

ARGENTINA V EGYPT

Argentina were given a scare by Cape Verde in the last round with the latter pushing them all the way and giving them a good game.

They did what all top teams do in find a way to win the game and they'll need to do the same in this one because Egypt won't make it easy for them here.

Egypt have been a side at this World Cup who have been organised and tough to beat and I can see them making it difficult for Argentina in this game.

But I think Argentina will do what they did against Cape Verde in find a way to win the game and I can see it being decided via a moment of magic from Messi.

PREDICTION: 2-1

SWITZERLAND V COLOMBIA

Switzerland ended their long wait for a win in the knockout stages at a World Cup when they beat Algeria in the last round and it was a relatively straightforward win for them as well.

This will be their first tough test at this tournament due to the quality of side they're up against and they'll come into it looking to play on the counter-attack as Colombia are likely to commit men forward when they attack and have most of the possession.

Colombia should've won by a lot more against Ghana with the amount of chances they had and they'll need to make sure that they take them in this one otherwise Switzerland will punish them.

They'll definitely expect a tough game in this one as Switzerland will both make it difficult for them defensively and look to cause them problems at the other end.

This game will definitely be close as I can see both teams look dangerous on the attack and having a good number of chances.

But I think Colombia will have just enough quality to see themselves thorugh to the next round.

PREDICTION: 1-2