World Cup Quarter Final Predictions

THURSDAY:

FRANCE V MOROCCO

France were made to work for their win over Paraguay in the last 16 and it was the only game they had to after winning their other games rather comfortably.

Morocco's win over Canada in the last 16 wasn't as comfortable as the score line suggests as Canada did have a number of good chances.

But they did show their quality in the second half which was when they upped the tempo.

France ended Morocco's incredible journey four years ago when they beat them in the semi finals and I think they'll do the same in this one.

Morocco will try and make it difficult for them, but the French will have enough quality to see themselves through to the semi finals.

PREDICTION: 2-0

FRIDAY:

SPAIN V BELGIUM

Spain had to work for their win over Portugal in the last 16 with the latter making it very difficult for them defensively.

They were far from their best in the second half after looking in control in the first half, but they still did what all top sides do in find a way to win.

Belgium put in easily their best display of the tournament against the USA which was one I was not expecting because they haven't been convincing all tournament.

This game will be their first proper test at this tournament and a game that could determine if they're still one of the top footballing nations in the world.

But I think Spain will be too strong for them because of the quality they have in their side and because of this I can see them winning it comfortably.

PREDICTION: 3-0

SATURDAY:

NORWAY V ENGLAND

I had Norway down as my dark horses at the start of the tournament and they've proven me right as they're in the quarter finals of this tournament.

They were the better side in every department against Brazil and both the result and the performance from that game will give them a lot of confidence.

They'll know that England are not the best defensively and with a striker like Erling Haaland up top with the form he's in, he'll be licking his lips.

England will come into this game full of confidence following their win over Mexico in the last 16 which was arguably the best World Cup game they've played in.

I'm hoping that John Stones will start this game in central defence because of him being a now former teammate of Haaland and because of this he'll know how he likes to play and how to stop him.

There will be questions around the right back spot but in terms of central defence, Stones has to start because he'll know how to deal with Haaland after playing with him for the last few years at Man City.

Norway will definitely look to make it difficult for England as they're a side who are tough to beat and England have struggled against sides who defend with a low block.

But I still think England will come out on top because I see them finding a way to win the game as they have the quality of players to help them do so.

PREDICTION: 1-2

SUNDAY:

ARGENTINA V SWITZERLAND

Argentina were given another scare by Egypt in the last 16 and it wasn't until they got their first goal that they started to up the tempo of their play.

They barely got Messi into the game before that point but once they did get him into the game, their performance improved.

Switzerland are back in the Quarter Finals for the first time since 1954 after beating Colombia on penalties in the last 16.

They'll definitely look to give the defending champions a scare like Cape Verde and Egypt did because they have played in their team who can cause Argentina problems.

They'll make it difficult for Argentina as they're a side who are well drilled and organised defensively and they'll need to set up that way if they're to stop Messi.

But I think Messi once again will decide the outcome of this game with a moment of brilliance no matter how hard Switzerland make it for his and Argentina.

I can see him score the winning goal and Argentina booking their place in the semi finals.

PREDICTION: 2-1