World Cup Quarter Finals Predictions

FRIDAY:

CROATIA V BRAZIL

Croatia had to rely on penalties to beat Japan in the last round where they were quite fortunate to get through. They did get themselves back in the game after a slow start but with the chances that Japan had, they'll still feel quite fortunate that they reached this stage of the tournament.

They've needed extra time in their last six knockout games at major tournaments and half of them went to penalties. You wouldn't be surprised if this one went to extra time given their recent history and it could turn out that way as they'll set themselves up to be difficult to play against.

Brazil really showed why they're one of the favourites against South Korea in the last 16 by moving the ball quicker and playing with a groove. It was a statement win and performance from them on the day and it no doubt sent a message to the other teams at this tournament.

They never played with that swagger in the group stages as they were up against teams who defend deep. Croatia will be another one of those teams in this game but Tite's side will still be confident of putting in another convincing performance like they did against Costa Rica. If they are struggling to get in behind the Croatian defence, they always have their bench and strength in depth to call upon.

PREDICTION: 0-2

I'm backing Brazil to win here but it won't be as straightforward as their win over South Korea. Croatia will make it a tough game for them as they're strong defensively like the teams they faced in the groups. But Brazil will still have enough quality to see themselves through because of their strength in depth.

HOLLAND V ARGENTINA

Holland were knocked out by Argentina the last time they met at a World Cup back in 2014 in the semi finals where they lost on penalties. Louis Van Gaal was the manager back then and will want to avenge that defeat with a victory in this game.

Their win over the USA in the last 16 was probably their best performance of the tournament so far and it will give them a lot of confidence going into this game. They moved the ball a lot quicker than they did in their group games and were more clinical in final third as well.

Argentina looked reasonably comfortable against Australia for much of the game until they got pegged back. Messi brought the game to life with his goal and from that moment Argentina were in control of the contest. Excellent both in and out of possession in a game where Messi once again lit up the biggest stage.

This will be Lionel Scaloni's first proper test of the tournament and one they'll need to pass if they're to go all the way. The Dutch have some very good players on paper and Argentina will surely be wary of that. Especially the players who play their club football in Europe.

PREDICTION: 1-2

I can see this being a very close game given the quality both teams have. I'm backing Argentina to win here but only just as I think the Dutch will cause them some problems on the counter attack. They'll also set themselves up to be difficult to beat but with Argentina having a certain magician in their side, I can see that certain player cut that defence open with a moment of magic that could decide the outcome of this game.

SATURDAY:

MOROCCO V PORTUGAL

Morocco are buzzing at the moment after their shootout win over Spain in the last 16 which will give them a lot of belief that they can pull off another shock here. After beating Belgium in the group stages alongside beating Spain in the last round, they'll definitely fancy their chances here.

They'll be expecting a tougher game here as Portugal have some very good attacking players who are capable of scoring goals and causing problems. Spain didn't have a lot of goals in their attack when Morocco faced them in the last round and with Portugal looking more potent in the final third, this one will be more challenging.

Portugal boss Fernando Santos made a big call in dropping Cristiano Ronaldo to the bench for their last 16 tie against Switzerland and it turned out to be the right decision. They looked more free-flowing in attack which suited the man they had up-front in Goncalo Guedes.

Guedes surely has to start this one after his hat-trick in the previous round and he'll certainly be hoping so. With Morocco being a tough team to break down, they'll need someone up top to move their defenders around and Guedes can certainly do that having done it against Switzerland with his movement off the ball.

PREDICTION: 0-2

Morocco will of course back themselves after knocking out Spain in the previous round. But I think Portugal will take the win here because they the players to run in behind the Moroccan defence and enough goals in their team to help them win the game.

ENGLAND V FRANCE

This is a massive test for England and one they'll need to pass if they're to have any chance of going all the way. They can definitely have a go at the French as they're yet to keep a clean sheet at this World Cup. But they need to be watertight defensively due to the quality of France's attacking players and notably Kylian Mbappe.

It wouldn't surprise me if Gareth Southgate does change his system to a back three because of the quality of opposition they'll be facing. The four has worked them well at this tournament but with France being a quality side who are expected to have a lot of the ball, it still wouldn't surprise me if England play a back three.

It will be an interesting battle between Kyle Walker and Mbappe mainly because of the pace they both have. Mbappe has terrorised full backs all tournament with his pace and skills and with Walker's pace being his strongest attribute, the battle between them both could be very close.

France have arguably been the best team at this tournament so far in terms of their performances which might make them the favourites to win this tournament. They're yet to keep a clean sheet but going forward they've been great to watch and are a threat with the players they have in those areas.

It was good to see Olivier Giroud break Thierry Henry's goal record in their win over Poland in the last 16 and it's about time he got the respect he deserves. He'll also a pose a threat in this game alongside Mbappe with his presence in the box due to his aerial presence which could cause England's defenders one or two problems.