I wrote my predictions for today’s game in last night’s post. I said France would beat Argentina 2-0 and it would all be up to Paul Pogba. I was sort of close? Until the dying minutes, the French were up by two with a score of 4-2 but the game ended 4-3 and it wasn’t Paul Pogba, it was all Kylian Mbappe. He drew the penalty* that Griezmann converted and he scored two goals of his own. He was the best player on the pitch today and he’s 19 years old. He was born after the French won the World Cup in 1998.
Argentina didn’t deserve to go through. They just weren’t strong enough (despite a stunning goal from Di Maria). Or maybe it’s that they had weak goalkeeping and for some reason refused to play Aguero and Higuain because this was supposed to be Messi’s moment. But they’re out and we will be missing reaction shots from Diego Maradona. As soon as the whistle was blown I said, “Okay, now Uruguay have to win or we’re never going to hear the end of how superior Ronaldo is to Messi.”
Luckily for me, Edinson Cavani and Uruguay were up to the task. I met friends on 5th avenue to watch this game and we all missed the first goal. In the replay none of us could really tell if he headed it in, if it hit his face, or if it was off his shoulder and neck. In any event, it went in off a beautiful cross from The Cannibal (the ever hated Luis Suarez). His second goal was a beautiful curling shot from the top of the box. Pepe equalized in between but Uruguay managed to stifle and true attack from Ronaldo. I predicted a 1-1 tie that would go to penalties but all that I was right about was the Uruguay victory.
Uruguay looked strong but now I want France to beat them to send Suarez home.
So, let’s look at the rest of the Round of 16 games. What follows will probably be half prediction half hope.
Spain vs. Russia
I think Spain will win this one. They haven’t been setting the world on fire with their play but Russia isn’t that strong. If Russia pull this off it will have to be from either a severe Spanish breakdown or very creative officiating.
Croatia vs. Denmark
This is Spurs past versus Spurs present. Luka Modric is the dominant force for Croatia and a former Tottenham player. Eriksen is our current midfield maestro who is either brilliant or completely average. He’s been brilliant for Denmark as of late but is that enough to push past a Croatia side that has really impressed so far this tournament. But Croatia have yet to go up against Kasper Schmeichel. I still think Croatia will take it.
Mexico vs. Brazil
There’s a line a forgotten movie from the late nineties called The Zero Effect with Bill Pullman and Ben Stiller. At the end of the movie, Bill Pullman has to say goodbye to his love interest over the phone from his apartment. She asks him, why aren’t you here? He replies, “I knew you’d be there but I wanted you to be here.”
That’s how I feel about this game. I know it’s going to be Brazil but I want it to be Mexico.
Belgium vs. Japan
Belgium’s going to win. Lukaku will have at least one in this game. Then Belgium’s going to have to play Brazil and that’s going to be a great game (that Brazil will most likely win).
Sweden vs. Swtizerland
I’ve got to be honest, I care very little about this game. I’ve barely paid attention to Sweden despite the fact that they won their group. Switzerland is the more talented team, so, I’ll be going with them.
England vs. Colombia
I really like Colombia but I hope they have an off day when they play England. England has been such a great team to watch so far this World Cup. They’re young and fast and completely free of previous eras of underperforming heroes. I’m nervous and skeptical but I think they can win on Tuesday.
