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We are now down to eight teams in the 2018 World Cup after a very interesting Round of 16 action at the 2018 World Cup.

As we start the Quarterfinals, let’s look at the match-ups:

Uruguay vs. France

Uruguay is ranked 14th in the world and beat out Portugal in the Round of 16.  France, ranked 7th in the world, beat out Argentina in a penalty shootout.  Both teams surprised me in beating out Portugal and Argentina.  Look for a close match with Uruguay winning.

Brazil vs. Belgium

Brazil is ranked #2 in the world, and Belgium is ranked #3.  Brazil is the only county to ever win five titles.  Brazil beat out Mexico 2-0, while Belgium held on to a 3-2 victory over Japan.  Look for Belgium to use their momentum from the last round to win.

Russia vs. Croatia

Russia is ranked 70th in the world and made it to the Finals automatically as the host country and upset Spain in a shootout in the Round of 16.  Croatia is ranked 20th and beat out Denmark in a penalty shootout.  Look for Croatia to make the Final Four.

Sweden vs. England

Sweden is ranked 24th in the world and held off Switzerland 1-0 in the Round of 16.  England is ranked 17th and won their first penalty shootout at a World Cup over Colombia.  Sweden finished second in their group, beating out the defending champions, Germany.  But look for England to win.

I went 4-4 in the Group of 16 – let’s see how my predictions go this time around.