Prediction time, lads.
Netherlands x USA - I'm not entirely convinced the Clockwork Orange is all that, but I think they will beat murrica without much difficulty.
Argentina x Australia - Something tells me this match is a total toss-up. The argies do have quality but come with certain pressure and are perfectly beatable as Saudi Arabia proved, and the aussies are no slouches. If the Socceroos believe in meme magic, they start Andrew Redmayne or at least put him in a possible penalty shootout.
France x Poland - The Poles are duds, Lewandovski all but disappears when playing for his NT (Seriously, Zielinsky and Krychowiak carry the team) and the frogs play damn great when they get serious. They have it in the bag already.
England x Senegal - Again, it won't be easy but I still believe the brits will pass. Senegal is standard African fare: Play relentlessly, then get gassed and let themselves go. Depending on the strategy, this could be a slaughter or a nail-biter, but an English victory nonetheless.
Japan x Croatia - The other toss-up, anything-can-happen match. I still give Japan a very slight edge because they showed excellent potential, though Croatia despite their aged team can still do a good job once push comes to shove.
Brazil x South Korea - Our NT is poised to win this fine enough, but they better not underestimate Worst Korea. Not only are they actually competent, our team showed severe flaws today against Cameroon (it was a B squad, but still, those are supposed to be our options for subs, and they simply didn't deliver) and will have serious problems in the wings and midfield. At most I see them winning by 2 goals or so.
Morocco x Spain - If they truly go no-holds-barred, the Furia Roja passes. But the maghrebs will play the game of their life here, which could be dangerous and surprising even.
Portugal x Switzerland - I was thinking Portugal could win this easy, but reviewing the game against Serbia, I have my doubts. Keep an eye out for an eventual upset from the helvetians.
