None of these are too exciting, all seem to have a heavily favored side (other than perhaps Japan-Croatia). But this cup has shown that upsets are more likely than in the past

The only clear winners there are France, Argentina, Brazil. All the others will be tight matches.

El Gunner wrote:i definitely feel like there will be a surprise or two

pulling for Morocco to beat both Spain and Portugal, and make it to the semis

WHAT, so now you think there will be surprises!

I actually think things will now become more normal. I see clear paths for Argentina, France & Brasil to the semis. The other one is less clear, although I think my country has the capability to get there (but nothing more after that, if they get there). That missed var call was a real blessing for us!

Yeah I agree things will be more normal. There is usually regression to the mean in KO rounds, small teams can’t keep it up. The one “upset” I think will happen is Japan beating Croatia. But the semis will likely be Brazil vs Argentina and France vs Spain as expected.

Brazil might face some issues in the latter stages now that Neymar is out with injury, as well as their backup left back, Alex Telles and Danilo. I imagine they'll have to shift someone to the left back position who doesn't normally play there. They lack a ruthless goalscorer up front, and whatever creativity they had seemed to largely disappear with Neymar. Fred and Fabinho remind me of Man United

Fred and Fabinho are subs. The starting lineup is Paqueta Casemiro (who ironically is at United now)

Sure, but I couldn't help but see the Man United midfield when they were playing together, and that was hilarious to me.

Fred is ok for the NT though, like Alex Sandro who is unironically very good for Brazil regardless of his Juve form. Guimaraes I thought was much better anyway, between him, Paqueta, Casimiro and Fred they are fine.

Brazil has been hit hard by injuries in the tournament. Neymar, Danilo and Alex need to get back. Without them they should still win their next match without major issues but after that it's all the more difficult.

Netherlands-USA I don't see as clear at all. Ecuador was better than the Netherlands in the GS, and USA is not that much of a pushover.

Same for Portugal-Switzerland, could go either way. Senegal is probably too disorganized to upset England even if the match should be good. Morocco already showed they have quality and lucidity, their match should be open.

Credit to the Asian teams Japan, Korea, Australia for making, nobody rated them. Upsets are not surprising at a WC though, despite the many the biggest must be Germany although I think I lot of ppl did not rate them as well.

In the end the brackets remain as the most predicted one.

Neymar should make it back to face Messi in the semi, in the meantime they got Vini so that should solve any issues with their left side discussed above, easy

The other side firstly Eng v Fra should be entertaining with France going all the way to the final no matter who they face afterwards they should get there.

Alex Telles and Gabriel Jesus are out for the remainder of the WC. Danilo looks like he's back, but Alex Sandro and Neymar are still not 100% and will probably miss the game on Monday.

What an amazing goal, beautiful build up play

Yes that was beautiful

Frenkie is a boss man

Turns out the US is not that good, England's performance flattered them. Comfortable game for Netherlands so far

Yeah USA cant string an attack despite the advantage in speed. Netherlands dominating them.

El Gunner wrote:ffs, what kind of injury for Jesus?

Some kind of knee injury. Supposedly he came to the WC with some pain in his right knee and aggravated the problem in the game against Cameroon. Out for about a month.

Netherlands happy to soak up the pressure, but if the us had a solid 9 they would've regretted it.

Also Turner is so bad, didn't even react to the 2nd goal

Gonna throw it all on the attack. Sensing the 3-0 now.

Oh snap hope 8O

How the fuck was he that wide open?

Robinson didnt look to his flank sadly.

That 3rd goal was painful to watch. No one pressed Blind and Dumfries was wide open in the area. That's down to bad coaching. Hope the US gets a real pro after this.