Into the last eight...

Parents and Friends,

There were some thrilling games and fantastic goals in the round of 16.

And the tournament looks wide open although five-time winners Brazil are still favorites.

Some of the big talking points were…

• French forward Kylian Mbappe (19 years) became the youngest player to score two goals in a World Cup match since Pele against Sweden in the 1958 final.
• Belgium fought back from two goals down to beat Japan 3-2 and became the first side to do so since West Germany knocked England out in 1970.
• England won their first ever World Cup penalty shootout having been beaten at the 1990, 1998 and 2006 tournaments on penalties and the European Championships in 1996, 2004 and 2012.
• Messi and Ronaldo’s miserable World Cup knockout record continued as they exited having not scored in four tournaments each.
• Spain legend Andres Iniesta announced his retirement from international duty after the loss to Russia.
• Spain’s defeat meant they have lost on all nine occasions when facing the hosts at a World Cup or European Championship.

Spain–Russia was an interesting one because it felt like La Roja did everything they could to beat themselves.

Off the field it didn’t help that the Spanish FA sacked manager Julen Lopetegui two days before the tournament began!

Sporting director Fernando Hierro was appointed caretaker coach and understandably never looked comfortable in the role.

That transferred to the pitch as Spain lacked penetration and were far too predictable in their play throughout the tournament.

The statistics from the Russia match were damning.

Amazingly Spain had 74% possession, completed 1,029 of 1,137 passes (a World Cup record) and midfielder Isco had 194 touches on the ball.

But they still lost and Spanish soccer expert Guillem Balague summed it all up when he said:

"What we saw is tiki-taka. Tiki-taka is the rubbish version of possession football. We can play much better.”

While Spain go home those left get ready for the quarter-finals and there are some fascinating match-ups.

The pick of the bunch is Brazil–Belgium, and La Selecao’s defenders will be put to the test when they face the tournament's top scorers in a mouthwatering clash.

Brazil v Belgium, Friday 11 a.m. (FS1)

Brazil are ranked number two by FIFA and have looked very difficult to beat over their four matches. Goalkeeper Alisson Becker has had to pick the ball out of his net only once. History shows that World Cup wins are built on solid defense and the last seven winning teams conceded no more than four goals in their seven matches.

Real Madrid midfielder Casemiro is suspended due to accumulated bookings. Manchester City’s Fernandinho is expected to deputize and will find the going tough battling it out against his club teammate Kevin De Bruyne.

Belgium are ranked number three in the world and they are the most prolific side to remain in the competition with 12 goals. They came perilously close to a round of 16 exit against Japan and Nacer Chadli and Maraoune Fellaini will be pushing to start after coming off the bench to inspire that comeback. 

Fellaini is extremely dangerous in the air and should he start the Red Devils will look to test Brazil with deliveries from crosses, corners and free kicks. Chelsea playmaker Eden Hazard will be the chief supplier and his club teammate Willian will be out to stop him.

This should be a brilliant game and the key battle will be in central midfield.

Fernandinho v De Bruyne!

Chat soon,
Patrick
Soccer1-1.com

P.S. Why are Brazil so good? Click here to watch a video that compares player development in Georgia with Rio.