World Cup knockout: 3 must-watch games!

Parents and Friends,

FIFA launched their “Living Football” campaign for Russia 2018 and it certainly feels like that after 48 games in two weeks!

I hope everyone has had a chance to catch at least some games of what has been an outstanding World Cup so far.

It’s been the perfect tournament to observe the intensity, passion, excitement and drama that goes hand in hand with international soccer.

And of course, it’s special when it’s only every four years!

The first round finished on Thursday and 122 goals were scored with only one match finishing 0-0.

Mexico, Japan, four South American teams and ten European progressed but for the first time since 1982 no African team did.

That was a surprise because many pundits backed Senegal to do well.

Ultimately, they were unlucky as fair play criteria was used to determine the standings when they finished level on points with Japan.   

The big story so far though has been reigning champions Germany finishing bottom of their group.

It was the first time since 1938 a German side had not advanced past the first round.

This was NOT supposed to happen because Germany…

• Are number one in the FIFA rankings.
• Had reached eight tournament semi-finals in a row since 2005.
• Won all 10 games in qualifying only conceding only 4 goals.
• Won the Confederations Cup last summer with their B team!

Germany’s exit means that the last four European teams (France, Italy, Spain, Germany) to go to the World Cup as champions have now gone out in the group stage.

Today the last 16 begins, and this is where it gets interesting.  

It’s one game, knockout and there’s bound to be a penalty shoot-out to settle things!

Here are my top three matches to catch…

1. France v Argentina | Saturday, June 30, 7 a.m. (Fox)
2. Uruguay v Portugal | Saturday, June 30, 11 a.m. (Fox)
3. Columbia v England | Tuesday, July 3, 11 a.m. (Fox)

The must-watch game will be Uruguay v Portugal.

Three of the world’s great strikers will be on show in Cristiano Ronaldo, Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani.

And Ronaldo will surely get into it with Uruguayan defender Diego Godin.

They both play for rival club teams in Madrid.

It’s Ronaldo vs. Godin!

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.