Brazil put on an exhibition when brushing aside South Korea and it is hard to see Croatia living with them if they are in a similar mood. The 2018 runners-up were taken all the way to penalties by Japan and the signs are that star man Luka Modric is feeling his age at 37.
There were a host of World Cup shocks during the Qatar 2022 group stage worthy of being added to any list of all-time greatest upsets. Germany and Belgium suffered shock early exits, while Argentina, France, Spain, Portugal and Brazil all endured defeats against lower-ranked opposition.
Portugal and Switzerland are familiar foes heading into their World Cup clash, having met three times in the Nations League in recent years. The Navigators claimed convincing victories in the first two of those encounters, while the Swiss shaded the most recent match in June.
There will be a wild atmosphere at Education City Stadium when Morocco take on Spain for a place in the World Cup quarter-finals. The Atlas Lions have been backed by incredible support in Qatar and will give it their all, but La Roja may just have too much class.
The World Cup last-16 tie between Japan and Croatia promises to be a clash of styles at Al Janoub Stadium. Energy and enthusiasm are the key assets of the Samurai Blue, while their opponents are more composed and have the experience of being runners-up four years ago.
Brazil blotted their copybook when beaten by Cameroon on Friday but the key players will be back to face South Korea at the last-16 stage. The Selecao had previously impressed with two professional wins against decent opposition in Serbia and Switzerland and look too strong here.
Netherlands have never won the World Cup but will be starting to dream of ending their long wait if they get past the United States to reach the quarter-finals. The Dutch have not been the most exciting team to watch but progressed as group winners, while the Americans made it out of Group B despite only scoring two goals.
Argentina showed great composure to top their World Cup group after an opening loss to Saudi Arabia and the reward is facing rank outsiders Australia. The Socceroos, who upset Tunisia and Denmark to qualify behind France, are expected to prove game, but outgunned.
World Cup holders France are hot favourites to qualify for the Qatar 2022 quarter-finals at the expense of Poland. However, Les Bleus did concede a goal in each of their group-stage games, so the Eagles may be worth backing to grab a consolation score in defeat in Doha.
England will put their unbeaten record against African opposition on the line when they face Senegal in the round of 16 at the World Cup. Gareth Southgate’s men eased through to the knockout stage as group winners for the first time since 2006 and with the best goal difference they have enjoyed at a major tournament.
Brazil have made smooth progress so far at Qatar 2022 and are expected to complete a hat-trick of Group G wins when facing Cameroon. The Indomitable Lions showed great spirit when drawing with Serbia last time out but it is hard to see them securing the win they need here.
Switzerland just need a point to advance to the World Cup knockout stage and are disciplined enough to achieve that feat against Serbia. The Eagles possess more quality players in their line-up, but haven’t quite had the same experience of performing at the highest level.
Spain have been among the best sides during the early stages of Qatar 2022 and it would be a surprise if they don’t get the better of Japan. The Samurai Blue did shock Germany first up but undid much of that good work when edged out by Costa Rica in the second round of games.
Germany will be relieved to still have a chance of progressing from Group E and can do their bit by seeing off Costa Rica in Al Khor. If Hansi Flick’s side win by more than one clear goal, they will advance as long as Japan don’t beat Spain in the other group match.