Time to predict quarterfinal results
The World Cup Round of 16 predictions in last week’s column proves one or both of two things: the less you know about the subject matter the better, or, a blind squirrel finds an acorn once in a while.
Granted, we didn’t go with too many big upsets, but seven out of eight and an .875 winning percentage isn’t too bad by the modest standards established in past efforts in this space of predicting sports outcomes.
Even local soccer legend Charlie Goeckel emailed with some begrudging praise, while accurately noting most of the actual scores predicted were incorrect.
We were actually bang on with Uruguay defeating reigning European champions Portugal 2-1, and the margin of victory (one goal) as Sweden beat Switzerland.
Blowing up the chance for a perfect 8-for-8 on winners was Spain, who lost to the host Russians.
We had Spain winning that comfortably 4-1. Despite having 76 per cent possession, the talented Spaniards lost to the Russians in penalty kicks. At least it wasn’t the “Fair Play” rule.
I admit to having Spain and Belgium as my “guaranteed” wins of the round. So we only get 50 per cent there. And Belgium had to rally in the second half to beat Japan 3-2.
But after picking 7-of-8, I felt compelled to give it another crack in the quarterfinals.
That and the fact I had a little time to kill on Thursday afternoon before days off today and Saturday, during which I plan to watch “footie” until my eyes bleed.
Uruguay vs. France, today, 7 a.m. PT: In the early game today, I have to go with France, even though they’ve been far from convincing so far in the tournament. With Uruguay star striker Edinson Cavani (three goals) dealing with a calf injury that forced him out late in the win over Portugal, the French should be able to put the shackles on Luis Suarez. Cavani will no doubt be limited if he does play. Prediction: France 2 Uruguay 1. Brazil vs. Belgium, today, 11 a.m., PT: Belgium is a talented and dangerous team that should be invigorated after the amazing escape and late goal to beat Japan. But the five-time champions Brazil are getting stronger as the tournament goes on, and Neymar Jr. is scary-good despite all his flopping around feigning injury. Prediction: Brazil 2 Belgium 1. England vs. Sweden, Saturday, 7 a.m.: Zlatan Ibrahimovic won’t be around to score four goals as he did when Sweden beat England 4-2 six years ago in Stockholm. Nobody gets less respect than the Swedes, but they stick to a stout, disciplined defensive system and don’t make mistakes. This young English side has been surprisingly good and they’ve probably got the edge in firepower in this one. It should be a hard, grinding struggle. Another pick from the heart . . . Prediction: England 1 Sweden 0. Russia vs. Croatia, Saturday, 11 a.m.: Is this where Russia’s bubble bursts? Nobody expected them to beat Spain. Many thought they wouldn’t make it out of the group stage. Croatia is the better side, but when a team starts believing and they’re playing on home soil in a competition of this magnitude, anything is possible. Still . . . Prediction: Croatia 2 Russia 0. David Crompton is a native of Liverpool, England, and a sports reporter at the Herald. Email: david.crompton@pentictonherald.ca.