Now it’s time for big boys to dance
Elimination round kicks off with some crackerjack matches this weekend
The knockout stage at Russia 2018 kicks off this weekend. The group matches brought us many dramatic finishes and last-minute goals. What will the Round of 16 offer?
Saturday’s first match is a cracker, as world powers Argentina and France square off. Both teams have plenty of talent but haven’t looked that impressive. Critics of Argentina coach Jorge Sampaoli are wondering how much longer he will stick with Javier Mascherano in the centre of midfield. The veteran brings character and fighting spirit, but he’s not the best distributor of the ball.
Next up on Saturday is Uruguay against Portugal, two teams very good at grinding out results. The match features Cristiano Ronaldo against Luis Suarez, two of the best goal scorers in the world, and fierce competitors. We should see plenty of them.
Sunday’s early match has Spain against Russia, as the hosts face a huge challenge. The Russian players have worked hard in this tournament, but could spend a lot of time chasing the ball in this game. The crowd will need to lift them, or else Russia could fade in the late stages.
Finally, we have Croatia against Denmark. In a tournament in which so many of the favourites have failed to impress, Croatia has been consistently good. A perennial dark horse, Croatia has been steadily improving in recent tournaments. At Euro 2016, it won its group ahead of Spain, before getting edged in the knockout stage by eventual champion Portugal. At this World Cup, Croatia downed Nigeria 2-0, humbled Argentina 3-0, then coach Zlatko Dalic made nine changes and his team still had the wherewithal to defeat an Iceland side desperate for a win.
The key to Croatia is its tremendously talented midfield led by Real Madrid’s Luka Modric along with Barcelona’s Ivan Rakitic. Modric is rated as one of the best passers in the game, and also has a lethal shot. Modric can play as an attacking midfielder or in a deeper role, and can pull the strings of Croatia’s attack from anywhere on the pitch.
Croatia also has two good wingers in Ivan Perisic of Inter Milan and Ante Rebic of Eintracht Frankfurt. Both normally play on the left for their club sides, but with Croatia will swap flanks throughout the game to try and confound the opposition.
Big Mario Mandzukic is a good target man up front, and when Croatia needs goals they can also play Andrej Kramaric as a second striker. Croatia’s well-disciplined defence is marshalled by Liverpool’s Dejan Lovren.
Denmark, meanwhile, is led by Tottenham playmaker Cristian Eriksen. Spurs fans will be cheering for him, but will also have fond memories of Luka Modric. He was Tottenham’s playmaker before Eriksen.
Goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel has been superb for Denmark, and will need to be sharp in this game.