Why the end is nigh for Russia and how Brazil look good for a sixth World Cup
▶ Graham Caygill looks at the quarter-final line-up and predicts who will book their spot in the last four
After 56 games the 2018 World Cup is down to its final eight teams. Here is a look at the four quarter-final games and what to watch out for.
As with all knockout rounds at the World Cup if a match is level at the end of 90 minutes it will go to extra time for another 30 minutes. If there is no winner, the tie is decided on penalties.
Friday July 6 France v Uruguay, 6pm
How they got there
France won Group C thanks to two wins and a draw, before two goals from Kylian Mbappe helped them win a seven-goal thriller with Argentina in the last 16.
Uruguay had a 100 per cent record in Group A and two goals from Edinson Cavani inspired them to defeat European champions Portugal 2-1 on Saturday in the second round.
Previous meetings
To say that previous meetings at the World Cup between the two teams have not been thrillers would be something of an understatement. They played out goalless draws, in group games, at the 2002 and 2010 World Cups.
They also met in the group stage in 1966, with Uruguay winning 2-1.
The teams last played in a friendly in June 2013, where a Luis Suarez goal gave Uruguay a 1-0 victory.
Prediction
Hard one to call. France were brilliant going forward against Argentina, but Mbappe and his teammates will not be afforded the same gaps in defence to run into by Uruguay.
With key striker Cavani an injury doubt and likely to be limited even if he does feature, the extra quality that France have will give them a 2-1 win and a place in the semi-fiinals.
Brazil v Belgium 10pm
How they got there
Brazil have improved as the tournament has progressed. After being held by Switzerland they won Group E by beating Costa Rica and Serbia, before Neymar and Roberto Firmino were on target in their 2-0 win over Mexico in the last 16.
Belgium scored nine goals in winning Group G and then came from two down to beat Japan 3-2 in the last 16 thanks to Nacer Chadli’s stoppage-time winner. Previous meetings
The positive omen for Brazil is that the last time they won the World Cup in 2002, they defeated Belgium in the second round, with Rivaldo and Ronaldo both scoring. Prediction
Belgium will feel fate might be on their side after an impressive fightback against Japan. But Brazil looked good against Mexico, and with Neymar getting fitter and more effective with every outing, the Belgians should be concerned. Brazil to go through 3-1 and move closer to that sixth world title.
Saturday July 7 Sweden v England, 6pm
How they got there
Sweden showed considerable resolve to clinch top spot in Group F by beating Mexico, just days after experiencing the agony of a last-gasp defeat to Germany. A 1-0 win over Switzerland has got the side, featuring Al Ain’s Marcus Berg, into the quarter-finals.
England went through in second spot in Group G after victories over Tunisia and Panama, before they triumphed on penalties against Colombia in the second round.
Previous meetings England’s 3-2 win over Sweden at Euro 2012 was their first win over the Scandinavians at a major tournament. They met in the group stages at the 2006 and 2002 World Cups, with the encounters ending respectively 2-2 and 1-1.
Prediction
Sweden showed their mental strength in how they responded after losing in such demoralising fashion to Germany, but England will have gained confidence from the manner in which they got past Colombia. With Harry Kane in superb form England’s captain could be the difference again, and they will reach the semi-finals on the back of a 2-0 victory.
Russia v Croatia 10pm
How they got there
Russia got off to a flier by beating Saudi Arabia 5-0 in the opening game of the tournament and they went on to qualify in second place in Group A. They rode their luck at times against Spain, but knocked out the 2010 world champions on penalties to reach the quarter-finals.
Croatia also made it to the quarter-finals thanks to spot-kicks, which got them past Denmark in the second round. Before then, Zlatko Dalic’s men won Group D with maximum points. Previous meetings
The teams have never met at a major tournament before. Croatia beat Russia 3-1 in a friendly in November 2015 with Mario Mandzukic among the scorers.
Prediction
This is where the adventure ends for Russia. Given they are the lowest ranked side in the competition getting to the last eight is a huge achievement.
Croatia were not good against Denmark, but Dalic, the former Al Ain manager, will know his side got away with that display and they should have too much for their hosts. Croatia to win 3-0.