China Daily Global Edition (USA)
Crunching the number
Our call: Uruguay 55% to win
Both boasting lethal attacks (France with Kylian Mbappe and Antoine Griezmann; Uruguay with Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani), much hinges on either side’s defense. And with arguably the world’s best centerback, Diego Godin, marshalling a mean Uruguay back four, La Celeste could well pull off an upset.
Our call: England 70% to win
A new, fearless-looking England has been further emboldened by its first ever penalty shootout victory at a World Cup, and now Gareth Southgate’s side is really starting to believe. And while it may take time for Harry Kane and company to break down their workmanlike opponent, it’s hard to envision anything other than an English victory here.
Our call: Brazil 60% to win
With Neymar gradually moving up the gears, Brazil’s Samba Boys are starting to find their groove. Belgium has had the purists purring at times but it looks like it will need playmaker Kevin de Bruyne to bring his ‘A’ game if Brazil’s bid for a sixth world title is to be halted in Kazan. Our call: Croatia 75% to win Stopping Croatia’s golden generation looks a step too far for surprise package Russia. In Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic, Croatia possesses the best central midfield partnership at the tournament, and it should have more than enough guile to unlock Russia in Sochi.