The Group Stage only ends Saturday, but we will immediately enter the knockout stage on Sunday, with hosts Canada traveling to the United States to face an underdog South Africa team in Los Angeles.
Then on Monday the action really picks up, Brazil vs Japan and The Netherlands vs Morocco are two matches that could arguably be quarterfinals but instead, at least two international football powerhouses will be going home early. We offer previews and predictions for every match.
South Africa vs Canada (Sunday June 28th in Los Angeles)
South Africa’s journey to reach the last 32 is a story of resilience, Canada has their own story of resilience as Jesse Marsch’s men have suffered a number of injury problems en route to the last 32. Both teams boast identical 1-1-1 records from the group stage, South Africa came back to draw with Czechia, after a terrible start to the tournament against Mexico. They were underdogs against South Korea but that didn’t stop them from coming away 1-0 winners. The talent level is not elite, but they seem perfectly capable of managing a contest defensively and pushing the game beyond 90 minutes.
Canada’s preferred XI is a huge pending question, Alphonso Davies hasn’t seen any minutes this World Cup, in the midfield, Marsch will likely want to get Stephen Eustaquio back in to start. Canada needs goals through Cyle Larin and Jonathan David, two players capable of delivering for their country. Ultimately you would expect Canada to continue to produce xG and get themselves into favorable situations, that’s likely enough against South Africa.
Prediction: Canada 2-0
Brazil vs Japan (Monday June 29th in Houston)
Can Japan manage the Vinicius Jr. led Brazilian attack and pull off an upset? They can’t be discounted, though injuries have left them with a less than preferred XI for the round of 32. Brazil’s scoreline over the last two games they played was 6-0, even with Raphinha unfit, there’s plenty to like about Brazil. Young star Rayan came in and performed well against a hapless Scotland.
Japan will likely miss preferred starter Takefusa Kubo, the fact they could only manage a draw against Sweden was a bit disappointing, but the draw against the Netherlands on matchday 1 shows they can go toe to toe with anyone. Japan did win a friendly against Brazil last year, this will be a great clash, but Brazil’s form looks stronger as long as their backline can remain organized.
Prediction: Brazil 3-1
Germany vs Paraguay (Monday June 29th in Boston)
Does form matter in football? We’ll find out, as Germany’s strong start was slightly undermined by the 2-1 defeat against Ecuador on the last matchday. Julian Nagelsmann still went with a preferred XI in that game despite having clinched their group. Still, Deniz Undav has been a revelation for the Germans, scoring 3 goals this tournament, and Nathaniel Brown has been another fresh face playing fantastic football. Germany haven’t looked completely convincing, they needed a late goal to beat Ivory Coast, but they still have way more attacking and midfield options than Paraguay.
Paraguay recovered from a disaster against the United States on matchday 1 to end up as one of the third place teams on four points. With that said, managing a tournament to reach the last 32, and beating Germany are two very different challenges. Paraguay has only scored two goals in three games. They can lock down anyone defensively, but where are the goals going to come from? Germany should chase a breakthrough to force Paraguay to open up the game. If that doesn’t happen, Paraguay are content to sit back and play for penalties, they won’t take bold chances, though it would be wise to test Manuel Neuer.
Prediction: Germany 2-1
Netherlands vs Morocco (Monday June 29th in Monterrey)
The game everyone has been waiting for, Monterrey’s beautiful Estadio BBVA will play host to two teams that have ambitions of reaching the final. The Netherlands drew Japan before they picked themselves up offensively and started to run riot against Sweden, before topping the group against Tunisia.
Brian Brobbey is going to be key for the Dutch, they are capable defensively with Virgil Van Dijik, they can go through the gears in the midfield, but if Morocco contains Brobbey and Crysencio Summerville, that’s how you stop this Dutch team.
Morocco did the bare minimum against Scotland and then conceded twice in a win against Haiti. The draw against Brazil was a quality outing, but it got worse from there. There’s no doubt Morocco could come out and have a stunning performance to upset the Netherlands, but that feels less likely than when the tournament started. They need a big performance from Brahim Diaz. The Dutch seem capable of working around the limitations of Ronald Koeman’s management and tactics.
Prediction: Netherlands 2-1
Main Photo Credit: Smartframe Images
