Two of the World Cup’s top contenders will be in action on Sunday, it’s Brazil vs Norway, and England vs Mexico. We offer previews and predictions for every matchup as these teams aim for the quarterfinals.
Brazil vs Norway (Sunday July 5th in New York/New Jersey)
Brazil engineered a comeback against a tired Japan in the round of 32. A Carlo Ancelotti tactical masterclass was what we witnessed, though Brazil still looked brittle and vulnerable at times in the midfield with Casemiro. Ancelotti will need to make at least one XI change, as Lucas Paqueta is probably out of the World Cup. Raphinha is also racing to be fit to join the forward line again.
Norway has no fitness concerns, Erling Haaland (5 World Cup goals) and a talented attack, including Antonio Nusa and Martin Odegaard led them past Ivory Coast in the round of 32. This is a scary attack, the best Brazil has faced in four games. Brazil’s attack continues to flow through Vinicius Jr. who has been given the freedom to play on the wing, or more centrally as conditions suit him. Gabriel will be trusted to mark Haaland, like we see in the Premier League.
There’s world class attacking talent on this field, don’t expect a low scoring contest, Gabriel Martinelli grabbed the winner against Japan, and could do so again. Experience matters and it’s something Brazil has, while Norway just won their first ever World Cup knockout stage game.
Prediction: Brazil 3-2
England vs Mexico (Sunday July 5th in Mexico City)
There’s a lot of pressure on England for this Round of 16 clash at altitude at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. They will face nearly 80,000 against them in unison, and they do so looking a bit out of sorts after a 2-1 comeback win over DR Congo was spurred by veteran striker Harry Kane. Kane is a difference maker for club and country, but the rest of England’s XI have largely only been difference makers for their clubs. Thomas Tuchel’s England have looked uncreative going forwarda and shaky in defence at time, Mexico will have every chance here.
Mexican Winger Julian Quinones has been one of the best players of the World Cup, but every part of this Mexican squad does their job well, including a defence and a goalkeeper that has yet to concede a goal, a side that seized momentum against Ecuador and never looked back, winning 2-0.
Mexico’s squad are not as strong on paper, but Javier Aguirre preaches defensive stability, and playing at home swings an advantage to El Tri. England cannot rely on miracles to keep advancing into the quarterfinals.
Neither side have obvious concerns around the XI, Mexico is fit and can use their preferred XI, which would still include Gilberto Mora, the teenage wonderkid. For England Jarell Quansah and Reece James could return to fitness. Look for Mexico to be the side having a magical night.
Prediction: Mexico 2-1
Main Photo Credit: Smartframe Images
