The round of 32 at the World Cup will wrap up on Wednesday with three games featuring African sides, and two of those games featuring South American sides. Compelling football awaits us in what has been a fantastic first knockout phase of the tournament thus far. Which teams will complete the round of 16?<\/p>\n
We also have predictions for Round of 16 clashes Featuring France and Canada<\/a><\/p>\n Both teams will be pleased to have reached this point in the tournament. Australia are a defensively sound side that relishes being underdogs. Egypt carries a heavy burden for African football, as a number of other teams from the region have already faltered at this Round of 32 stage. Egypt were undefeated in the group stage, but only defeated New Zealand. Australia were 1-1-1, including a draw against last of 16 participants Paraguay.<\/p>\n Australia misses Jacob Italiano and Matthew Leckie, Egypt could be without Mo Salah, Mohanad Lasheen, and 3-4 other first choice starters. Per Al Kass TV<\/a>, Salah could see minutes on the bench. Without Salah, expect Egypt to play even more defensively, while Australia will look to use pace and hit on the counter. This won’t be a high scoring clash, but a plucky Australia are slight favorites to advance, even if it’s on penalties.<\/p>\n Prediction: Australia<\/strong> 1-0<\/p>\n On paper, this would be one of the greatest upsets<\/a> in the history of the FIFA World Cup if Cape Verde toppled Argentina. The defending champions moved through the gears in the group stage and were effectively perfect, with Lionel Messi leading the way and chasing the golden boot. With Messi, Argentina have had to battle at times, but they always come out winners in games like this. Cape Verde will employ the same tactics they did against Spain and Uruguay in the group stage, a physical, composed low block and trusting in their veteran goalkeeper.<\/p>\n This is a great Cape Verde team, but they didn’t win a match in the group stage and Argentina has talent all over the pitch. Both teams are relatively fit, but in the end Cape Verde doesn’t have the firepower to do more than frustrate Argentina, in what is practically a home game for the South American champions.<\/p>\n Prediction: Argentina<\/strong> 3-0<\/p>\n Colombia have been widely praised as one of the best<\/a> teams of the group stage, a 2-1-0 record gave them group leadership and allowed them to face Ghana,<\/a> a team that finished third in a group with England and Croatia ahead. Ghana frustrated England to a famous draw and have improved compared to their poor form heading into the World Cup.<\/p>\n Carlos Quieroz team plays defensively, and they will be facing a hostile crowd as Colombia continues to travel as effectively a home team in this North American World Cup.<\/p>\nAustralia vs Egypt (July 3rd in Dallas)<\/h2>\n
Argentina vs Cape Verde (July 3rd in Miami)<\/h3>\n
Colombia vs Ghana (July 3rd in Kansas City)<\/h3>\n