The group stage was full of surprises and also included the rejection of strong teams such as Germany, Belgium and Uruguay, which are considered a disappointment.
So far we have seen different playing styles, teams that improved from game to game, and on the other hand those that started well and faded.
The fact that five substitutions are allowed in this World Cup allowed the coaches to change formations and change trends during the game.
In my opinion, the round of 16 will be more predictable and the top teams on paper will do their job and reach the last eight.
Here is my prediction for the first knockout stage in Qatar.
Holland is celebrating.
should continue to the quarter-finals, photo: AFP
Holland-USA.
The Dutch team achieved good results that led them to the top of the comfortable Group A. On the other hand, there is disappointment with the level of play of the Orange. The total football of the late Johan Cruyff was replaced by a practical and goal-oriented set-up of Louis van Gaal.
On the other hand, the American team is very dynamic and ambitious and managed to finish in the group stage with a draw against the strong England.
The Dutch will have to upgrade their ability to avoid an American surprise.
My prediction: Holland will go up.
Phil Foden.
Of England's most promising wingers, photo: Getty Images
England - Senegal.
Gareth Southgate, the England manager, has a wide range of fast and talented wingers who are in excellent form and the wonderful Jude Bellingham in the midfield.
On the other hand, the defense of the England team has not been tested against a really high-quality opponent until now.
Senegal, the African champions, have adapted to the absence of Sadio Mane and are showing powerful football in defense and improved ability in the front.
A challenge to the English.
My prediction: England will go up.
Argentina - Australia.
Argentina's position at the top of Group C paved its way to the quarterfinals.
The game in the round of 16 against Australia should be under the complete control of Leo Messi and his teammates, who show considerable improvement since the loss in the first game against Saudi Arabia.
The last dance of the flea is not only a dance of high ability but also of impressive leadership.
On the other hand, the Australians reached a great achievement, but it cannot be said that they presented particularly impressive football.
On the threshold it seems that there will be no Australian Cinderella story here.
My prediction: Argentina will rise.
Mbapa
France will arrive ready against Australia, photo: IPA
France-Poland.
The loss of the French team in the last match of the group stage against Tunisia did not prevent it from placing first in Group D.
The tricolor players will be more alert for the match in the round of 16 against Poland, and in light of the differences in levels they are expected to win.
Poland's weak display in the last match against Argentina gives the feeling that Robert Lewandowski and his friends do not have the ability to face quality teams.
My prediction: France will rise.
Japan - Croatia.
The Japanese team, led by the excellent coach Hajima Moriasu, has so far shown impressive ability and with the help of tactical changes during the game achieved surprising victories over Germany and Spain.
The Japanese are determined and dynamic and never give up.
The Croatian team led by Luka Modric is an experienced team that will know how to deal with the Japanese team's lineup changes and deliver the desired result from their point of view.
My prediction: Croatia will go up.
Morocco - Spain.
The Moroccan team is one of the biggest surprises in the tournament so far with 7 points and first place in Group 6.
The Moroccan team is very organized and goal oriented.
On the other hand, the Spanish, who opened the tournament with seven goals against Costa Rica, experienced an unexpected loss to Japan in the last game, which may restore the required concentration to HP and it seems that the Spanish quality will decide the meeting.
My prediction: Spain will rise.
The Brazilian star battery will not have a hard time against the Koreans, photo: Getty Images
Brazil - South Korea.
With all due respect to the wonderful achievement of South Korea in actually advancing to the round of 16, the Brazilian team is of much higher quality.
Yun Ming Son, who plays for Tottenham and the South Korean national team, is a superstar, but even he will not be able to overcome the Brazilian star battery.
The Selção present a lethal team offensively backed by an outstanding defense, and that should be enough for them against the Koreans.
My guess: Brazil will rise.
Ronaldo.
He will not say goodbye to the World Cup so quickly, photo: AFP
Portugal - Switzerland.
The Swiss played well in the group stage and only lost to strong Brazil by a minimal score, 1:0.
They present a stable formation in defense, smart link players and good scoring ability.
On the other hand, the Portugal team has a variety of better midfielders and a playing style of ball control. Portugal also has Cristiano Ronaldo who will not agree to say goodbye to the World Cup at this stage.
My prediction: Portugal rises.
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