06 Jul 2018 World Cup Quarter-Final previews

We’re down to the final eight.

After a gripping set of Round of 16 matches, the World Cup dream continues for eight nations, with the quarter-finals getting underway tonight with two titanic South America v Europe matchups.

Here is a preview of the four fixtures with the stakes coninuining to rise.

Saturday July 7

Uruguay v France (Nizhny Novgorod Stadium, Nizhny Novgorod) – Live on SBS and Optus Sport from 12:00AM

France came off a seven goal thriller against Argentina, winning 4-3 with PSG star Kylian Mbappe netting two goals, while Uruguay scraped past Portugal 2-1.

Uruguay look set to suffer a major blow with Edinson Cavani, who scored both goals in their win over Portugal, set to miss the game after suffering a calf injury.

If Uruguay can hold the French to one goal or less, they could secure a spot in the semi-final.

Prediction: France 1 Uruguay 1 – France to win 2-1 in ET

Brazil v Belgium (Kazan Arena, Kazan) – Live on SBS and Optus Sport from 4:00AM

Brazil were tournament favourites coming in and look to have found form after a 2-0 win over Mexico last round.

Belgium were tipped by many to win the World Cup, but were almost shockingly knocked out by Japan.

Thanks to a lovely counter attack goal by Nacer Chadli in the final play of the game, the Belgians overcame a two goal deficit to win 3-2 and book themselves a spot in the quarters.

If Brazil can remain solid at the back, their attack should be too much for Belgium to handle.

Prediction: Brazil 2 Belgium 1

Sunday July 8

Sweden v England (Samara Arena, Samara) – Live on SBS and Optus Sport from 12:00AM

Who would have thought we would be seeing Sweden in the quarter-finals.

They have been a disciplined unit throughout the tournament and teams have had a tough time breaking them down over 90 minutes.

A Harry Kane penalty gave England the lead over Colombia, but they conceded a last second header that sent the game into extra time, and ultimately penalties, where the English prevailed.

It’s hard to see anything but an English victory in what shapes as a dour affair.

Prediction: England 1 Sweden 0

Russia v Croatia (Fisht Stadium, Sochi) – Live on SBS and Optus Sport from 4:00AM

The Russians overcame an early own goal against Spain to force the game into extra time and eventually shocked Spain with a win on penalties.

Croatia were the most impressive side in the group stage netting wins over Iceland, Argentina and Nigeria, and scraped through on penalties against Denmark in the Round of 16.

Russia have exceeded expectations and may be able to match the Croatian’s over 90 minutes, however the likes of Luka Modric and Mario Mandzukic should be able to pull Croatia through to the semi-finals.

Prediction: Croatia 1 Russia 1 – Croatia to win 2-1 in ET