The last 16 stage of the soccer World Cup is almost over. The last two games feature teams that aren’t among the favorites to win the tourney, but certainly have the potential to surprise.
Especially since this bracket is rather kind and the road to the final seems easier, compared to what the likes of France and Brazil will have to face.
Sweden will play Switzerland and both countries probably fancy their chances to progress, while England will have to beat the tough Colombia.
Both ties look really close, so let’s take a look at the betting opportunities around them. But first, here’s how the teams got here.
Here’s how each country performed so far.
Sweden is one of the most impressive teams in the World Cup so far. The Scandinavians managed to win a group against teams like Germany, Mexico, and South Korea.
The only loss came against the reigning champions, but Sweden did beat the other two teams. The 3-0 victory against Mexico in the last round was especially impressive.
It seems like the whole squad is determined to prove to the world that Sweden is not only about Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Surprisingly, the team looks better since the big man retired.
All of the players work hard and have the embraced the responsibility to perform and not simply rely on one star man. As a result, Sweden is showing an exceptional defense and a lot of threat up front.
Since they are in the bracket that looks easier on paper, I won’t be surprised if Sweden actually reaches the last 4. I’m curious to see how far this reformed Swedish side can go.
Another European team that impressed in the group stage was Switzerland. The nation managed to draw against Brazil and Costa Rica, but a dramatic win against Serbia was enough to reach the last 16.
Switzerland hasn’t gone past this stage of a soccer World Cup since the country hosted the finals in 1954. They always have a solid team that lacks the extra edge for a truly exceptional performance.
It’s interesting to see if that will be the case in Russia as well. While Switzerland is tough mentally and has a hard-working team, they are not creating many chances.
This could be an issue, as the World Cup is entering a stage when all teams defend for their lives. Still, Switzerland is in a good position, because of the bracket.
They have a shot at a deep run which doesn’t happen often. The team will be motivated to take full advantage.
Colombia is very inconsistent so far. I expected the side to be stronger, but the condition of James Rodriguez is the key here.
When the playmaker is fit and on the pitch, Colombia is a deadly opponent and one of the best teams in the World Cup. They defend well and can score almost at will, as we saw when the South Americans trashed Poland 3-0.
James is the creative talisman of Columbia, and without him they can’t create many chances and the whole side looks uncomfortable. This surprised me, to be honest, as the likes of Quintero, Cuadrado, and Falcao are top players.
Obviously, the leadership of James is the main ingredient that will decide their fate in the World Cup. The good news for Colombia is that his calf is swollen, but there are no signs of a muscle tear according to the latest scan.
This is one of the first times I’ve seen an English team look so relaxed in the World Cup. The players seem to enjoy the experience and you can see that on the pitch.
The European side beat Tunisia and Panama rather comfortably. This gave Gareth Southgate the chance to rest a lot of players in the last match against Belgium.
One of them was the captain Harry Kane who’s leading the race for the Golden Boot with his 5 goals. He’s been great so far and impressed a lot of people.
The question is, what happens in the knockouts? The English defense is still suspect and a stronger team could certainly exploit the gaps. At the same time, the attack of the side is among the best in the World Cup.
England is creating a lot of chances and the country certainly can find the net against pretty much any team in the World Cup. If they manage to perform well at the back, England can actually go all the way.
The bracket is also kind, so the side could reach the final before playing against any of the other big guns. Still, there’s a long road ahead and the players have to keep their heads down and work hard.
Let’s see what the bookies offer for this match.
The all-European clash between Sweden and Switzerland is very interesting to me. I think the bracket may actually allow one of those two to make a deep run in this tournament.
As I already said, Sweden is one of the most pleasant surprises of the World Cup so far. I didn’t expect much from this team, but they actually won the group and are playing some solid soccer.
With Zlatan gone, many thought the country wouldn’t have enough firepower and will struggle to find the net. 5 goals in 3 matches against the likes of Germany, Mexico, and South Korea prove that’s not the case.
Sweden is always a threat and can score in a couple of different ways.
I think Sweden will let Switzerland have more of the ball. The Swedish defense is strong enough to limit the opportunities of the opponent, in my opinion. At the same time, the side can certainly score.
Switzerland was a bit shaky at the back, which was a surprise. The country conceded in each of the games so far and I think this one won’t be an exception.
Still, the leaders of Switzerland are playing in the World Cup. The likes of Xhaka and Shaqiri are on top of their game and this gives the whole country hope. I don’t think Switzerland is strong enough to do something truly special, but Sweden is a team that is beatable.
The game is really close and the bookies agree with that. However, I feel that Sweden is slightly better. They are far more dangerous in attack and the Swiss defense is hardly impressive. This is why the price of 1.95 for Sweden to qualify seems like a solid choice.
If you are bold enough, the 3.10 for a win in the regular time is great too.
Finally, here are the main odds for the final match of the soccer World Cup last 16.
The big question is if James will be fit and play in this match. If that’s the case, I expect an extremely close game with plenty of chances for both sides.
If the playmaker is not ready, England should win comfortably. The side’s attack is too strong to contain. I expect the Europeans to have more of the ball and create a lot of opportunities. The young and hungry players of England should be able to find the net.
However, the defense is vulnerable and could face a lot of trouble. The likes of Falcao and Cuadrado are not easy to guard. Still, if James is not there, the task for England would be so much easier.
Colombia will have to play a defensive style that will hardly hold against a side with such a strong attack.
On the other hand, we still haven’t seen England go behind in a World Cup match that matters. Sooner or later, this will happen and the lack of experience in this side could be an issue.
I will wait to see the starting lineups before making my final pick, because the fitness of James is super important. If he starts, I think the odds for Colombia to win are awesome. If he doesn’t, England should be able to win and the price of 2.10 is also great.
The goals market also depends on Rodriguez. With him starting, Colombia will be dangerous and the match will be more open.
This is why I won’t share any picks for this match and would recommend a patient approach.
It’s time for the next crazy pick for the BetVictor Million Pound Bet.
Sweden to Win 2-1 Match to Be Drawn 1-1 in the 1st Half Ola Toivonen to Score 1+ Goals Both Teams Over 7.5 Corners Both Teams Under 2.5 CardsI picked Sweden and Switzerland, as I expect a close game, plenty of corners, and not many cards.
Many people underestimate all four teams, but one of them will play in the last 4, at least. This is why I’m curious to see how they perform in the first knockout stage of the soccer World Cup.
What do you think will happen? If you have some thoughts you’d like to share, let me know in the comments below.
Good luck!
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