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What has already been a crazy tournament in terms of upsets should continue to produce some magic as it heads into the knockouts, with the World Cup showing why it's one of if not the best …
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What has already been a crazy tournament in terms of upsets should continue to produce some magic as it heads into the knockouts, with the World Cup showing why it's one of if not the best competition.
Magic moments such as Cape Verde tying with Spain or the DR Congo tying with Portugal have shown that less established countries are not exactly afraid of the giants in this tournament.
From those results favorites have emerged, some prior favorites have disappointed in their groups and were eliminated, such as Uruguay and South Korea, and the knockouts are sure to bring a ton of exciting matchups, especially in one half of the bracket.
One side of the bracket features eight of the top 11 teams in the FIFA rankings, with tons of matchups expected throughout that half.
France should still be the favorite to come through on that side, as a high-powered attack should drive them far in this tournament ahead of a great midfield and defense. Spain or Portugal could make it in place of the French should things go right after slow starts to the tournament for each team.
Shoutout to Canada which won its first knockout game ever in the World Cup against South Africa on Sunday amidst the chaos in that half of the bracket.
The other side of the bracket features some top end favorites, with Brazil, Argentina, England and Colombia expected to be the best teams from that side.
Some smaller upstart teams could pull some upsets here or there — Japan sure made it close in an eventual 2-1 loss to Brazil as I was writing this Monday.
I expect Argentina is the favorite to make it out of that half thanks to another magical tournament start from Lionel Messi, but don’t be shocked if England or Brazil make a run of it.
Games will continue for the Round of 32 this week through Friday, before the next round begins on Saturday.
More teams has not been the worst thing for this tournament. I have been seeing a lot of discourse around that, but I think it has given more teams the chance to prove they belong and have a go at the bigger teams.
Each host nation has continued to make the World Cup their own, as this global hangout is just starting to hit its stride at the end of June and into July.
There are just under three weeks remaining in this tournament. Make the most of it and continue to tune in as the final will be in New York on July 19.
