FIFA Round of 16 Preview: Day 1
Here's a look at how the teams pan out for today's matches in the round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup.
(WebDesk) - The football fans all around the globe have been feasting their hearts and souls by watching some top quality game play ever since the start of the FIFA World Cup. Their hunger, however, isn’t being killed, at least not any time soon. With the group stages a part of history now, the players, coaches and fans alike gear up for the knockout rounds, which promise to be an absolute crackerjack.
After having scored beautiful goals, produced epic moments, caused immense shocks and turned quite a few heads, the players eagerly await to step onto the pitch and help their national side progress further in the World Cup.
The fans have had an amazing time in the World Cup so far. Photo: File
The groups shaped up in such a way that the round of 16 draws eventually turned out to be very juicy from a neutral point of view. The first round of fixtures in this stage has France take on Argentina and Portugal facing Uruguay.
Let’s have a look at how the teams shape up for their all-important do-or-die encounter in the World Cup today.
France vs Argentina
Summary:
Even though both strong on paper, both teams come into the knockout stage facing different circumstances.
Whilst the French have been fairly consistent thus far, their counterparts, Argentina have had a topsy-turvy three matches. The Messi-led outfit struggled to cement its place in the last 16 and hadn’t it been for a late effort from defender Marcus Rojo, the two-time world cup winners would have been knocked out.
France on the other hand will be feeling confident going into the match having been unbeaten securing seven out of a potential nine points. Strong performances from their opening matches will leave the Les Bleus as favorites to win the nail-biting encounter.
France
Past Performance:
The French have so far been unbeaten in the tournament with two convincing victories in their opening two matches and a rather frustrating stalemate in their most recent encounter.
Results:
France 2 – Australia 1
France 1 – Peru 0
France 0 – Denmark 0
Players to watch out for:
1) Antoinne Griezmann
Griezmann will be looking to provide France with goals up-front. Photo: File
The Atletico Madrid superstar has thus far been the main man for his national side and has played an integral part in France’s qualification. His stand out performance in the opening match against Australia really kick started France’s campaign.
Griezmann’s ability to drop into a deeper position and link up with the players venturing forward could really help the French cause. If France are to oust Argentina, Griezmann has to really bring out his A-game tonight.
2) Paul Pogba
Pogba s passing ability and attacking threat could really help France cope with Argentina. Photo: extra.ie
The Manchester United striker has been an influential figure for his team so far. France have really capitalized on Pogba’s ability to pass the ball around with exceptional vision. So far, Pogba has been allowed to go forward with the ball that has given his side an added attacking advantage.
The midfielder alone has the ability to really turn the game on its head. The Griezmann-Pogba duo could really prove to be a grave threat for the Argentinians.
The Coach’s Say:
I’m not looking for excuses, but as you know, we have 14 players who’ve never competed at a World Cup. Five played for the first time against Australia, another five against Denmark, so whatever their individual abilities I think this should allow some indulgence. (Didier Deschamps)
Argentina
Past Performance:
Argentina have been up against it since day one in the World Cup. The Messi-led team has, however, scraped through to the last 16 after having bagged only four points out of a total of nine courtesy lady luck.
Results:
Argentina 1 – Iceland 1
Argentina 0 – Croatia 3
Argentina 2 – Nigeria 1
Players to watch out for:
1) Lionel Messi
Argentina s World Cup fate will be lying on Messi s shoulders. Photo: File
The only stand out player in amongst the twenty-two is most likely to be the five time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi. The 31-year-old forward hasn’t had the best of tournaments so far but his performance against Nigeria really created a lot of hope for the Argentinians.
Messi has single handedly led his team into the last 16 and is expected to do the same against France. His mere presence will be a threat to the French defence; something that gives the fans immense confidence.
2) Ever Banega
Banega has been inspirational in Argentina s campaign so far. Photo: Zimbio.com.
Being second to Lionel Messi is an achievement on its own but Ever Banega may have just surpassed that as well. The midfielder has arguably been the best player for his national side in the opening round of the World Cup.
His exceptional aerial through ball to Messi that the Barcelona forward eventually netted, really showed what Banega can do with the ball in his feet. Banega has made some very cruicial tackles, winning important aerial battles as well. Banega will be a great threat to the French midfield and defence, going forward.
The Coach’s Say:
"We have complete faith in our abilities. Argentina is very strong psychologically and this will allow us to face the match with complete commitment. You will see a team which will have a lot of motivation to win." (Jorge Sampaoli)
Portugal vs Uruguay
Summary:
Having played top quality football and produced exceptional moments so far in the tournament, both the teams come into the encounter high on confidence although one would argue Uruguay are still better than their rivals in terms of form.
Portugal have had moments of brilliance, they have had moments of mediocrity but they’ve been determined enough to move through to the last 16. Superstar, Cristiano Ronaldo has gelled the unit together and hadn’t it been for him, Portugal would’ve really struggled in the opening matches.
Surpassing their own expectations, Uruguay have been 10/10 so far. Having registered a perfect record with three wins out of three, the Uruguayans are soaring high on confidence. Gelled together as one unit, Uruguay look to capitalize on their hot form and qualify for the quarters.
Portugal
Past Performance:
The Portuguese started their campaign with a Cristiano Ronaldo hattrick that helped them bag a point in what might be considered as the match of the tournament, against Spain. A narrow win against Morocco and a frustrating draw against Iran followed next.
Results:
Portugal 3 – Spain 3
Portugal 1 – Morocco 0
Portugal 1 – Iran 1
Players to watch out for:
1) Cristiano Ronaldo
Ronaldo will be hoping to lead his team through to the quarters. Photo: Sporting News.
The flair, extravagance, experience and leadership of superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has so far kept Portugal in the World Cup. The Real Madrid striker is having the time of his life, having bagged four goals out of three matches so far.
Ronaldo has previously shown how he can single handedly lead his national side to a major tournament win and is expected to do the same here. The Uruguayan defence will be vary of his threat courtesy his hot form.
2) Ricardo Quaresma
Quaresma scored a stunner against Iran to set the World Cup alight. Photo: The Guardian.
The 34-year-old winger brings great experience to the plate. His worth mentioning performances in the group stages really makes him a great threat for the opposition. Quaresma recently scored a brilliant goal that set the World Cup alight.
If the winger can bring out his best against Uruguay, Ronaldo will have great support moving forward which could only mean one thing: GOALS!
The Coach’s Say:
“This is a World Cup and of course we re all defending and we re all working for our national teams, and that s the essential aspect. Everybody will try and give their utmost tomorrow as to prevail.” (Fernando Santos)
Uruguay
Past Performance:
The Uruguayans go into the all-important face off having won all three of their matches in the group stage with three out of three clean sheets.
Results:
Uruguay 1 – Egypt 0
Uruguay 1 – Saudi Arabia 0
Uruguay 3 – Russia 0
Players to watch out for:
1) Luis Suarez
Suarez has seemingly regained his form ahead of the tie against Portugal. Photo: Information Nigeria.
On his day, no one is as clinical and as lethal as Barcelona forward, Luis Suarez. After having been frustrated in the opening encounter against Egypt, it seems as though the 31-year-old striker has started to find his feet with two good goals in the next two games.
The attacking threat Suarez poses is definitely second to none. The Portuguese defence will be put to the test tonight.
2) Diego Godin
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Godin s leadership will be key against Portugal. Photo: Daily Mail.
Having one of the best defence in the tournament is a credit that goes to the Uruguayans courtesy of dedicated leadership of defender Diego Godin. Godin has always been inspirational for his national side and this World Cup has proved no different.
The leadership qualities of the veteran defender will be put to test against the Portuguese attack but if he manages to sort things right, Uruguay could well be on their way to the last eight.
The Coach’s Say:
“Given the limits we have as a footballing country, we ve made it to the World Cup. We ve started showing what we re trying to achieve. We re closer than ever to achieving our real objectives and we want to do this at the World Cup. I think we have a certain calmness in facing it." (Oscar Tabarez)
Preview by: Raacikh Asghar
