World Cup | The eighths continue

The first half of the round of 16 of this World Cup ended on Sunday. All the favorites continued on their way. Will we have any surprises in the other four matches? The Press offers you an overview of the matches playing on Monday and Tuesday.

Japan – Croatia

Japan have already brought down two giants in this World Cup. Can he repeat the feat a third time against Croatia?

Absolutely. And why not ? The Blue Samurai demonstrated extraordinary realism and resilience in their victories against Germany and Spain. Against La Roja, they settled for a measly 17% possession. No matter. It was their swift, lightning-fast counterattack that made the difference.

Yes, Croatia dismantled Canada in their 4-1 victory. But it is also the only game in which she has scored so far. The midfield trio of Luka Modrić, Marcelo Brozović and Mateo Kovačić is certainly impressive. And the Croats should be the playmakers in this encounter.

But even if they take the lead quickly, expect Japan to come out of the locker room strong. His rise in power in the second half, he made his trademark in Qatar.

Monday, 10 a.m.

Brazil – South Korea

There is a clear favorite here. And not just for this game. Brazil have their eyes on the Jules-Rimet trophy. His great Pelé, one of the best players in history, is hospitalized with colon cancer and a respiratory infection. His great Neymar is back, having sprained his ankle in the first game.

Inspired by and for these two men, the Seleção obviously have something to play against South Korea. And this, even if his defeat against Cameroon in the third group match could arouse doubts, and ideas for the Koreans. Richarlison and the Brazilian stalwarts had been rested for this match, however. So you don’t need to read much of this result.

Does Korea have what it takes to surprise the Canaries? We have seen in this tournament that anything is possible. She will need her talisman Heung-min Son in full control. And an unfailing strength of character, like his salutary success against Portugal last Friday.

Monday, 2 p.m.

Morocco – Spain

One of the most intriguing clashes of these round of 16. Spain started their tournament with a bang. Their 7-0 against Costa Rica, followed by their 1-1 against Germany, made us believe in a return of La Roja from 2008-2012. But their 2-1 defeat against Japan brought back a dose of realism and demonstrated their defensive shortcomings.

Morocco is a Cinderella team. In a group with Belgium, Croatia and Canada, few experts saw the Moroccans at the top. But this position is fully deserved: the Atlas Lions have confirmed their rise on the world soccer chessboard with great victories against Belgium (2-0) and Canada (2-1).

Their game should once again go through the right wing. Full-back Achraf Hakimi, midfielder Azzedine Ounahi and winger Hakim Ziyech are the main players. We are planning a great battle with the young Spanish midfielder Pedri, in particular, on this side of the field.

Tuesday, 10 a.m.

Portugal – Switzerland

By relying only on the talent and prestige of the names of this Portuguese team, one would be tempted to call it the favorite against Switzerland. But beware. This Nati is tough. In trust. She only has to remember her triumph against France in the summer of 2021, during the last Euro. It was in the round of 16 too.

Obviously, Switzerland will be watching good old Cristiano Ronaldo. But if the Portuguese attack still passes through its captain, its offensive weapons are numerous. Bruno Fernandes, João Felix, Rafael Leão and Ricardo Horta have all scored already, and the front two were rested in the final game of the group stage.

Among the Swiss, Chicago Fire Designated Player Xherdan Shaqiri still has his say on the international stage; he showed it by opening the scoring in the 3-2 win over Serbia. The Portuguese defense will also have to watch the excellent Breel Embolo, who has already scored twice in this tournament.

Tuesday, 2 p.m.