Brazil Vs Mexico
FIFA World Cup Russia 2018: Knockout Phase, Round of 16
Samara Arena, Samara, Russia
Monday, July 2nd, 2018        10:00AM EST        FS1

What better way to start the week, than a matchup against South America’s finest against North America’s best.  Brazil, the World Cup’s heavy favorites ought to bring their best, or they just might suffer a similar fate of fellow contenders in Germany, Spain, and to a lesser extent Argentina and Portugal.  Mexico surely have the heart and desire to achieve this upset, but do they truly have the belief or the quality to do so?  History says not, as El Tri has been knocked out at this stage in each of the past six World Cups.  Yikes.  If Mexico can break this trend, then it’s perhaps now or never as the Mexican golden era is in its prime.  Players such as Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez, Giovani dos Santos, Jonathan dos Santos, Hector Herrera, Andres Guardado, Carlos Vela, Hector Moreno, Miguel Layun, and Guillermo Ochoa are all 28 years of age or older.  As for the globe’s most trophy-laden nation in Brazil, they’ll look to flourish in the what’s guaranteed to be open spaces across the pitch thanks to Mexico likely set take the game to the South Americans.  With world class talent in Philippe Coutinho, Neymar Jr, Willian, Douglas Costa, and many more, the Brazilians will be prime to light up Ochoa’s net.

LSB Prediction:  Mexico came out strong in this tournament, beating Germany 1-0 and South Korea 2-1.  But they were exposed come matchday three against Sweden, when El Tri attacked, and attacked, and attacked some more, ultimately losing 3-0 as they played right into the Swede’s hands.  This is a side that doesn’t know how to play any other way, and against Brazil, Mexico will have to defend, and defend exceptionally for large parts of this patch.  In the end, El Tri’s defensive shape will be in shambles,  and Coutinho and company will run rampant against North America’s best and South American wannabes.  4-1 Brazil

Belgium Vs Japan
FIFA World Cup Russia 2018: Knockout Phase, Round of 16
Rostov Arena, Rostov-on-Don, Russia
Monday, July 2nd, 2018        2:00PM EST        FOX

Speaking of golden eras, the Belgians believe that they’re in the midst of one as well.  A Red Devils side that has been flying from matchday one until now, winning all three games, is led by a trifecta of elite attacking talent in Kevin De Bruyne, Eden Hazard, and Romelu Lukaku.  In addition, the midfield his anchored by Axel Witzel and Moussa Demebele.  The defense is stout too, thanks to a pair of Hotspur starting center backs in Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen coupled with one of the world’s best ‘keepers in Thibaut Courtois.  As for Japan, whelp, God help them.  They got to this stage via a fourth tiebreaker, Fair Play Points.  Since the Japanese conceded two fewer yellow cards than Nigeria, Japan finished second in the group and advanced to the knockouts.  No such tiebreaker will be possible this go round, instead penalty kicks is the lone decider if the game is held through 120 minutes.  This is exactly what Japan, like Russia on Sunday, will be hoping for.

LSB Prediction:  On paper, there’s no comparison between teams.  And for a change this tournament, the better side will show up and play to their full potential.  The Red Devils will dominate the men from the far east.  De Bruyne and Hazard will create chance after chance for themselves, Lukaku, and the rest of the Belgian side en route to a 3-0 triumph.  3-0 Belgium

Sweden Vs Switzerland
FIFA World Cup Russia 2018: Knockout Phase, Round of 16
Saint Petersburg Stadium, Saint Petersburg, Russia
Tuesday, July 3rd, 2018        10:00AM EST        FS1

Tuesday morning’s match will see a couple of European foes square off.  Sweden, one of the true cinderella’s of this tournament, set there sights on advancing to the quarterfinals for the first time since the 1994 World Cup.  This is a squad that lacks a true superstar, however the sum of their parts has equalled undeniable success, just ask Italy, Germany, and Mexico.  Similarly, Switzerland doesn't have the so called match winner, but they are considered to have more individual quality.  With the likes of Xherdan Shaqiri, Stephan Lichtsteiner, Yon Sommer, Granit Xhaka, and Ricardo Rodriguez, the Swiss possess the ability to score, anchor the midfield and protect the coveted area between the posts.  This was evident against Brazil, as the Swiss held their own against the South American heavyweights to a 1-1 draw.  

LSB Prediction:  Considering I picked Sweden to go through in my Group Stage predictions, and I left out Switzerland, I’m sticking with the Swedes.  I like their grit, their determination, their collectiveness.  This mentality has consistently seen them earn results against supposed superior opponents, thus I think Sweden will stun the Swiss on Tuesday.  Emil Forsberg will score the game’s lone goal in extra time, as Zlatan Ibrahimovic watches on joyously.  1-0 Sweden

Colombia Vs England
FIFA World Cup Russia 2018: Knockout Phase, Round of 16
Spartak Stadium, Moscow, Russia
Tuesday, July 3rd, 2018        2:00PM EST        FOX

The final Round of 16 fixture pits two nations that have the ability to make a deep run in this tournament.  Group H winners Colombia fought back from an opening game loss to Japan, as they beat Poland and Nigeria to finish top.  Led by the creative and attacking prowess of James Rodriguez, Colombia was able to bounce back.  However, the attacking midfielder is far from 100 percent, as he's suffering through a leg injury.  It’s still unknown whether or not James will play against England, but if he does and he’s healthy, I fancy Los Cafeteros.  As for the Three Lions, England won their first two matches before succumbing rather thankfully to Belgium 1-0 on matchday three.  In game three, Manager Garret Southgate rested many of his first choice Xl in an attempt to rest his stars, prevent them from picking up another yellow card or injury, as well as aiming to lose the match.  So, he and England should be pleased as they are indeed on the weaker side of the knockout bracket.  Now that the Three Lions got their way, all that needs to be answered is the question, can Harry Kane and company do the Queen proud by winning this match and taking advantage of the easier road to the final?

LSB Prediction:  Colombian fans will be praying for their star James to be healthy, but unfortunately for them he won’t be.  Therefore, Juan Quintero will shoulder the load of playmaker, and despite his quality, he just isn’t at the level of a Galactico, like James.  Thus, Los Cafeteros will be short of options, hoping that Barcelona’s Yerry Mina will once again produce a headed goal from a set piece.  Meanwhile, England’s Harry Kane will be an absolute handful for Mina and Davinson Sanchez in the Colombian box.  Kane will strike twice, and that’ll be enough to see the Three Lions through.  2-1 England