Uruguay Vs France
FIFA World Cup Russia 2018: Knockout Phase, Quarterfinals
Nizhny Novgorod Stadium, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
Friday, July 6th, 2018            10:00AM EST         FS1

The start to what should be an epic day of World Cup action.  South American grit against European class.  Defensive stalwarts clashing with flashy forwards.  It’s none other than Los Charruas versus Les Bleus, Uruguay against France!  France has been one of the heavy favorites thus far this World Cup, but have somewhat meandered through the group stage and won an exciting, but tight game against one of the worst Argentina sides in several decades.  Meanwhile, despite Uruguay finishing second in CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifying and winning all four of their tournament matches in convincing fashion, La Celeste have flown a bit under the radar.  Today’s match will reveal who’s truly a World Cup contender and who’s a pretender.  Les Bleus will be tested in ways they’ve shown a propensity to struggle thus far.  When the match isn’t open and free flowing, instead the opponent is packed in and limiting space to roam, France has created minimal scoring chances.  Their offensive performances produced just enough against the likes of lowly Australia and Peru (Denmark they drew 0-0), but Against Uruguay, a team that prides itself on team defense and clean sheets, Kylian Mbappe and company must show they’ve got the goods to score in tight spaces.  Otherwise, Diego Godin and Jose Gimenez will have the young teenage sensation and his ballyhooed Bleus heading back to Paris.

LSB Prediction:  For me, this match has extra time written all over it.  France finally looked electric offensively against Argentina, but I believe that has more to do with a old porous La Albiceleste than anything else.  Thus, this match will be nil nil heading into extra time, where Olivier Giroud heads home the game winner to save Mbappe’s blushes.  Vive la France!  1-0 ET France

Brazil vs Belgium
FIFA World Cup Russia 2018: Knockout Phase, Quarterfinals
Kazan Arena, Kazan, Russia
Friday, July 6th, 2018        2:00PM EST        FOX

I simply cannot wait for this match, as it’ll be a firecracker of a game!  Philippe Coutinho, Neymar Jr, Willian, Gabriel Jesus, etc. on one side and Kevin De Bruyne, Eden Hazard, and Romelu Lukaku on the other.  Goals aplenty are guaranteed for this game!  It’ll be end to end action, as both squads want to attack.  Question is, who’ll show up at all defensively?  On the surface, most would say Bazil since they’ve only conceded one goal thus far in four matches.  Meanwhile, Belgium was in shambles at the back at times against Japan of all teams, ultimately succumbing two goals to the Samurai Blue.  However, Brazil are week at right back due to injury.  If Corinthians right back Fagner is forced to start again, then watch out.  Hazard and De Bruyne could have a field day down the right flank.  In addition, it’s expected that Galactico left back Marcelo Viera will be back from injury for the Selecao.  This might actually be a negative rather than a positive, because Marcelo loves to bomb forward with regularity, and in a game like this, he could leave himself and his defense vulnerable down the left flank.  Therefore, if I was Brazilian manager Tite, I’d stick with Atletico’s Filipe Luis instead.  For me, he’s the world’s best defensive left back, and with offensive weapons in abundance for Brazil, there’s no need for Filipe Luis, Marcelo, or any other Brazilian defender attacking forward time and again.  Luis will stay back and help provide defensive stability in Brazil’s shape and tactics, something Marcelo simply will not do.

LSB Prediction:  As aforementioned, this will be a high octane affair from both parties.  The defenses will be suffering from the opening whistle.  I foresee Neymar producing his best match of the tournament, however, he’ll ultimately be out shined by one Kevin De Bruyne.  De Bruyne will net from outside the 18 yard box, and provide an assist to Hazard and Lukaku.  In addition, it’ll be Belgium’s back four, not three, led by Jan Vertoghen and Toby Alderweireld, that’ll hunker down in the waning moments of the match as they see out a one goal win over Brazil.  3-2 Belgium

Saturday’s Scorelines

Sweden Vs England: 1-0 England

Russia Vs Croatia: 2-0 Croatia