5 reasons why this is the best World Cup ever

#2 The route to the final

Croatia has a very good chance of reaching the final

The shocking results of the group stage also led to an interesting scenario in the knockout stage.

On one side of the draw were Uruguay, Portugal, France, Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Belgium and Japan. These teams have won a total of 10 World Cups between them. On the other side of the draw were Spain, Russia, Croatia, Denmark, Sweden, Switzerland, Colombia and England. These teams have won a total of two World Cups between them.

In the quarter-final stage, in the first side of the draw are Uruguay, France, Brazil and Belgium who have won a total of eight World Cups between them. The other side has Russia, Croatia, Sweden and England; and Between them, they have one title which was won by England in 1966!

This means that one of Croatia, Russia, Sweden or England will play this year’s final!

England haven’t gone past the quarterfinal stage after winning the World Cup in 1966, Sweden’s best finish was 2nd in 1958 after which they finished 3rd in 1994. Croatia best result was 3rd in 1998 and this team has a chance of bettering that result. As for the hosts, their best finish was fourth in 1966 when they were still the USSR.

Four teams who were surely not among the favourites to reach the final have an amazing opportunity to play one of France, Uruguay, Brazil or Belgium in the final on 15 July.