FIFA World Cup 2018: Review of the Round of 16 and an insight into the Quarterfinals

R16 #7: Sweden vs. Switzerland

If only the Swedish attackers could finish better, the match would have been out of the reach of the Swiss early in the first half but their finishing seemed to be right out of a third division English club. Both sides did not play as they have done before in the tournament. Attacks seemed to fizzle out in the midfield. Overall, the game lacked energy and thankfully, a strike from Fosberg deflecting off a Swiss defender ended up in the back of the net bringing the match to an end in regulation time.

R16 #8: England vs Colombia

England took the lead through Harry Kane. This line can work in the review of every England match this World Cup. Colombia were good apart from the six yellow cards that made their tactics known to the world. England were better. Still, they had to go into penalties courtesy an injury-time header from the tall Colombian defender Mina. Jordan Pickford proved his mettle as England overcame the ghosts of their pasts to win 4-3 on penalties.

QF #3: Sweden vs. England

If Sweden play like they did against Switzerland, England is going to walk all over them. However, if they play like they did against Mexico, England will have to keep a strong defensive line. Sweden will also have to defend well to keep Harry Kane and Sterling out. Given their performances so far into the tournament, England should not have a hard time against Sweden but who's to say that this World Cup will not provide another shocker.

The Overview

Only one among Brazil, Belgium, France and Uruguay is going to the finals. On the other hand, the other team that will play them (one among England, Sweden, Croatia and Russia) are going to the finals after at least 50 years. So, every team has got all to play for and none of the matches can be trivialized. This World Cup will just get a lot more exciting.