Brazil vs Chile
Brazil come into the game unbeaten so far in the World Cup. They won 2 of their group stage matches, against Cameroon and Croatia, and drew their game against Mexico. The favorites haven't lost a home game in a competitive match for nearly 40 years, but they are going to have their hands full against Chile. Neymar's 4 goals are tied for the top in the tournament and he has been the catalyst for his Brazilian side, who has struggled at times in this tournament, especially at the beginning of games. They will look to control the ball and attack with speed. They have wingers with pace, midfielders with vision, and defenders with strength. Brazil haven't looked their best in this tournament, but they have the caliber of players that can beat anybody.
Chile finished the group stage with 2 wins and 1 loss. They beat Spain and Australia, but fell to the Netherlands. They have never beaten Brazil in a World Cup, but this Chilean side is good enough to give Brazil a run for their money. Chile's frontmen, Sanchez and Vargas, will look to counter attack with pace and power. Arturo Vidal, Chile's main man in the midfield, will try to dictate the play and pick out the runs of his forwards, but with him not at full health Chile will struggle in the middle of the park. Chile will come out and play defensive in order to prevent an early deficit. If they concede 1st this game will be difficult for them to bring back.
Game Prediction:
Brazil will have a majority of the ball in this game. They will pick their moments to burst forward; Their forwards have the speed to exploit small holes in the Chilean defense. Chile will try to attack on the counter, but Brazil have the superior players at almost every position. It will take precise movement and passing in order to breakdown the Brazilian defense. The game will be chippy, both South American sides want to perform well in their home continent, and the intensity will be extremely high in this match. I think that Brazil will pull this game out, but Chile has a real chance of winning. If Brazil doesn't start the game strong, Chile will get more confidence as the game goes on. If Chile scores first they put all the pressure onto Brazil, thats their best chance of winning.
Score Prediction:
Brazil 2 Chile 1
Colombia vs Uruguay
Colombia come into the game looking like one of the most impressive teams in the competition. They won all three of their group games, against Greece, Ivory Coast, and Japan, and won them convincingly. Their attack has looked fluid and dangerous. James Rodriguez has probably been the best player of the tournament so far, his 3 goals and 2 assists put him among the top attackers. His teammate on the opposite wing, Jean Cuadrado has looked equally as dangerous. His 1 goal and 3 assists have helped Colombia top group C. Colombia's defense is their weak point, but that's partly because every other position is filled with skilled players. Their forwards are quick and powerful, their midfielders are creative and tricky. Playing in their home continent, Colombia look to be a serious threat to make a deep cup run.
Uruguay needed a win in their final group game against Italy in order to qualify for the knockout stages. They got it but they lost star man Luis Suarez in the process. Suarez was banned for 9 international games, as well as 4 months of football of any kind for his bite on Italian defender, Giorgio Chiellini. In Uruguay's first game against Costa Rica they were without Suarez due to injury, and they were routed 3-1. Without him in the line-up they look uninspired and robotic. Their defense is strong, but going forward they lack a spark. Edison Cavani will have to carry the goal scoring load for Uruguay; He's more than capable of scoring goals, but he needs chances, which have been few and far between for the Uruguayans. If Uruguay want to beat Colombia, they are going to have to score goals without Suarez. If they perform like they did against Costa Rica they won't stand a chance against the Colombians.
Game Prediction:
I think Colombia are the better team between the 2. Even without a superstar player they have looked like one of the strongest teams in the tournament. They attack in numbers and their midfielders work hard on both sides of the ball. Uruguay will have their hands full against this dangerous Colombian side. I don't think either team will dominate the game, I think it'll be an open match that will be determined by who can create more chances in the final third. Colombia will be tested in this match, but if they play like they have in their first 3 matches, I think they come out on top.
Score Prediction:
Colombia 3 Uruguay 2
No comments:
Post a Comment