With an exciting and thrilling set of matches to begin the Round Of 16, here are my top five teams heading into the FIFA World Cup 2018 quarterfinals!
France ??: After a breakout performance during France’s 4-3 win over Lionel Messi and Argentina, Kylian Mbappe is the hottest name in the world of soccer right now! Did I fail to mention that he’s only 19!
Croatia ?? : My overwhelming favorite to cruise to the finals in Moscow, Croatia showed real heart in a thrilling penalty kick shootout by stopping three shots. Goalkeeper Danijel Subasic will never have to buy a drink in Zagreb again and Super Mario is a baller!
Brazil ?? : I want to anoint the Samba Kings as my top team in my rankings, but thanks to Mbappe, France’s speed on the counter, athleticism and length plus the forementioned guts and better team football being played by Zlatko Dalic’s Vatreni, and Brazil–despite having the BIGGEST name in Neymar just isn’t quite in their class…yet.
Uruguay ??: Another quality and deadly team from South America, La Celeste have perhaps the best 1-2 striker combo remaining in the World Cup in Luis Suarez (wear earmuffs!) and Winter Soldier lookalike-Edison Cavani. In what may be the the best match in the loaded “Infinity Gauntlet” bracket vs. Les Bleus, Uruguay may have their hands full, but have the firepower to make it interesting.
Belgium ?? : The dark horse and a legit threat to end The Selecao’s hopes of a sixth World Cup, The Red Devils have the talent in Romelu Lukaku, Eden Hazard, a bevy of scoring playmakers and are playing the best soccer outside of France and Croatia.
Watch out, Brazil!