FROM MY WINDOW: WORLD CUP SERIES- The Knockout Stage Begins…and the picture is becoming clear

By Chris Osa Nehikhare

The group stage of every World Cup tells two stories. One is written on the league tables. The other is written on the football pitch.

Three weeks ago, before a ball had been kicked, we attempted something many commentators avoid.

We ranked the favourites and identified dark horses. We predicted the teams most likely to challenge for the trophy.

Now the group stage is over and the Round of 32 is upon us.

It is time to revisit those predictions.

*Spain remain my favourites*

Nothing I have seen has persuaded me to abandon Spain.

Yes, Cape Verde frustrated them in the opening game. But champions are judged by how they respond to setbacks. Spain answered with dominant performances, rediscovered their rhythm and qualified exactly as expected.

The balance in midfield, defensive organisation and technical superiority still make them my team to beat.

*France continue to look like tournament specialists*

France have done what France always seem to do. No unnecessary drama. No panic. Just efficient football.

They have quietly grown stronger with every game. When knockout football begins, experience matters and France have plenty of it.

*Germany have exceeded expectations*

Before the tournament I rated Germany highly. Today I rate them even higher.

They have probably been the most convincing European side through the group stage.

Their attack has been ruthless and pressing relentless.

If there is one team capable of denying Spain the trophy, Germany may well be it.

*Argentina are exactly where champions should be*

The defending champions have looked comfortable rather than spectacular.

That is usually a good sign. They never appear to waste energy. They simply control games.

Tournament football suits them perfectly.

*Morocco have once again carried Africa’s hopes*

Many questioned whether Morocco’s run in Qatar was a one-off.

This tournament suggests otherwise. Their organisation remains exceptional. They defend brilliantly and possess enough quality going forward to trouble anybody.

Africa again has genuine reason to believe.

*Cape Verde deserve everyone’s respect*

Perhaps the biggest revelation of the tournament.

Nobody will want to play them.

They are Disciplined, Fearless and definitely well coached.

Their performances against stronger opposition proved they belong on this stage.

Even if Argentina eventually end their journey, Cape Verde have been one of the stories of this World Cup.

*England remain brilliantly unpredictable*

England score goals create chances and entertain.

However, they continue to leave questions defensively.

England have enough quality to reach the latter stages whether they have enough discipline to lift the trophy remains uncertain.

*Portugal remain my dark horse*

Nothing has changed. Portugal still possess one of the tournament’s deepest squads.

Experience.

Youth.

Creativity.

Leadership.

The draw has also been relatively kind. Do not write them off.

*My Updated World Cup Power Rankings*

Spain

Germany

France

Argentina

Portugal

Morocco

England

Brazil

*Round of 32 Predictions*

Canada to edge South Africa.

Brazil to eliminate Japan.

Germany too strong for Paraguay.

Morocco to upset the Netherlands.

France to defeat Sweden.

Norway to edge Ivory Coast.

England comfortably past DR Congo.

USA to defeat Bosnia & Herzegovina.

Spain to beat Austria.

Portugal to eliminate Croatia.

Switzerland to overcome Algeria.

Argentina to end Cape Verde’s remarkable run.

Colombia to defeat Ghana.

Mexico to edge Ecuador.

Belgium to narrowly defeat Senegal.

Egypt to eliminate Australia.

*Early Round of 16 Forecast*

If these predictions hold, I expect the Round of 16 to produce some heavyweight encounters:

Germany vs France — a potential classic.

Brazil vs Norway — Brazil should have enough.

Mexico vs England — England to edge it.

Spain vs Portugal — possibly the match of the tournament.

Argentina vs Egypt — Argentina to advance.

Colombia vs Switzerland — Colombia by the narrowest of margins.

Morocco vs Canada — Morocco’s discipline could prevail.

The group stage is now history. From this point forward there are no second chances.

No easy games.

No room for error.

The best teams usually become even better.

The merely talented begin to disappear.

The World Cup has now entered its true phase and for me, despite everything we have witnessed over the past three weeks, Spain remain the team to beat.

The only teams I genuinely believe can stop them are Germany, France and Argentina.

Everybody else will have to produce something extraordinary.