World Cup Quarterfinals Preview

We have survived and advanced from the Round of 16 and onto the quarterfinals as the eight teams will soon become four. The previous round featured three games decided by penalty kicks and only one out of the eight games that ended with a greater than one goal difference. It will be hard to top that but somehow Russia has produced some fantastic football matches the past few weeks.

Friday 7/6

Uruguay v France - 10 AM - FS1 

Grant's Team To Root For: I've already expressed my love for this talented French squad (because they have several exciting players and I picked them to win it all), and it helps that they have played well and been fun to watch thus far.

Grant's Team Who Will Win: The three most talented teams left (in my opinion) are Brazil, France and Belgium. Plus, France has played very well as of late.

Troy's Team To Root For: France has been so much fun to watch this tournament and are playing dang good soccer, which is why I am cheering for them.

Troy's Team Who Will Win: See reasons to root for France. 

Brazil v Belgium - 2 PM - FS1

Grant's Team To Root For: As with France, I've already expressed my love for Belgium. The most exciting thing about soccer is the goals, and this Belgium squad is an offensive powerhouse.

Grant's Team Who Will Win: Like I said, this Belgian team is a powerhouse. Because of that, I'm tempted to go with the upset here, but I'll stick with the insanely-talented Brazilians.

Troy's Team To Root For: This is the best matchup of this round and you can't really go wrong for either, but at the same time, Neymar fakes injuries in an overly dramatic fashion, so go Belgium.

Troy's Team Who Will Win: These are maybe two of the top three teams remaining, but it feels like Brazil is on a mission to redeem themselves for 2014's semifinal.

Saturday 7/7

Sweden v England - 10 AM - Fox

Grant's Team To Root For: The Swedes seem like nice people, but I like this young English team. No matter the outcome, I will probably root for the winner of this matchup in the next round.

Grant's Team Who Will Win: This young and talented Three Lions squad seems different from the overrated disappointments we're used to from England.

Troy's Team To Root For: One of these countries is made up of Vikings, the other over-taxed some nice people for tea. I'll let you decide who you want to root for.

Troy's Team Who Will Win: England has a history of bowing out of big tournaments, but it feels like this time might be different for the Brits.

Russia v Croatia - 2 PM - Fox

Grant's Team To Root For: I like the game of checkers. I do not like the game of meddling in elections. I will be rooting for Croatia.

Grant's Team Who Will Win: The hosts have put on an inspiring performance so far in this World Cup, culminating in an upset of Spain. I think the run ends against Croatia.

Troy's Team To Root For: I don't have a reason to root for Croatia, but I don't really have a reason to root against them either.

Troy's Team Who Will Win: Croatia is clearly the better team, but Russia keeps surprising. Regardless, Croatia will probably win.



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