Day 5 Knockout Round Predictions

After a heart attack of a game from the United States, we advanced. Senegal did not after an epic choke job and because of that I now have to do 1,000 meters on the bike at my gym!  SO THANKS FOR THE CHOKE!  HOW WAS THAT A PENALTY?! HOW WAS THAT A RED CARD?! The officials made controversial decisions all day, and the only thing more controversial would be you not showing up to Bethesda Soccer Club's last home game on July 8th at 6:30pm.

Anyway, onto day five!

Spain vs Austria

After a rough first game where Spain couldn't find the back of the net, they were able to right the ship and win their group. The attack has come alive, the midfield has controlled matches, and they've steadily gotten better as the tournament has gone on. That said, they still haven’t reached the potential we know they have.

Austria deserves a ton of credit for making it this far, but this feels like a difficult matchup. Spain's quality in possession should eventually wear Austria down.

Spain 2, Austria 0

Portugal vs Croatia

Disappointment vs. underachieving. Which team is which? That's up to your judgment.

Both teams have the talent and the depth to make a deep run. It just hasn’t shown itself on the field. This game to me is a coin flip. Cristiano Ronaldo can score a goal one minute, then look like he hates his teammates the next. Croatia, on the other hand, has looked every bit their age. They haven’t been bad by any means. They just haven’t looked like the team that finished runners-up and third place in the past two World Cups.

That being said, I think Portugal will find a way to win this one.

Portugal 1, Croatia 0

Switzerland vs Algeria 

Switzerland gave Qatar its first-ever World Cup point! Algeria let Lionel Messi score his first hat trick at a World Cup. Switzerland has done what Switzerland always seems to do—stay organized, while Algeria punched its ticket to the knockout in one of the greatest games against Austria. That being said, I just think Switzerland is better, so they'll win today's game.

Switzerland 2, Algeria 1

Yesterday’s record: 2-1

Overall Record: 8-2