Matches- QuarterFinals
Poland v Portugal (6/30 @ 3:00 PM ET)
Wales v Belgium (7/1 @ 3:00 PM ET)
Germany v Italy (7/2 @ 3:00 PM ET)
France v Iceland (7/3 @ 3:00 PM ET)
Bracket (image from wikipedia.org)
Poland v Portugal
Both of these teams pulled of dramatic last minute victories in their Round of 16 matches. Poland squeaked by Switzerland in penalties, and Portugal got by Croatia in extra time after Ricardo Quaresma scored the only goal of the match in the 117th minute. Now these two teams have chance to make it into the semis, even though neither won their group. This looks like it could be another close match. Though they may not necessarily be that much better, Portugal has the experience that can take it through this game. In close matches, and especially in shootouts, experience becomes a huge factor, and Portugal has been in many big matches before. That is why they will be able to see off Poland, and book a spot in the semifinals.
Prediction: Portugal wins 0-0 (4-2 Pens)
Wales v Belgium
The Welsh continued their magical run with a win in the Round of 16, but now they must face their toughest opponent yet: Belgium. Belgium lost in their first match to Italy, but since then they have been arguably the best in the tournament, winning their next 3 matches by a combined score of 8-0. The Welsh were good against Northern Ireland, but they should have definitely won by more against such a weak time. It appears as though their play is declining in the knockout round, as one would expect from such an inexperienced team. Belgium will likely be able to shut down Gareth Bale, exploit the inexperience of the team, and send Wales packing.
Prediction: Belgium wins 2-0
Germany v Italy
This match is the matchup of the quarterfinals. The defending world cup champions against the runners up of last year's Euro Cup. Germany has been solid up until this point, but they have yet to face any real competition. The Italians, on the other hand, have faced some of the best teams in the world, and have soundly defeated them. They beat Belgium and Spain both by scores of 2-0. But Germany is tougher than any team they have faced. Besides France, Italy appears to be the only team that can take down the Germans. Their solid defense can keep the German attack at bay, and their creative, fast-paced attack can perhaps overwhelm the rigid German defense. It will be close, but I think Italy will take this one.
Prediction: Italy wins 2-1 (A.E.T.)
France v Iceland
Iceland is fresh off an upset against England and now they hope to bring their incredible run into the semis with a win against France. But defeating France won't be easy. France is one of the best teams in the world, and they have home-field advantage for every match. Iceland plays with passion and heart, but they only got by England because England's defense let in two easy goals. France will definitely not be as weak in the back, and they should play a solid all-round game to send Iceland home.
Prediction: France wins 3-0
Also, check out my Copa America Blog here: copa2016usa.blogspot.com
Poland v Portugal (6/30 @ 3:00 PM ET)
Wales v Belgium (7/1 @ 3:00 PM ET)
Germany v Italy (7/2 @ 3:00 PM ET)
France v Iceland (7/3 @ 3:00 PM ET)
Bracket (image from wikipedia.org)
Poland v Portugal
Both of these teams pulled of dramatic last minute victories in their Round of 16 matches. Poland squeaked by Switzerland in penalties, and Portugal got by Croatia in extra time after Ricardo Quaresma scored the only goal of the match in the 117th minute. Now these two teams have chance to make it into the semis, even though neither won their group. This looks like it could be another close match. Though they may not necessarily be that much better, Portugal has the experience that can take it through this game. In close matches, and especially in shootouts, experience becomes a huge factor, and Portugal has been in many big matches before. That is why they will be able to see off Poland, and book a spot in the semifinals.
Prediction: Portugal wins 0-0 (4-2 Pens)
Wales v Belgium
The Welsh continued their magical run with a win in the Round of 16, but now they must face their toughest opponent yet: Belgium. Belgium lost in their first match to Italy, but since then they have been arguably the best in the tournament, winning their next 3 matches by a combined score of 8-0. The Welsh were good against Northern Ireland, but they should have definitely won by more against such a weak time. It appears as though their play is declining in the knockout round, as one would expect from such an inexperienced team. Belgium will likely be able to shut down Gareth Bale, exploit the inexperience of the team, and send Wales packing.
Prediction: Belgium wins 2-0
Germany v Italy
This match is the matchup of the quarterfinals. The defending world cup champions against the runners up of last year's Euro Cup. Germany has been solid up until this point, but they have yet to face any real competition. The Italians, on the other hand, have faced some of the best teams in the world, and have soundly defeated them. They beat Belgium and Spain both by scores of 2-0. But Germany is tougher than any team they have faced. Besides France, Italy appears to be the only team that can take down the Germans. Their solid defense can keep the German attack at bay, and their creative, fast-paced attack can perhaps overwhelm the rigid German defense. It will be close, but I think Italy will take this one.
Prediction: Italy wins 2-1 (A.E.T.)
France v Iceland
Iceland is fresh off an upset against England and now they hope to bring their incredible run into the semis with a win against France. But defeating France won't be easy. France is one of the best teams in the world, and they have home-field advantage for every match. Iceland plays with passion and heart, but they only got by England because England's defense let in two easy goals. France will definitely not be as weak in the back, and they should play a solid all-round game to send Iceland home.
Prediction: France wins 3-0
Also, check out my Copa America Blog here: copa2016usa.blogspot.com
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