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Match 41
Croatia v Belgium
Croatia can progress with a draw but definitely won't want to lose this one as Belgium will overtake them in the table. They'll be riding high after a Canada demolition job, but they might want to start the game a bit stronger after conceding the fastest goal of the tournament so far. The seemingly tireless Modric remains the key man in the middle of the park.
Belgium are out if they lose and are probably out if they draw due to losing to Morocco in the last round. Man City star Kevin De Bruyne bemoaned the advanced years of the Red Devils and he might be right - they looked vulnerable against energetic Canada and might be ripe for Croatian counterattacks.
Match 42
Canada v Morocco
Canada have been disappointing in this tournament, but they have at least grabbed the fastest goal so far (and broken their scoreless record). They can't progress but they'll want redemption and to exit on a high - look for a bright, energetic start from Canada's formidable attack, led by Bayern Munich star Alphonso Davies.
A draw could see Morocco through but they'll likely be out for the win here to continue their momentum after a great victory over top-seeded Belgium. Ziyech has brought energy and trickery to the squad and this was on full display in their last outing - Canada will need to be much more disciplined than in their match against Croatia if they hope to get a result.
Match 43
Japan v Spain
Japan started their campaign so well with an opening win against Germany, only to fall to the only shot on target from Costa Rica, where they seemed bereft of ideas in attack. They likely won't enjoy the majority of possession against Spain, so they'll need to be much more clinical in front of goal with the rare chances they might get.
Spain might be relieved they survived their Germany encounter with a draw - either team could have won it but Germany squandered a couple of brilliant opportunities and seem to be a bogey team for La Roja. Spain will look to dominate possession and patiently pass through Japan until an opportunity emerges. A draw will see them advance to the Round of 16, but potentially not necessarily in first place.
Match 44
Costa Rica v Germany
After their opening 7-0 thumping defeat at the hands of Spain, Costa Rica are unexpectedly able to progress from the group with a draw or a win against Germany (depending on how Japan fair). After defending effectively for 80 minutes, Keysher Fuller was able to score with Costa Rica's only shot on target to win the game. They'll need discipline and luck to get anything from a ruthless Germany team with nothing to lose.
Germany will have slightly improved morale after an improved performance against an impressive Spain side. Expect them to camp in Costa Rica's half and mount attack after attack - nothing short of a win will do, and a big one at that.
