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Match 57
Croatia v Brazil
Croatia are coming off the back of 120 minutes of gruelling football against a Japan side that pushed them all the way to penalties, something that may not be the best for the team with the highest average age. They showed tremendous grit to get back into the game having been down 1-0 at the half, and once they equalised never looked like losing it.
They may not be able to outplay Brazil over 90 or 120 minutes, but if they can stay in the match and take them to penalties they will be confident they can win it, as they have proven again and again. Both Modric and Lovren sit on one yellow card each and will need to be careful not to be booked again lest they miss the semi-final (if they make it).
Brazil dismantled a brave yet naive Korea Republic that were attempting to play expansive football - A Seleção may have to adapt their tactics if their next opponent opts for a more defensive structure combined with physicality. Brazil should have the firepower to overcome Croatia but need to be careful to keep their heads if the match turns into a grinding affair; mental toughness is arguably the one weakness they possess.
Both Richarlison and Vinicius Jr are at their best, while Neymar's return to the side was a huge success with no re-injury scare. Neymar has also impressed by keeping a cool head so far in the tournament and will be instrumental to Brazil's hopes of progression.
Brazil will be favoured but if Croatia can disrupt and defend we might see a fascinating contest.
Match 58
Netherlands v Argentina
The Netherlands are not expected to win the tournament, but they have topped their group and outplayed the USA comfortably while scoring some tactically-impressive team goals. With Argentina almost stumbling against Australia, Oranje might be more of a threat than some had determined them to be prior to the first match.
With Louis Van Gaal at the helm, the Netherlands will look to target Argentina's weak points - their fullbacks - and nullify Messi + Di Maria (if he is able to play). They will likely concede the majority of possession and aim for incisive attacks on the counter to feed dangerous balls into any of Depay, Gakpo, and a marauding Dumfries. Frenkie De Jong, Ake, and De Ligt all sit on a yellow card and will be suspended for the next match if they pick up another.
Argentina looked bereft of attacking ideas on occasion against the resolute Australians, and this may be down to Di Maria's absence. Papu Gomez has so far not impressed or added the creativity that Di Maria brings, so Argentina will be hoping he can start and pull some of the heat off Messi.
Fernandez has been a revelation in midfield and Alvarez is finding the goals that evade Lauturo Martinez - La Albiceleste squandered numerous chances against Australia and have to be more clinical going forward. They will also not want a repeat of their last 10 minutes against the Socceroos where they almost conceded two goals that some of the bigger teams may very well take.
Lisandro Martinez and Emi Martinez have both been stalwart in defence while questions remain over Romero. Argentina will likely play the same possession-based approach and aim to win the ball back in midfield quickly, while Messi walks unnoticed before darting into deadly positions.
This match is a tough one to call but Argentina should have the edge if they are cohesive.
