FIFA WORLD CUP: Quarterfinal Day One Picks

Uruguay-France:  With the baffling leniency of Mexican referee César Arturo Ramos in the Uruguay-Portugal game, someone was bound to get injured.  Uruguay’s Edinson Cavani is doubtful for the match, but even if he plays, he won’t even be close to himself.  France is on a roll after their exciting win over Argentina.  Look for Uruguay to focus on Mbappè but for France’s other weapons to make the Uruguayans pay.  This will be a tense game, but France will be too much for Uruguay to handle.  Prediction: France 3, Uruguay 1

Brazil-Belgium: Brazil outlasted Mexico thanks to their depth and the fact that goalkeepers can’t win games — they can only prevent their teams from losing.  Guillermo Ochoa had an outstanding game, but he needed more help than he got in order to stop the talented Brazilians.  Belgium’s game against Japan was one of the greatest I have ever seen in my nearly 30 years of watching soccer.  After a comeback like that, look for Belgium to ride that wave of confidence to victory.  Belgium has too many weapons.  They have seemed to always find a way thus far, and today will be no different.  Prediction: Belgium 1, Brazil 0

I am going to have a blast watching these games.  Until next time…

Friday, July 6, 2018, 6:30 am MST