Quote:
Originally Posted by Barnet Flame
England on their display today are the weakest team left in the tournament.
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I don’t know - they were composed and handled the game for the most part for 90 minutes then got scored on in the 93rd. Also wouldn’t discount creating penalties - with VAR and the way PKs have been called this tournament they will likely play a big role as the final 8 play out.
I feel like world cup tournament winners usually slog their way through a couple games like this one especially in the round of 16. (2014- Germany needed extra time to beat Algeria, 2010- Spain needed a questionable Villa goal in the 63rd minute for 1-0 vs Portugal, 2006 - Italy had the 95th minute 1-0 win vs. Australia in 06, 1998-France needed extra time to beat Paraguay)
If I had to rank final 8 in likelihood of winning it would go:
Tier 1: Clear Favourites - Elite teams that have a recent history of winning
Brazil
France
Tier 2: Elite talent but usually find a way to choke on the big stage
Croatia
Belgium
Tier 3: Lots of skill but not quite elite and some ???
England
Uruguay
Tier 4: Probably a miracle if they win the World Cup
Sweden (Played well and probably don’t deserve to be grouped in with Russia)
Russia