Here are the Round of 16 fixtures for the 2018 World Cup

BeSoccer 5 years ago 30.6k
Here are the Round of 16 fixtures for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. BeSoccer

Following the conclusion of the final group games on Thursday evening, the last-16 fixtures are set with one side featuring a lot of the pre-tournament favourites.

The left-hand side of the draw is the 'side of death', where only four will make it through to the quarter-finals despite featuring a number of powerful nations:

Uruguay v Portugal - Set to be one of the tastiest battles of the Round of 16, Uruguay finished top of Group A with a perfect record and will now be tested by a difficult Portugal side which possesses an in-form Cristiano Ronaldo.

France v Argentina - Many supporters will be pegging this match as the biggest of the whole round. A far from convincing 'Les Bleus' will take on a similarly struggling Argentina, who only just squeezed through to the knockouts. Which one of these powerhouses will come out on top?

Brazil v Mexico - The 'Cararinho' started slowly but improved each match to finish top of Group E. They will now face an inconsistent Mexican side who will have to pick themselves up from a 3-0 thumping to Sweden.

Belgium v Japan - Roberto Martinez's team will easily be the favourites going into this fixture but Japan have been one of the surprises of the tournament, becoming the first nation to qualify through 'Fair Play'.

Whoever wins between Uruguay and Portugal will face the winner of the clash between France and Argentina. Brazil or Mexico would be measured in quarters against Belgium or Japan. The 'survivors' of those quarter-final matches will make it through to the semis.

On the right-hand side, the draw is more for the taking:

Spain v Russia - 'La Roja' managed to finish top of Group B despite their managerial controversy in the build-up. They will face the hosts who will want to show President Vladimir Putin that he was right to back them.

Croatia v Denmark - The Balkan side arguably look like one of the best teams of the tournament so far, possessing incredible squad depth. They will fancy their chances against Christian Eriksen's Denmark.

Sweden v Switzerland - The surprise pairing of the whole Round of 16. Sweden finished top of Group F thanks to their victory over Mexico and will battle it out with the Swiss for a place in the quarter-finals.

Colombia v England - The tastiest match-up of the right-hand side. Colombia's 1-0 win over Senegal secured them first place in Group H but they face a difficult tie against a dangerous 'Three Lions' side managed by the inspiring Gareth Southgate.

As in the other side, the winner of Spain and Russia will face whoever prevails between Croatia and Denmark, while Sweden or Switzerland will face the champion of Colombia or England.

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