Netherlands - Morocco: The battle between attack and African bravery
If assessed based on the group stage performance, the Netherlands is one of the most convincing teams. The most fearsome thing about the "Orange Hurricane" is not in a specific individual but in the fact that they can make a difference from many different positions. However, Morocco has never been an easy opponent. The North African team has proven that with a draw against Brazil, before defeating Scotland and Haiti in turn to win 7 points. Memories of the journey to the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup are still valuable, because Morocco still maintains a disciplined defensive spirit and extremely fast counter-attacking ability.
Netherlands wins narrowly thanks to the depth of the squad and better opportunity utilization.
Ivory Coast - Norway: Haaland faces a formidable team
For the first time in history participating in the World Cup knockout round, Ivory Coast is not overwhelmed at all. They only lost to Germany in a very balanced match, and kept a clean sheet in 3/5 recent matches. The African representative possesses a combination of Franck Kessie's experience and the speed and ability to create breakthroughs from Nicolas Pepe or Yan Diomande.
Meanwhile, Norway almost lives on the inspiration of Erling Haaland. This striker has scored 4 goals in the group stage and continues to prove why he is one of the most dangerous center forwards in the world. If Haaland continues to shine, Norway is capable of going further. But if the match lasts in balance, Ivory Coast may be the team with more tactical options.
Ivory Coast creates a surprise after 90 minutes or extra time.
France - Sweden: Class gap
This is probably the match with the biggest difference in force balance. France won all of the group stage, scored 10 goals and conceded only 2 goals. What is more noteworthy is that they are no longer completely dependent on Kylian Mbappe. Dembele's hat-trick against Norway shows that Didier Deschamps possesses an attack with many sources of breakthrough.
Conversely, Sweden advanced to the knockout round thanks to a spot for the third-placed team with good results. To create an earthquake, Sweden needs a perfect match both tactically and mentally. But before the depth of the French squad and the quality of stars, that task seems to exceed their ability.
France wins by a margin of 2 goals or more to affirm their position as the leading candidate for the championship.
