If England defeat Mexico in the last 16, they will likely face Brazil and Argentina, who have a chance of reaching the World Cup finals. The two South American powers are the favorites to beat Norway and Egypt respectively in a knockout tie, which would see Carlo Ancelotti’s side reach the quarter-finals and the reigning champions a place in the last four.
Lionel Messi and co will also need to get past either Switzerland or Colombia (assuming they beat Mexico and then Brazil or Norway) to face the Three Lions in the semi-finals. Argentina are the favorites to win, but they suffered a huge scare in the Round of 32 when their match against Cape Verde went into overtime.
After Messi’s brilliant opener, Deroy Duarte equalized, adding another 30 minutes to normal time. Manchester United’s Lisandro Martinez scored what he and many others thought was the winner, but Sidney Cabral curled a breathtaking shot into the top corner.
However, midway through the second overtime period, Cristian Romero headed home the winning goal. As a result, Lionel Scaloni’s side will face Egypt, who earlier defeated Australia on penalties, in the last 16.
During the preparation for and during the match, reports emerged that FIFA was considering moving the England vs. Mexico kick-off time forward due to bad weather, but those plans were quickly scrapped. Elsewhere in England’s half of the draw, Norway and Brazil eliminated Ivory Coast and Japan respectively, but both came courtesy of late winners.
Colombia defeated Ghana to advance to the last 16. John Arias put the South Americans ahead within the first 15 minutes and Colombia cruised through with a narrow 1-0 victory as the African side struggled to convert clear chances.
Switzerland awaits them in the next round after a convincing 2-0 victory over Algeria. The winner of this match will face either Argentina or Egypt. On the other side of the draw, France will clash with Paraguay, Morocco will clash with co-hosts, Canada, Spain and Portugal will face off in perhaps the most high-profile match of the round, while the United States will take on Belgium.
Didier Deschamps’ side are firm favorites to reach the final, with Argentina looking the most likely opponent, until their shortcomings are brutally exposed by Cape Verde. Brazil had won at the expense of Japan with a stoppage-time goal, meaning the possibility of facing both South American powerhouses would be a nightmare for Thomas Tuchel’s side.
