With just three days remaining in group play at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, the last-16 picture is beginning to look extremely lopsided.
That’s because depending on what happens from Tuesday through Thursday, a slew of stacked squads that are rich in footballing pedigree could find themselves on the same side of the knockout-stage bracket.
(Photo courtesy: Planet Futbol)
It’s a distinct possibility that heavyweights France, Argentina, Brazil, and Germany – plus either Belgium or England – could join Portugal and Uruguay on the difficult side of the bracket. Here’s how it could all play out:
Group A winner vs. Group B runner-up
Portugal‘s last-second draw with Iran on Monday means the Euro 2016 holder finished second in Group B and next faces an enthralling clash with attack-heavy Uruguay, the Group A winner.
Related: As it happened – A timeline of the wild events in Group B
The two sides have never played each other at the World Cup.
Group C winner vs. Group D runner-up
With France appearing set to take Group C honours, Les Bleus will likely face whichever of Argentina, Nigeria or Iceland finishes second in Group D, as …read more