We made it. Now it's time for the knockout stage at the 2018 World Cup. And boy does the first day of the Round of 16 start off with a bang! Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi are both in action against a loaded France team and Uruguay team with plenty of talent. Can Argentina keep this mircale going? Will France finally kick it into high gear? Can Cristiano Ronaldo keep carrying a team on his back? What in the hell is Luis Suarez going to do?
Here are the picks from Connor Fleming (@conmanfleming), Bryce Badwan (@bbadss) and Travis Yoesting (@travisyoesting).
Argentina vs France
Connor: France - Argentina can't play conservatively, but they can't go toe-to-toe with France. Paul Pogba and N'Golo Kante absolutely boss the midfield - it could get ugly.
Bryce: France - I just don't see how Argentina can pull this one off. I think N'Golo Kante will be Lionel Messi's shadow and Argentina's leaky defense can't handle the speed of France. There were countless times where Nigerian players just ran around Mascherano and Mercado, and I expect Mbappe and Co to do that with ease.
Travis: France - Argentina was boosted by the narrow escape in the group stage, but France has too much firepower for Jorge Sampaoli's defense to contain.
Game Info:
10:00AM ET
Kazan Arena
FOX, Universo
Uruguay vs Portugal
Connor: Uruguay - Barring a Cristiano Ronaldo overhead kick from 20 yards out, Uruguay squeeze the life out of the frauds. Uruguay's win is a win for football.
Bryce: Uruguay - Stop Cristiano Ronaldo and you should win. I'll give credit to this Portugal team. They find ways to win. But Uruguay's defense should be able to hold off Ronnie and their offense should exploit a Portugal defense that has holes.
Travis: Portugal - I expect this one to go to penalties in a chippy, low-scoring draw. From there, my money's on Rui Patricio to win it for his team.
Game Info:
2:00PM ET
Fisht Stadium
FOX, Telemundo
