The Round of 32 ends with three more matchups that bring completely different styles, stories, and stakes.
Australia looks to slow down a dangerous Egypt side led by Salah, Argentina faces the ultimate underdog story in Cape Verde, and Colombia takes on a battle-tested Ghana team that has already proven it can defend against top-level competition.
Australia vs. Egypt
The Aussies got off to a great start by holding off the relentless attack from Türkiye and making the most of their few chances, netting a couple of goals to secure a 2-0 victory.
Then, on Matchday 2, they lost to the USA 2-0 before ending the group stage with a 0-0 draw against Paraguay, which ultimately helped both countries advance.
Those results indicate that there have not been many goals scored by Australia or its opponents. That can be attributed to the Aussie mentality and their hard work rate.
Perhaps they do not do as well against countries that have a high skill set with individuals who can slice up any defense, but that was not the case against Paraguay, which came out and played very conservatively needing only a point to move on.
Now that we are in the win-or-go-home stage, there will be no conservative approaches or tactical decisions built around holding back. That will be clear when Australia takes on the mighty Egyptians.
Egypt is led by Salah, who is in top form after an average season in the Premier League for Liverpool. He knows this could be his final hurrah, and so do those around him. The feeling in their camp is of a family that keeps getting tighter and better on the pitch.
This is a very favorable draw for Egypt compared to some of the other matchups, like Portugal vs. Croatia or Morocco vs. Netherlands, but also because of the contrasting styles.
Egypt thrives on skill, possession, and three-player combinations in the final third to create scoring opportunities. The deception and individual skill level will threaten the Australian defense, especially in and around the 18-yard box. This pressure will continue for 90 minutes or more if the game goes to extra time.
Australia has come a long way, both literally and soccer-wise, and that has been super impressive. You can never discount their effort, which has proven to be a true asset and strength.
Australia played Türkiye in group play, a team that has some similarities to Egypt, which has certainly helped prepare them for this Round of 32 match. On the flip side, Egypt played New Zealand in the group, a team with some similarities to Australia, which makes this matchup even more interesting.
It will be interesting to see how the rhythm and flow of the game changes. Once both teams settle in, the match will take on new life. The game will demand flashes of brilliance, unexpected moments, or unfortunate mistakes to produce a goal.
But to hang on thinking one goal is enough would be foolish, because neither opponent is just going to cave in. These teams made it to this stage with determination, passion, and belief, so expect every player to leave it all on the pitch while proudly representing their country’s colors.
Pro Paul’s Pick: Egypt advances.
Argentina vs. Cape Verde
This game will be one of the most watched matches ever played on the planet, and it would be watched for eternity if Cape Verde somehow pulls off the unthinkable upset by knocking out the defending World Cup champion, featuring one of the best players ever to kick a ball in Lionel Messi.
For some odd reason, it is even crazy that millions of people across the globe actually believe this is possible, and it is being spoken about everywhere online.
Imagine reading about Messi losing to Cape Verde rather than Messi vacationing in Cape Verde. Well, this might seem far-fetched, but Cape Verde does have star shot-stopper Vozinha protecting the net, and he has already posted two shutouts against big-time opponents.
Argentina has won all three of its group matches, while Cape Verde has tied all three of its group matches. One team scores a lot of goals, and the other does not score many.
Argentina enters the Round of 32 matchup against Cape Verde averaging 2.67 goals per game with 63% average ball possession, while Cape Verde averages 0.67 goals per game with 41% ball possession.
The numbers do not lie, because it has worked for both of them so far in the tournament.
Messi is going to deliver. It is just a matter of whether it will be as a goal scorer, by setting up his teammates to score, or both. Argentina comes into this game with eight goals, six of them belonging to Messi himself.
For Cape Verde to win, Vozinha will have to play the game of his life. Yes, life. That means even better than the game against Spain, which made him a global star.
Goals will not just drop easily, but with heart and desire, Cape Verde can apply pressure on the Argentina defense and hope to sneak one across the line.
It is going to be a thriller.
Pro Paul’s Pick: Argentina advances.
Colombia vs. Ghana
Colombia and France have been the best-playing teams in the tournament. The skill level, passing, speed of play, possession, defending, and scoring chances created have all been world class.
There just does not seem to be any weakness for Colombia, and that goes for their reserves coming off the bench, too. Regardless of the fine and complete play Colombia is demonstrating, it will be a fight to score and hold off Ghana for a win.
Ghana has been most impressive on defense, and every opponent in its group was excellent. Group L was probably the hardest group of all, with England, Croatia, Ghana, and Panama, and it has the Black Stars well prepared to take on Los Cafeteros.
It has been defense, defense, and defense for Ghana, and it will need to happen again if they are going to hold off a Colombia side that enjoys dictating the pace of the game and controlling possession.
Ghana and Colombia are squaring off in Kansas City for this Round of 32 knockout clash. Ghana’s veteran coach Carlos Queiroz is very familiar with Colombia because it is a national team he previously managed. He is also familiar with the U.S., having worked for the U.S. Soccer Federation years ago as a consultant.
This is going to be a very tough and challenging game for both sides, forcing each team to rely on its key players for success.
James Rodríguez and Luis Díaz lead Colombia with their fluid triangular midfield system. For Ghana, Jordan Ayew and Antoine Semenyo will be important as the Black Stars look to lock down defensively and stay compact.
Nothing is going to come easy, and as for these competitors, they would not want it any other way. They have waited and dreamed for this moment, doing their best to become the best and letting the world witness it.
Kansas City will be going off as two great teams give fans a high-level match.
