The Round of 32 has officially wrapped, and all 16 matches delivered plenty of exciting moments, incredible goals, and unforgettable drama.
Some teams had very favorable matchups, while others were thrown straight into heavyweight battles. The No. 8 Netherlands facing No. 7 Morocco may not have made much sense this early in the knockout stage, especially when other teams ranked much lower were matched up against each other. The No. 16 USA also had to battle No. 64 Bosnia and Herzegovina in a thriller that went down to the wire.
The best game of all nearly became one of the greatest upsets in sports history, as Cape Verde pushed Messi and the defending World Cup champion Argentina to the limit before falling 3-2 in extra time. It was not meant to be for the Blue Sharks, but they gave the world a match to remember.
Now the time has come where there are no easy matches. Every team belongs, and all except Paraguay were expected to make the Round of 16, at least in my predictions. This is the stage where many believe the World Cup truly begins.
Thirty-two years ago, the USA hosted the 1994 World Cup and lost to eventual champion Brazil, 1-0, on the Fourth of July. How fitting that this Round of 16 begins on the nation’s 250th birthday, giving us an honest measurement of how much improvement has been made in American soccer since the last time the United States hosted the World Cup.
July 4 will feature co-host Canada and France, whose Statue of Liberty gift has become symbolic of freedom. Let the Round of 16 begin.
Canada vs. Morocco
Canada moves out of any comfort zone it may have had during group play and the Round of 32, now facing one of the hottest teams in the World Cup. Morocco will step onto the pitch in Houston greeted by tens of thousands of Moroccan fans.
Morocco not only plays with confidence, but also plays at the highest level of skill. Their chemistry compares to France, making them a true contender for the Cup. It is also interesting that this match features current co-host Canada against next World Cup co-host Morocco. Do not expect this to be a friendly handoff or any nice goodbye.
Jesse Marsch has Canada believing in itself and has united this group as a team. There are personnel concerns, particularly the lingering injury of Alphonso Davies, who has not looked at his best while holding back in sprints and long runs.
On the flip side, Jonathan David has transferred his Juventus Serie A form to the red and white and has proven he can score with the smallest amount of space and time. Canada is playing together and has plenty of character and heart, but that just might not be enough against Morocco.
Morocco has talent, and a lot of it. They are big, fast, and very technical, coming at opponents from all angles. Their confidence on the ball is second to none, and what may seem like arrogance should not be mistaken for anything other than belief.
Morocco can win this tournament, but like every past World Cup winner, they must continue to improve and get stronger as a team every game.
This is equally a huge test for Canada as it is for Morocco. The stakes are high, and the ball is round, so when emotions are at their highest, it comes down to who can bury their chances and advance.
I really do not see this game going to extra time, since the energy level will be off the Richter scale.
Pro Paul’s Pick: Morocco advances.
Paraguay vs. France
After losing their opening match in a 4-1 thrashing against the USA, Paraguay has consistently gotten better and better.
Their confidence and speed of play have increased, and their wingers are going at defenders with belief. That can pose problems for the French defense, but only if it is consistent. France knows how good it is and will deliver back whatever is thrown at them, likely twice as hard. That is why Paraguay must continue to attack and never back down in hopes of forcing France into a mental lapse or two in the back.
After going head-to-head with Germany for 120 minutes, Paraguay immediately became the giant killer of the Cup. To have the confidence to wear down the Germans says a lot about Paraguay, their heart, and their desire.
France is a bigger mountain and has a much more lethal attack than Germany, which will put Paraguay on its heels.
The first goal matters, and Mbappé is going to be hungry to make an early statement. Let’s not forget about Dembélé, Barcola, and the rest of the squad that will be launching attack after attack.
Paraguay, familiar with playing against strong teams, will give Mbappé and company a run for their money. Having defeated Brazil and Argentina in qualifiers, and now Germany in the knockout stage, they must be taken seriously.
France has been on a mission since the end of the 2022 World Cup after losing to Argentina on penalties. France is the best current team, and its fierce approach would frighten any opponent.
France is locked and loaded and will come out looking to score early. Paraguay knows it is coming and plans on taking the fight to the other half.
