On Monday and Tuesday, Round 2 of the Big Match Predictor comes to a conclusion with the final four Round of 16 matches, with great prizes up for grabs. Below you can find key stats to assist you in making your predictions!
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Last 16: Japan v Croatia (5/12, 5pm SAST)
Japan:
- Japan sit 24th in the FIFA World Rankings. They topped group E by beating Germany (11th ranked) and Spain (7th ranked) and their form reads: DLWLW.
- Japan's 2-1 win against Spain on Thursday came with just 18% ball possession. However, they managed to create 1.45 Expected Goals to just 1.04 xG for Spain.
- Coach Hajime Moriyasu's side saw a fine performance from Ao Tanaka in midfield. He scored the winner and made six ball recoveries and three interceptions.
- The Sumarai Blues made it to the Round of 16 in 2002, 2010 and 2018. They have never made it to a World Cup quarter-final.
Croatia:
- Croatia finished second in their group after going unbeaten. The 12th ranked side in the world have seen the following recent results: WWDWD.
- Hrvatska were fortunate to draw 0-0 with Belgium in their last match. Their opponents put up 3.07 Expected Goals with five "big chances" missed.
- Centre back Josko Gvardiol excelled against Belgium. He made a goal-saving challenge and nine clearances in the match.
- Croatia's last 10 matches in the World Cup have seen just one loss and that came into the final in 2018 to France.
Predicted Result: DRAW. Extra time may be needed to separate these teams.
Recommended Score-line Options: 1-1 or 2-2.
Last 16: Brazil v South Korea (5/12, 9pm SAST)
Brazil:
- Brazil lost 1-0 to Cameroon in their final group match as coach Tite made a raft of changes. The world's number ranked side has had the following recent results: WWWWL.
- The Selecao are averaging seven shots on target per match in this tournament, the second most of all teams.
- Their 1-0 loss to Cameroon was a shock result. Brazil outshot their opponents 21-7 and produced 2.01 more Expected Goals than the Indomitable Lions.
- Brazil's loss to Cameroon was just their second defeats in 32 matches. They've made it to at least the quarter-final stage in the last seven World Cups.
South Korea:
- A 2-1 win against Portugal saw Korea Republic qualify on goals scored. They sit 28th in the FIFA World rankings with a form guide of: WWDLW.
- Despite having just 38% in Friday's win against Portugal, South Korea managed 13 shots, two "big chances" and 1.17 Expected Goals.
- After a quiet tournament so far, Spurs' Son Heung-min had a fine performance against Portugual. He had five shots, created three chances and he assisted the winner.
- South Korea have only once gone further than the round of 16 at the World Cup; a fourth place finish as hosts in 2002. Each of their four appearances since then have seen just one win at each tournament.
Predicted Result: Brazil WIN. The South Americans will have a fresh team and should have far too much for Korea Republic.
Recommended Score-line Options: 2-0 or 3-0
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Last 16: Morocco vs Spain (6/12, 5pm SAST)
Morocco:
- Morocco topped their group after beating Belgium and Canada. The North Africans are placed 22nd in the FIFA World Rankings and their last five results are: DWDWW.
- Their 2-1 win against Canada on Thursday saw a defensive performance. They did not have a single shot in the second half and were somewhat fortunate to hold onto three points.
- Chelsea wide man Hakim Ziyech scored the opener against Canada and assisted the winning goal against Belgium. He is a key man against Spain.
- The Atlas Lions have lost just twice in 42 matches. Prior to their successive wins in the Group Stage, they had just one win in 10 World Cup fixtures.
Spain:
- La Furia Roja are ranked 7th in the world but finished second in their group behind Japan. Their five most recent results are: WWWDL.
- Coach Luis Enrique's side are averaging 76.1% possession per match in this World Cup, by far the highest of all teams in the tournament.
- Atletico Madrid striker Alvaro Morata has three goals and one assist in this tournament. He has had six shots in 130 minutes of action (48% of the available minutes).
- Since winning their only World Cup in 2010, Spain have had one Group Stage and one Last 16 exit. They've won just three of their ten World Cup fixtures since the 2010 final.
Predicted Result: Spain WIN. Morocco will be a tough nut to crack but Spain have enough quality and options to win in 90 minutes.
Recommended Score-line Options: 2-1 or 3-1.
Last 16: Portugal v Switzerland (6/12, 9pm SAST)
Portugal:
- Portugal lost 2-1 to South Korea in their last match. The recent form of the world's 9th ranked side is: LWWWL.
- Bruno Fernandes has scored two goals and assisted two more in his two appearances at this tournament. Cristiano Ronaldo has one goal with three "big chances" missed in three outings.
- Portugal's 2-1 loss to South Korea on Friday saw the side have 62% possession. In the second half, they only had three shots and produced a paltry 0.09 Expected Goals.
- Portugal's last five World Cups have only seen them pass the Round of 16 on one occasion: a fourth placed finish in 2006.
Switzerland:
- The Swiss sit 15th in the FIFA rankings and beat Serbia 3-2 to progress. Their last five matches have seen the following results: WLWLW.
- Switzerland 3-2 win against Serbia saw them produce 2.80 Expected Goals, 1.48 xG more than their opponents. They limited Serbia to just 0.24 xG in the second half.
- Striker Breel Embolo netted his second goal of the World Cup against Serbia in a fine performance. He drew five fouls and had three shots, albeit missing two "big chances".
- Four of Switzerland's last five World Cup appearances have seen them exit in the Round of 16 stage.
Predicted Result: DRAW. Portugal have the bench options to win this in extra time but it could end level in 90 minutes.
Recommended Score-line Options: 1-1 or 2-2.
