The 2018 World Cup in Russia has had it all; Ronaldo's brilliance, Messi's woes, Japanese fair play, VAR-cical decisions, Germany's capitulation and England's euphoria. It's crazy to think the past two weeks has passed which contained the least amount of 0-0's in a World Cup since 1954 and where 13.1% of all goals scored (16) have been scored in stoppage time, that now only the real drama begins.
872 games of qualifiers and 48 games of group football we have reached the knockout stages. Who will emerge from the pack to reign supreme? Much has already been documented regarding England's side of the bracket leading to the final while Brazil, France, Argentina, Portugal and co find themselves on the other side. It all promises to be the most open World Cup in years. Later today I will drop the first of eight round of 16 previews with France and Argentina. One things for certain, especially given the holder's early exit not one of the last 16 nations will be taking their chances for granted unless your name perhaps is Gareth Southgate and you manage England.
It's coming home.
