Round of 16 predictions: Everything is only clear in two groups

Germany, Argentina, Colombia: There are a few prominent teams that still have to worry about a place in the round of 16. SportNews examines the situation before the final matchdays of the group phase - and dares to make a prediction. Even if, as is well known, these are there to be thrown overboard.

By the way: If two teams are tied on points, the goal difference counts first. Then the goals scored and only then the direct duel. If everything is balanced there too, the fair play rating will decide. As a last resort, the lottery is planned - but that is very unlikely.

Group A Everything is clear here: World Cup hosts Russia and Uruguay are in the round of 16. In the final duel between the two teams, however, it is about winning the group. If Russia doesn't lose, Alexander Golowin & Co. will remain first in the table. Uruguay, as runners-up, would then – in all probability – face Spain or Portugal (winners of Group B) in the round of 16. For Egypt and Saudi Arabia, the final group game is about the golden pineapple.

The SportNews -Forecast: Russia is biting its teeth against Uruguay for the first time at this World Cup. The South Americans win the group. Group B Nothing is fixed here: Spain and Portugal are currently together at the top of the table. Both have 4 points and a goal difference of plus one goal. Iran follows behind with three points, Morocco (0 points) is already out of the window. On the way to the round of 16: Cristiano Ronaldo. © APA/afp / MLADEN ANTONOV

And now it gets interesting: For both Spain and Portugal (they have to play against Iran and Portuguese coach Carlos Queiroz), one point is enough to advance. But because both are currently on exactly the same level, the fair play rating would decide who wins the group. Also: underestimating Iran can end badly. The Asians only conceded 5 goals in 18 games throughout World Cup qualifying.

The SportNews -Forecast: Spain and Portugal move into the round of 16 - although Cristiano Ronaldo only remains second in the group. Group C The French are in the round of 16, Peru are eliminated. The other two teams, Denmark and Australia, are fighting for the second ticket. The Europeans clearly have a better starting position. If they get a point against France, then Christian Erikson & Co. will be in the round of 16. Australia, on the other hand, has to win against Peru by at least two goals (and hope that the Danes lose) - anything else is not enough.

The SportNews -Forecast: Denmark can no longer take the butter off its bread and moves into the round of 16 together with France. Group D Hardly anyone would have thought that Argentina would be at the bottom of the table after two match days. But now Lionel Messi & Co. have their backs against the wall. They have to win big – or hope for help from Croatia. If the league leaders don't lose against the northerners, then a win over Nigeria is enough for Argentina to move into the round of 4 with a paltry 16 points. But: The Africans also want to make it to the round of XNUMX – a win would make that happen.

The SportNews -Forecast: Argentina will definitely win against Nigeria and secure their place in the round of 16. Croatia shows no weaknesses against Iceland and advances as group winners. Group E Here too, only one thing is certain: that Costa Rica has to start the journey home. At the top of the table is Brazil (4 points), followed by Switzerland (4) and Serbia (3). The Swiss have the easiest task at the end: Costa Rica and one point is enough to advance. Brazil versus Serbia, on the other hand, is all or nothing. Although the South Americans are the favorites, Serbia is a strong outsider - but they have to win.

The SportNews -Forecast: Brazil and Switzerland move into the round of 16, Serbia has to pack its bags. Group F Only one team presents itself confidently here: Mexico. Because South Korea is almost eliminated, Germany has an easier task than Sweden. The DFB team has to win against the Asians by at least two goals, then they are through and don't have to hope for help from the Mexicans at the same time. Good for Germany: They don't want to lose either, because then the group win would be lost and Brazil (or at least the winner of Group E) is in danger of being in the round of 16. In the worst case, Mexico could even be eliminated. Must be shaking: Timo Werner and his DFB team. © APA/afp / NELSON ALMEIDA

The SportNews -Forecast: With a lot of luck, Germany will still qualify. This is because Mexico marches through the group stage undefeated and Sweden takes at least one point. Group G Everything is fixed here: Belgium and England are through, Tunisia and Panama are eliminated. Similar to Group A, it's about winning the group. However, it is probably less dramatic here who comes second. Because the winner of the H group awaits in the round of 16 - and in any case they are the underdogs against Belgium or England.

The SportNews -Forecast: A close call, because both teams have been extremely confident so far. We believe: Belgium will win the group. Group H. A very balanced group. Except for Poland, all teams can still progress. A point is enough for Japan against Lewandowski's troops, Colombia has to win against Senegal. It's not that easy - even if the South Americans around James Rodriguez are the favorites. Speaking of Japan: If Colombia wins, the Asians are likely to lose - and as second in the group they would still be in the round of 16.

The SportNews -Forecast: We believe: Japan will progress, and so will Colombia. But: Someone would have to continue to hold the African flags high at the World Cup - but will Liverpool's Manè & Co. take on this job?

All information, current table standings, top scorer lists and fair play ratings are available here .

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Round of 16 predictions: Everything is only clear in two groups

Group A and Group D: It has already been decided who will advance to the round of 16 of the World Cup. In all other groups it is not yet clear who the two round of 16 participants will be.

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