A Brief Analysis of the Last Day of World Cup Quarter Finals

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As the quarter finals last day draws to a close, we are left with yet another "repeat" of football matches. One great match, one "not" so great match.

So firstly, regarding the great one. Croatia vs. Russia. Even though some may see the actually 90 minutes of official match play as pretty ordinary, extra time and the penalty shoot-out surely made up for it. Both these teams were "hungry" for the win. You could feel the adrenaline pumping from each team. Russia, who aren't really a side you'd pick to get anywhere in a tournament of this calibre, really out did themselves throughout. The crowd's roar, the home-ground atmosphere, everything was screaming for them to excel. And they most certainly did. But up against Croatia? Who I "know" as a fact, are by far the superior side? Well, the Russian's have certainly gained my respect. Keeping up with the world class standard of the opposing team was a feat in itself, but at the end of the day, I believe the "right" side won out. Which brings me to the "other" game...

God, the England vs. Sweden game was a snorefest, at best. An abysmal performance by the Sweds helped secure the win England needed to progress into the semi's. But did the right team win the night? Most certainly. Their lacklustre energy on the pitch and dreadfully inaccurate passes, are just a few glaring atrocities conducted by the losing side. It was an easy call to victory for England. But what of their chances from here on?

Well, to put it bluntly, they've had it easy. And I mean, really easy! Beating two of the worst teams in the tournament in the form of Tunisia and Panama. Losing against Belgium who, to be fair, weren't even trying as both teams were already through anyways. Then playing more of a WWE match than a football match against Columbia who, in essence, beat themselves and today, a Swedish effort that would make any "Walking Dead" fan proud. You can see where I'm going with this, right? England's World Cup starts from "now"! The level of difference from previous draws to these future ones, is literally night and day.

So, can England win their next game, never mind the World Cup itself? If they were playing Russia, I'd say probably not, given the impressive way they've played thus far. But up against the likes of Croatia? Not a damn chance. So convinced am I that I'd almost be tempted to put money on it. The brilliance and pure talent produced from the Croatians is on another level entirely. Just my honest, raw and "realistic" opinion here.

So, yeah. My prediction is the England's World Cup campaign will conclude as of Wednesday 11th July.

And there we have it. Three games away for another World Cup done and dusted. Belgium vs. France and Croatia vs. England. Who will be crowned the winner? Let's watch and find out... :)

Hope you enjoyed this post, please look out for more on the way... (author: @ezzy)

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