Big names, dark horses and subplots - reasons to watch each last 32 tie

BBC News ·

Big names, dark horses and subplots - reasons to watch each last 32 tie

This article previews the upcoming knockout stage matches of the FIFA World Cup, highlighting intriguing matchups and potential upsets. …

Sunday, 28 June South Africa v Canada (20:00 BST) This is uncharted territory for both nations, who have previously never reached the knockouts. Canada may have left home soil but expect plenty of fans to travel down to Los Angeles. Monday, 29 June Brazil v Japan (18:00 BST) The stars against the system. A fixture that just screams World Cup - the Selecao against the Samurai Blue. Much-fancied Japan beat the five-time champions 3-2 last October and - 20 years on - will look to avenge a 4-1 defeat in the 2006 group stage. Germany v Paraguay (21:30 BST) Paraguay will face Die Mannschaft seeking revenge for a 1-0 defeat in the last 16 in 2002, with the prospect of facing France looming for the winner. Tuesday, 30 June Netherlands v Morocco (02:00 BST) This could be the tie of the round. The Netherlands, predicted as tournament winners, against a Morocco side who reached the semi-finals four years ago and have since added sought-after 18-year-old wonderkid Ayyoub Bouaddi to their midfield. Ivory Coast v Norway (18:00 BST) Unstoppable force meets immovable object. That's Erling Haaland versus an Ivory Coast defence that did not concede in 10 qualifiers. The only guarantee here is Norway's fans 'Viking rowing' their way into Dallas. France v Sweden (22:00 BST) We all know about France's abundance of riches in attack, but the other end of the pitch throws up the most intriguing battle - Viktor Gyokeres v Arsenal team-mate William Saliba. …

Original source: BBC News

Mentioned

World Cup · Ivory Coast · Netherlands · Los Angeles · South Africa · Premier League · Ayyoub Bouaddi · Thomas Tuchel