The curtain has closed on the World Cp last 16 following Switzerland’s penalty shootout win over Colombia on Tuesday night.
With the first day off of the tournament before the quarter finals commence, the respite offers a chance to assess the remaining teams in the World Cup.
An Opta Supercomputer has offered its calculations on the prospects of each team lifting the trophy, with Thomas Tuchel’s England among those still having designs on emerging triumphant on July 19.
Daily Mail Sport explores how each nation’s chances are looking ahead of the last-eight.
BELGIUM
Supercomputer says: 3.6%
Reasons to be cheerful: Belgium have grown into the tournament after a slow start in the group stages. During the knockouts they have scored a total of seven goals, thrashing USA 4-1 and showing real grit to complete a 3-2 comeback against Senegal. Leandro Trossard has been excellent too, creating the most chances in the tournament so far (17).
Reasons to be fearful: The Red Devils face European champions Spain next, who are unbeaten in 15 matches. To make matters worse, Belgium have never beaten La Roja in three meetings. Facing the second-highest ranked nation will be their toughest test yet by some distance considering the highest ranked opponent they’ve faced so far was Senegal (15th).
Odds: 33/1 (Sky Bet)
Belgium ended co-hosts United States’ tournament but have the lowest chance of winning the World Cup
MOROCCO
Supercomputer says: 3.7%
Reasons to be cheerful: Morocco are yet to lose in the tournament and are actually unbeaten in their last 33 international games, although that does include the controversial AFCON win. In the previous round against Canada, Mohamed Ouahbi’s side really kicked into gear. They’ve got great individual quality too in Achraf Hakimi and Brahim Diaz.
Reasons to be fearful: They are facing the favourites. It’s a game nobody wants but most know is inevitable as they progress deeper into the tournament. For all of Morocco’s impressive results against the likes of Brazil and Netherlands, this is a completely different beast. The quality of the French side will overrun any defence eventually.
Odds: 33/1 (Sky Bet)
Morocco are the last African nation in the World Cup but face a daunting quarter-final with France
SWITZERLAND
Supercomputer says: 3.8%
Reasons to be cheerful: Switzerland ended their penalty shoot-out curse in the round of 16 against Colombia, making them unbeaten in their last eight matches. They’ve only conceded three goals so far and have Gregor Kobel between the sticks, who has a save percentage of 84% and has prevented 1.63 goals.
Reasons to be fearful: Switzerland weren’t able to create good opportunities against higher level opposition. Against Colombia, they created an xG of just 0.39 after 120 minutes of football. Facing the reigning champions Argentina will be no easy feat either. Switzerland will have to come up with something very special to end Messi and Co’s World Cup defence.
Odds: 25/1 (Sky Bet)
Gregor Kobel has impressed in goal for Switzerland on their run to the World Cup quarter-finals
NORWAY
Supercomputer says: 6.6%
Reasons to be cheerful: Quite obvious this one, they’ve got Erling Haaland. When you’ve got one of the best strikers in the world on your team, nothing is impossible. The Man City man has scored seven goals already in his maiden World Cup campaign. Norway face England in the quarters, who by no means have the strongest back line.
Reasons to be fearful: While there is quality among the rest of the Norwegian team, Haaland really is their only goal threat, scoring 58% of their goals so far. If teams can find a way to nullify the threat he poses, Norway could be in a spot of bother.
Odds: 14/1 (Sky Bet)
Erling Haaland has starred for Norway and will have his sights set on England this weekend
ENGLAND
Supercomputer says: 16.5%
Reasons to be cheerful: Similar to Norway, England have one of the best strikers in world football in Harry Kane. To add to that, they’ve also got Jude Bellingham, who can do just about anything. Plus, after that incredible performance at the Azteca against Mexico, England will believe they can do just about anything.
Reasons to be fearful: There have been some less convincing performances this summer, such as the 0-0 draw against Ghana and the late 2-1 win over the Democratic Republic of Congo. Thomas Tuchel’s back line lacks quality when compared to the midfield and attack, something Norway’s front line could capitalise on immensely.
Odds: 9/2 (Sky Bet)
Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham are leading England’s pursuit of glory
ARGENTINA
Supercomputer says: 17.3%
Reasons to be cheerful: Argentina haven’t been at their best but they do keep finding a way to win. Against Egypt, Argentina seemed down and out, but managed to claw back three goals in 13 minutes to progress to the quarter-finals. Lionel Messi is going out with a bang too, he’s scored eight goals in five matches in his final World Cup campaign.
Reasons to be fearful: For all of Messi’s excellence, he does struggle from the spot. In eight overall attempts at the World Cup, he has only converted four. On Tuesday night, his two misses against Egypt made him the first player to miss two penalties in a single World Cup, excluding shoot-outs.
Odds: 4/1 (Sky Bet)
Lionel Messi has scored eight goals in five games as Argentina bid to retain the World Cup
SPAIN
Supercomputer says: 21.3%
Reasons to be cheerful: Although Spain have not been at the races at points, the back line has been formidable. La Roja are the only team in the tournament who are yet to concede a goal. There’s an abundance of quality all over the pitch but Mikel Oyarzabal in particular has impressed, scoring four and assisting one so far.
Reasons to be fearful: Something’s off. Spain are winning games but there’s definitely something not quite right. They’ve got the quality, but this isn’t the Spain we saw at Euro 2024. When they come up against a team with the players to break down Luis de la Fuente’s defence, it could be curtains.
Odds: 7/2 (Sky Bet)
European champions Spain are yet to concede a goal at this World Cup through five matches
Kylian Mbappe headlines a stunning list of attacking options for France, who are favourites to win the World Cup
FRANCE
Supercomputer says: 27.3%
Reasons to be cheerful: Where do we begin with France? Kylian Mbappe, Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembele, the list is endless. Didier Deschamps is blessed with several of the world’s best. Mbappe has 11 World Cup knockout-stage goals and has scored seven already this tournament. It is France’s tournament to lose.
Reasons to be fearful: It’s very difficult to find fault in what has been a flawless World Cup from Les Bleus so far. The only small issue was their 1-0 win over Paraguay, where it took a penalty to beat the low block that has stumped so many this summer. Then again, they proved to be the only team capable of finding a way through.
Odds: 15/8 (Sky Bet)
