The ongoing FIFA World Cup 2018 is on its way to reach its crescendo with the quarterfinals kick starting on the 6th of July. This world cup has been a shocking affair so far, with football royalties like Germany, Spain and Argentina being eliminated from the quadrennial mega-fest. As the teams have been scheduled for the quarterfinals, let us have a look at the probable outcomes of the quarterfinals, reports timesnownews.com.

France vs Uruguay: This promises to be a spectacular game of football that will not be forgotten easily. France have been in the top of their games ever since the commencement of this World Cup and have defeated Argentina 4-3 courtesy Kylian Mbappe but the defence is not one of their strongest footholds. Uruguay, on the other hand, have come so far courtesy their strong defence which comprises of stalwarts like Gimenez and Godin and their amazing attacking duo of Suarez and Cavani who have shared five goals amongst them in this World Cup edition. With Edinson Cavani out, France will likely edge the South Americans to book a spot in the last 4.

Brazil vs Belgium: Five times world champions World Champions have one of the best-attacking line-ups in the tournament, with Neymar and Philippe Coutinho being the top stars. Thiago Silva and Marcelo guard their backline and although they had a slow start in the tournament, the Selecao have upped their ante in terms of the game which was visible in their last knockout fixture against Mexico. Belgium were on the verge of elimination after conceding two goals from Japan in the early minutes of the second half in their Round of 16 game but made a comeback marching on to the quarterfinals with a late minute game. The likes of Romelu Lukaku, Eden Hazard and Kevin De Bruyne are probably going to put forth the biggest test for the Brazilian defence. While both teams are evenly matched, Brazil will likely go through on the basis on more experience.

Sweden vs England: Sweden have been the Dark Horses in this World Cup, having won two of their three group fixtures and managed to scrape through their knock out game against Switzerland earlier this week. Emil Forsberg’s goal in the middle of the second half helped them to overcome Switzerland who were mired in their own plethora of missed chances. England’s 2018 team has come across as a force to reckon with in this World Cup, with golden boot frontrunner Harry Kane leading the attack. England might be lucky Sweden’s Waterloo.

Croatia vs Russia: Luck favoured Russia heavily as they overcame tournament favourites Spain in the shootouts of the knockout stages. Their last game was nothing like their performance in the group stages. Croatia’s 2018 team is probably best Croatian side after the 1998 edition of the FIFA World Cup in which they came third. With stalwarts like Luka Modric, Mario Mandzukic, Ivan Rakitic and Perisic in their quiver, Zlatko Dalic’s men will be the real test of the Russian will. It would take something extraordinary for the Russians to beat Croatia.

From the looks of it, Croatia, Brazil, England and France are the clear favourites to march on to the semi-finals. But then this World Cup edition has been a world cup full of surprises so we can only be sure of who reaches the final four until the games are over.