The knockout stages move on to the last eight at Russia 2018 and we’ve got everything you need to know<doc-sep>Quarterfinals of the FIFA World Cup 2018 will begin on 6 July 2018 | Photo Credit: AP New Delhi: 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. 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.<doc-sep>The 2018 World Cup is down to just eight teams. We’re through the round of 16, and on our way to the quarterfinals. Here is a look at the Round of 16 results and the upcoming quarterfinal matchups. World Cup Round of 16 results France 4-3 Argentina Uruguay 2-1 Portugal Russia 1-1 Spain (Pens. 4-3) Croatia 1-1 Denmark (Pens. 3-2) Brazil 2-0 Mexico Belgium 3-2 Japan Sweden 1-0 Switzerland England 1-1 Colombia 1-1 (Pens 4-3) World Cup quarterfinals matchups France vs. Uruguay — Friday, July 6, 10 a.m. Brazil vs. Belgium — Friday, July 6, 2 p.m. Sweden vs. England — Saturday, July 7, 10 a.m. Russia vs. Croatia — Saturday, July 7, 2 p.m.<doc-sep>Now the World Cup really starts: Here is the draw from the last 16 until the final FIFA World Cup 2018 Spain avoid the knockout round's 'half of death' After a hectic World Cup group stage full of emotion there is now the calm, but that will only be for a day, as on Saturday the last 16 round will start. There will be no second chances from this weekend onwards with first France taking on Argentina and then Uruguay facing Portugal. The winners of these two games will face each other in the quarter finals, on the most difficult side of the draw. Again on the so named 'half of death', Mexico play Brazil on Monday as do Belgium and Japan. Spain, who finished first in their group thanks to VAR, and they have missed the most dangerous draw, and they do not meet a former World Cup winner in England, at the semi final stage. First up for Spain though are Russia on Sunday and if La Roja get through that tie against the home nation then they would face the winner of Croatia and Denmark. Finally on Tuesday sees Sweden face Switzerland and Colombia are up against England. Of course the big absentee from the last 16 round, is Germany while the three teams that have won all their games so far are Uruguay, Croatia and Belgium. Who will win the World Cup? Who are favourites to lift the trophy on July 15th in Moscow?<doc-sep>
FIFA World Cup 2018 quarter-final fixtures will be played on July 6 and 7, 2018 | Photo Credit: AP, File Image FIFA World Cup 2018 has been one thrilling journey so far. The quadrennial event has produced more ups and downs than one can handle. Big teams, held as title favourites, like Argentina, Portugal and Spain were sent packing while journey for Belgium, the so-called dark horse, to the quarterfinal stage was also no cakewalk. One of the biggest moments from the Round of 16 came when Russia, the hosts, held on Spain 1-1, till the end of regulation and extra time and before beating them 4-3 on penalties. France dumped Lionel Messi-led Argentina in a high scoring thriller (4-3) while Cristiano Ronaldo-led Portugal was ousted by Uruguay 1-2. Neymar, on the other hand, produced an upbeat performance where he scored one and helped in the other goal to blank Mexico 2-0 in the Round of 16 clash. Belgium barely escaped from Japan's grip as after the scoreboard was locked at 2-2 it was only the injury-time goal from Nacer Chadli which ensured Red Devil's last-8 berth. England who looked like cruising to the quarterfinals after Harry Kane's penalty kick in the 57th minute were dragged to extra time as Yerry Mina scored an equaliser in the injury time. After a strenuous extra time 1-1 deadlock, England finally prevailed over Colombia beating them in penalty shootout 4-3. QUARTERFINALS Uruguay vs France, Friday, 06.07.2018, 7:30 PM IST, Nizhny Novgorod Stadium Brazil vs Belgium, Friday, 06.07.2018, 11:30 PM IST, Kazan Arena Russia vs Croatia, Saturday, 07.07.2018, 11:30 PM IST, Fisht Stadium Sweden vs England, Saturday, 07.07.2018, 07:30 PM IST, Samara Arena It will be hard to predict who can be in the FIFA World Cup 2018 semifinal but one can always keep their calendars marked as when these important clashes are happening and where. The first semifinal will be played on Tuesday, July 10, at Saint Petersburg Stadium while the other semifinal is slotted for Wednesday, July 11, at Luzhniki Stadium. While the third-place playoff is scheduled for Saturday, July 14, at Saint Petersburg Stadium the final of the FIFA World Cup 2018 will be held on Sunday, July 15, at Luzhniki Stadium.