France: Antoine Griezmann
After the fantastic display against Argentina, all the focus will be on Kylian Mbappe. Despite two goals, Antoine Griezmann has been rather quiet and is yet to perform at his best. He likes to do that in big games and the quarter-final meeting with Uruguay is exactly that. Not only because it’s a World Cup quarter-final, but also because of the Atletico Madrid connection between the two teams.
You see, Griezmann is infatuated with Uruguay. Ever since he broke through the ranks of Real Sociedad, he has had Uruguayan teammates.
“He says he is Uruguayan,”
“He has always been surrounded by Uruguayan players. He likes how we are and our customs: eating the barbecue, our music, he even drinks more mate than me!” – Diego Godin
That’s the case in Atletico Madrid. Diego Godin is not only his friend, he’s the Godfather of Griezmann’s daughter Mia. Their relationship is certainly one to watch when they take the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium pitch today. Griezmann will not want to hurt his friend, but will want to make his nation proud. The man of the moment could score that one goal that makes the difference.
Uruguay: Luis Suarez
An X-factor is a player who makes a difference, but not necessarily a positive one. Luis Suarez has demonstrated his unquestionable talent a few times, like the assist he made for Cavani’s opener against Portugal, but overall, he’s been a liability more than he’s been an asset. Cavani has made him look better than Suarez has actually performed and that will become more apparent than ever when the Barcelona forward takes the field without his partner in crime. Luis Suarez’s inability to make a difference will cost his team dearly.
Brazil: Willian
Willian had trouble stepping out of his own shadow during the group stage. He woke up against Mexico and showed how un-guardable he can be on his good days. So many times he has scored important goals for Chelsea, goals that go unnoticed because he’s not a regular for the club. Willian needs space to operate. It is when he’s most deadly. Space is something he’ll have plenty of against Belgium. With Douglas Costa still nursing an injury, Willian will be in the starting lineup once more. Neymar, Coutinho and Gabriel Jesus are the ones everyone keeps waiting for to provide the goals. Look for Willian to shake things up tonight.
Belgium: Jan Vertonghen
Vertonghen is another negative X-factor. Even though he scored a crucial goal which sparked Belgium’s comeback versus Japan, he also made the mistake that led to the opener. Vertonghen does not look comfortable as the left center back next to Vincent Kompany and Toby Aiderweireld. He and Kompany do not appear to be on the same wave length. He does not look confident in a three-center-back formation in general. The Tottenham defender either needs to play in the heart of that defense or be taken out of the lineup completely. Failure to make the adjustment could result in Willian finding that open gap in Belgium’s back line and punishing his opponent.
Sweden: Robin Olsen
Sweden has not conceded in three of their four World Cup games. Robin Olsen has not been asked to do much because of how sturdy Janne Andersson’s defense has been, but that might change on Saturday afternoon. The FC Copenhagen goalkeeper has already risen his profile. England will attack and England will shoot. Goalkeeping mistakes are not allowed at this stage. Olsen will have to be on top of his game in order to keep his net goal-free.
England: Dele Alli
Alli has been hiding behind the scenes so far in Russia, focusing on doing the dirty work in midfield rather than venturing into the opponent’s penalty area, something which he does so effectively for Tottenham. Gareth Southgate has given him a more defensive role, similar to the one he had when he first broke into Pochettino’s lineup. Jesse Lingard and Raheem Sterling occupy all the space which Alli commonly roams when playing for his club. However, Sweden’s defense will force improvisation. Basics won’t defeat the Swedes. Creativity will. That’s where Dele Alli comes into play and makes the difference.
Russia: Sergei Ignashevich
The 36-year-old has been marvelous in delegating assignments and making sure his defensive partners are doing their job. His calm demeanor, leadership and experience are crucial for Russia’s self-confidence. Mario Mandzukic, Ante Rebic and Ivan Perisic are all excellent in duels and will give headaches to Sbornaya’s defensive unit all night long. If Ignashevich is unable to coordinate his compatriots, Russia’s faith is sealed.
Croatia: Mario Mandzukic
Mandzukic is one the most annoying center forwards to guard. He’s strong, tough and uses all the tricks in the book. He’s Croatia’s slightly softer version of Diego Costa. Russia’s defenders will have a difficult time dealing with Mandzukic. Considering he loves to score when it counts most, tagging him as a potential X-factor seems like a good idea.
