After a thrilling group stage, the 2018 World Cup is about to really kick into gear.
The knockout stages are upon us and the tournament is set for a number of exciting fixtures in the Round of 16.
Most of the big boys are still standing, but Germany’s group-stage exit proved anything can happen in Russia.
Here are eight things we think might happen in the Round of 16.
1. Messi to banish knockout-stage hoodoo
Just days ago, it looked like Lionel Messi would play no part in the knockout stages at the World Cup.
But his first goal of the tournament against Nigeria set the tone for a memorable Argentina win, and the five-time Ballon d’Or will be looking to score his first knockout-stage goal ever when Argentina take on France.
The South Americans will be up against it if there previous performances are anything to go by, so Messi will need to step up the plate once again – it’s almost impossible to wager against him playing a starring role.
2. France vs Argentina to go to penalties
We’ve delved into the history books for this one. Argentina have played three World Cup knockout games on June 30 in the past, and all three have gone to penalties.
They knocked Yugoslavia out on spot-kicks in 1990 before doing the same thing to England eight years later. But Germany got the better of Argentina on penalties in the 2006 quarter-finals.
If the sides can’t be seperated, we could be treated to yet another tense shootout involving Argentina.
3. Ronaldo to equal Eusebio’s World Cup record
Cristiano Ronaldo’s barn-storming start to the tournament was somewhat dampened by his missed penalty in Portugal’s draw with Iran.
The Real Madrid star bagged four goals in his first two games, taking his total World Cup tally up to seven.
Ronaldo needs just two goals to draw level with Eusebio as his country’s all-time leading World Cup goalscorer, and that missed spot-kick against Iran might provide all the motivation he needs to get on the scoresheet against Uruguay.
4. Spain to knock out (and keep out) the hosts
The excitement surrounding the hosts receded a little after 10-man Russia were thumped 3-0 by Uruguay in the final group game.
It seems Russia have been somewhat found out, which doesn’t bode well for their chances against Spain, who have won their last four World Cup knockout games by a 1-0 scoreline.
Spain looked suspect defensively last time out against Morocco, but Russia haven’t scored a World Cup goal against European opposition on European soil since 1982 against Belgium.
5. Eriksen to make history
Denmark have reached the Round of 16 without really standing out, although they’ve certainly enjoyed a standout moment at the tournament.
Christian Eriksen’s wonderful goal set them on the path to a crucial draw against Australia which ultimately secured their passage through to the knockout stages.
If Eriksen finds the net against Croatia, he will become the first Danish player to score in both the group and knockout stages of a World Cup since Jesper Olsen in 1986. Striker Yussuf Poulsen could also achieve the same feat.
6. Switzerland’s knockout woes to continue
Switzerland haven’t won a World Cup knockout match since 1938, when they beat Germany 4-2 in a Round of 16 replay. In the 80 years since then, they’ve lost four knockout games.
A harsh defeat to Germany aside, Sweden have been quietly impressive at the tournament so far, beating Mexico 3-0 in their final group game.
If Switzerland fail to turn up, which is a real possibility given their previous record at this stage, we could see Sweden reach the quarter-finals for the first time since 1994.
7. Brazil to score two or more vs Mexico
There is a general feeling Brazil are yet to get out of first gear despite the fact they topped their group with seven points.
When they get going, the South Americans have the ability to blow anyone away. Mexico could be in for a tough game unless they pull off another shock result like their group stage win over Germany.
The Mexicans have conceded two or more goals in each of their last five knockout games at the World Cup, and it wouldn’t surprise anyone to see Brazil find the net at least twice.
8. Lukaku to catch Kane
Before Harry Kane gets the chance to add to the five goals he scored in the group stage, Romelu Lukaku will be let loose against Japan.
The striker has scored twice in each of his appearances so far, against Panama and Tunisia, and he’ll be confident of grabbing a couple more after Belgium’s relatively generous Round of 16 draw.
Kane has the more difficult task of facing Colombia, so Lukaku is likely to have caught his Golden Boot rival by the time the quarter-finals come around, should they both progress.