World Cup Final Stages Predictions: CaughtOffside Selects Its Likely Winners, Losers & Star Men Ahead Of Quarters

Posted by

Which player will take the tournament by storm now it’s reached the last eight?

Jordan Chamberlain:

Thomas Muller. Big game player, with the ability to score goals when it matters most.

Adam Davies:

Lionel Messi. I know – thanks a lot Captain Obvious. Messi has carried Argentina thus far, helping an otherwise underwhelming team reach the quarter finals with a goal in all but one match. He can make the difference against the best defences in the world.

Steve Green: 

I don’t think you can look any further than either Arjen Robben or James Rodriguez. They’ve both been incredible and don’t look like slowing down at all.

Mark Brus:

I expect Robin van Persie to really hit form now. He’s been one of the best strikers in the world in recent years and this could be his last chance at a major tournament.

Andy Morris:

Argentina have got a bloke called Lionel Messi and I reckon he will drag his nation to their first World Cup final since 1986. Some people are moaning that Messi has yet to hit top form. Although there is still room for improvement, he has been the player of the tournament so far in my eyes. His record so far reads: played four games, scored four goals and won four man-of-the-match awards.

Which big name star will fail to reach his lofty expectations?

Jordan Chamberlain:

Lionel Messi. He’s had a storming tournament so far – but teams will literally mark him out of the game. At times, Switzerland closed him so aggressively there was nothing he could do to even retain possession. Through no fault of his own, he won’t be allowed to take matches by the scruff of the neck – although I’d love him to reach his jaw-dropping best before the tournament’s close.

Adam Davies:

Karim Benzema. The Real Madrid striker has had a great tournament so far, but the best team France have yet faced has been Switzerland. His country’s next opponents will not be so forgiving.

Steve Green:

I don’t think you can look any further than either Arjen Robben or James Rodriguez. They’ve both been incredible and don’t look like slowing down at all.

Mark Brus:

I hope I’m wrong because I’m a big fan of his, but Lionel Messi has had to carry this Argentina side so far, and might become increasingly isolated as they take on better teams. Belgium are good enough to keep him quiet, as would the other big teams still in the tournament, who are a step up from who Argentina have played so far.

Andy Morris:

I can’t help but feel that David Luiz is destined to produce a monumental gaff that will end Brazil’s challenge in farce.

Next Page
Page 2 of 3
Prev Page
More Stories Argentina football Belgium Football Brazil Football Colombia Football Costa Rica football France football Germany football Netherlands football