The round of 16 has revealed this World Cup’s true contenders, and only one of the teams who have booked their place in the quarter-finals was considered a significant underdog in their match-up: Norway.
While Norway knocked out Brazil 2-1 on Sunday, other upstarts have been foiled. All three co-hosts lost against more proven teams — although the USMNT were technically favoured against Belgium — and Portugal came up short in their attempt to knock out Spain. In today’s earlier game, Egypt held a 2-0 lead over reigning champions Argentina, only to lose 3-2.
The final match of the round offers the underdogs one more chance at victory and survival, as an undermanned Switzerland side take on Colombia. The Athletic’s World Cup forecast model gives Switzerland a 40 per cent chance of reaching the quarter-finals. More than 20,000 readers voted in The Athletic’s Soccer Pick’em for today’s outcome, and only 20 per cent backed Switzerland to defeat Colombia.
Facing plenty of adversity, Switzerland need an inspired effort and contributions from across the squad to keep their World Cup run alive.
