A lot of "favourites" getting booted out of this competition...
Interesting to see the different trend of opinions place to place : people in England wanting France knocked out ? But here in Australia the confidence continues to build around the home team. To the point that most of the local media now
expect Australia to win the cup. That win over Canada convinced the doubters (who were about ready to sack the coach after the loss to Nigeria ) and if you subscribe to their view England should be devoutly hoping the French go through instead
I honestly am not game to make any predictions. As the two sides of the draw have been completely separate it is hard to get any kind of comparisons of strength. What we can say from the group stages perhaps is that the Australia/Nigeria/Canada really was the group of death - underlined by Nigeria nearly tossing England out. So that suggests the Australian outfit should certainly not be underestimated. Their game with France will be fascinating as I do think their weakness is probably defence and the French will really test that.
England really should account for Columbia. I know they've been a bit underwhelming so far but - three clean sheets , and just one spot kick goal conceded when it didn't matter ... surely they'll find some goals from here on , whoever they are playing.
I do like Sweden. Maybe panicked a bit late yesterday ; but overall they've looked very solid. Which probably means Spain will beat them 4-0