This two-day break that we are having right now seems like an eternity as we are waiting for the quarter finals to get started, it what has been a truly sensational and shocking World Cup. Germany, Spain, Argentina and Portugal are all out, and with no Italian or Dutch showing this year we have an exciting and unpredictable set of quarters coming up. The next round could serve up some more shocks, making it tricky for those who like to bet on the football. With that in mind, the bets I’ve been placing with Betolimp have been more specific markets like over/under goals and corners, I’d recommend that you do the same, if you bet at Betolimp they have some great odds on those kind of markets.
To help you put your money in the right place, let’s have a quick run down of what is going on in each camp of the quarter final teams.
Brazil
Brazil will welcome Marcelo back into the fold for their big game against Belgium, after hurting himself on his hotel mattress no less! There are no fresh injury concerns for the Brazilians but the young Casimeiro will not be eligible to play thanks to a suspension.
England
England will have the semis in their sights as they take on a tough Sweden team on Saturday, with Harry Kane looking to cement himself as the Golden Boot winner. There are no injuries in the side and Gareth Southgate looks set to make a couple of changes to freshen the team up after a hard 120 minute slog against Colombia.
France
France will face their toughest challenge yet when they face Uruguay in the quarters, but they will be able to depend on a near-full strength team, with only Blaise Matuidi out, and a Kylian Mbappe with renewed vigor after his brace against Argentina.
Russia
The Russian side have some concerns over midfielder Yuri Zhirkov ahead of their tie with Croatia, after damaging a tendon. Russia will also give a late fitness test to Aleksandr Samedov who picked up a knock against Spain.
Croatia
Croatia have no cause for concern as they have zero injuries and no suspensions ahead of what will be a tough tie against Russia in their own backyard. Croatia have been the surprise package of the tournament so far this year and could very well march on to the final.
Uruguay
Worrying news coming out of the Uruguay camp that Edinson Cavani could be out after straining his hamstring. In Cavani’s absence Uruguay will look to Barcelona man Luis Suarez to advance in what will be a hard game against a hungry French side.
Sweden
Sweden have been hard working and strong so far this tournament and they will need to draw on their togetherness as they face England on Saturday. Two injury concerns for the Swedes are Ekdal and Durmaz, both of whom will face late fitness tests to see if they can make the game.
Belgium
Belgium stunned the Japanese last week with a monster comeback from 2-0 to win the game in normal time, a result which will have pumped belief into the side. No injuries for the Belgium side and competition for places after impressive performances by Fellaini and Chadli, will give them a great deal of motivation ahead of their tie with Brazil.