Braeburn's World Cup Blog - Quarter Finals - Day 1.

Is it possible to overdose on football? Can one have too much of a good thing? Perhaps it is the enforced break? Two days of watching tennis, a gentle sport, that makes the thought of more football today feel like a double-edged sword. With tennis, you switch on, idly pick a player that you would like to win (after all only weirdos have favourite tennis players, right?), and then relax, dosing in and out of sleep as the ball thwacks backwards and forwards across the net. There is no wondering who England might play in the unlikely event that they don't blow it against the Swedes tomorrow night, just pure simple sport. Polite ripples of applause, Pimms, strawberries, it is all just a bit more civilised and much less stressful. Or perhaps my nerves are still shredded from Tuesday night and the thought of more of the same is just a little bit too much to bear.

Luis Suarez will be looking to fire Uruguay into the last four later.

Image

I wonder how fans of Uruguay, France, Brazil and Belgium are feeling today. In nine days time one of these four teams will be in the final of the World Cup, today two of them will advance to the semi-finals, the other two will go home.

Uruguay take on France in the afternoon game and it is hard to argue that the South Americans have not been the most consistent team in Russia. Four wins, only one goal conceded, they have the look of a team that means business. In the last sixteen, they faced their stiffest test so far but dispatched Portugal with the minimum of fuss. I was not alone in expecting a niggling and bad-tempered encounter but the Uruguayans kept their collective heads, it was as straightforward a 2-1 win as you could imagine. France were less impressive in the group phase, doing just enough to get through in top spot. However, when they were tested they too responded admirably, Kilian Mbappe signalling his arrival on the world stage and doing for Argentina.

Bravo. Looks nice at the tennis, doesn't it?

Image

Later on, Brazil versus Belgium has the potential to be the best game of the tournament. If either side fires they could win comfortably, if both are on song then it could be an absolute barnstormer. Brazil's matches have followed a pattern so far. Possession has been dominated for large periods without really threatening the opposition goal. Yet they have consistently found a moment of magic, normally late in the game when I have almost been put to sleep. The frustrating Neymar and Co have not yet faced anything like the array of attacking talent Belgium will throw their way tonight. Japan gave Robbie Martinez's side a real scare in the second-round but from 2-0 down they found a way to win. Much like England's penalties against Columbia that will have spread confidence throughout their camp, a belief will be growing that this could be their year.

Can the tactical genius that is Roberto Martinez do for Brazil?

[Image}(https://www.90min.com/posts/6106692-roberto-martinez-urges-fans-to-carry-on-believing-in-his-belgium-side-after-dramatic-win-over-japan)

On paper, Brazil and France would surely be favourites to go through but the paper has been wrong throughout this competition. My instincts tell me that Uruguay v France will be a tight affair, short on chances, but don't ask me who will win. Brazil v Belgium could be full of goals but again choosing a winner seems pretty much impossible. Which two teams will face off in Saint Petersburg on Tuesday night for a place in the final? I genuinely have no idea, it is a mystery that I cannot begin to solve. Anyone for tennis?

And please enter Round 5 of my World Cup Prediction Contest where you can win guaranteed SBD!

For a ton more World Cup content then just check out my blog, yeah?

https://steemit.com/@marcusbraeburn