England are likely to face Brazil and Argentina on their route to a potential World Cup final should they overcome Mexico in the last 16. The two South American powerhouses are favourites to defeat Norway and Egypt in their respective knockout ties, which would place Carlo Ancelotti’s side in the quarter-finals and the reigning champions in the last four.
Lionel Messi and Co. would also need to navigate past either Switzerland or Colombia to face the Three Lions — assuming they beat Mexico and then Brazil or Norway — in the semi-finals. Argentina are the favourites to do precisely that, yet were given an almighty fright in the round of 32 when their clash against Cape Verde went to extra time.
Messi struck a stunning opener before Deroy Duarte equalised to force an additional 30 minutes beyond normal time. Manchester United‘s Lisandro Martinez netted what he and many others believed to be the winner, only for Sidny Cabral to find the top corner with a breathtaking strike.
However, Cristian Romero headed home the decisive goal midway through the second period of extra time. Lionel Scaloni’s side are consequently set to face Egypt, who earlier defeated Australia on penalties, in the last-16.
In the build-up to and during that contest, reports emerged that FIFA were considering moving the kick-off time of England vs Mexico forward due to adverse weather conditions, before the plan was swiftly abandoned. Elsewhere in England’s half of the draw, Norway and Brazil eliminated Ivory Coast and Japan, respectively, both courtesy of late winners.
Colombia secured the final last-16 berth with victory over Ghana. Jhon Arias put the South Americans ahead inside the opening 15 minutes and, with the African side struggling to fashion clear-cut opportunities, Colombia progressed on the back of a narrow 1-0 triumph.
Switzerland await them in the next round after their commanding 2-0 victory over Algeria. The victors of that encounter will face either Argentina or Egypt. On the opposite side of the draw, France take on Paraguay, Morocco clash with co-hosts Canada, Spain and Portugal meet in what is arguably the standout tie of the round, while the USA face Belgium.
Didier Deschamps’ side are firm favourites to reach the final, with Argentina appearing their most probable opponents — until their shortcomings were ruthlessly exposed by Cape Verde. A stoppage-time goal also sent Brazil through at Japan’s expense, meaning the prospect of facing both South American giants represents a nightmare outcome for Thomas Tuchel’s side.