The final day of the World Cup last 16 concludes with two matches involving the defending champions, an African power making a historic run, an underrated European outfit demonstrating consistency in a major tournament once again and a South American team growing into their role as dark horses.
Argentina were given an almighty scare by Cape Verde in the last 32, but survived to set up a meeting with Mohamed Salah’s Egypt who are on their best-ever run at a World Cup. The Pharaohs should take some inspiration from how close Cape Verde came to knocking out Lionel Messi and Co.
Switzerland and Colombia have both flown under the radar to this point, but could match their best-ever showings at a World Cup by making the quarter-finals. Whichever team emerges from their meeting in Vancouver will be labelled a dark horse.
Here is your complete guide on how to watch today’s World Cup games, including kick-off times, broadcast networks and online streaming options.
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Argentina v Egypt
Time (ET): Noon
Stadium: Atlanta Stadium
How to watch
United States: Fox / Telemundo (Stream on Fubo)
Canada: TSN (Stream)
United Kingdom: ITV1 (Stream)
Australia: SBS (Stream)
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What to watch for
Cape Verde exposed some of the weaknesses in Argentina’s setup in the way they showed fearlessness in bringing the ball forward on the counterattack. Egypt will aim to play in a similar fashion and so the 2022 World Cup winners must do more to control the game, in and out of possession.
Egypt squeezed past Australia in a penalty shootout to set up a last-16 meeting with Argentina. Salah and Omar Marmoush give the seven-time African champions a genuine threat in quick transition. Emam Ashour also deserves to be highlighted as a player who could impose himself on this game.
Player to watch: Lionel Messi, Argentina – The Goat is always worth watching. Even at 39, Messi has reminded everyone at this World Cup of his match-winning quality. He is defining another major tournament.
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Switzerland v Colombia
Time (ET): 4pm
Stadium: BC Place Vancouver
How to watch
United States: Fox / Telemundo (Stream on Fubo)
Canada: TSN (Stream)
United Kingdom: ITV1 (Stream)
Australia: SBS (Stream)
What to watch for
Switzerland’s World Cup campaign changed the moment Johan Manzambi came off the bench in their group stage against Bosnia and Herzegovina, electrifying a forward line that was in need of an individual difference-maker. Manzambi has been one of the most exciting players to watch at this tournament.
Colombia haven’t always been exciting to watch in their four games so far, but Néstor Lorenzo’s team have a lot going for them. They have dangerous wingers, an energetic midfield, a reliable centre-forward and two full-backs who get forward at will. Colombia should be taken seriously.
Player to watch: Luis Díaz, Colombia – The Bayern Munich winger is Colombia’s primary threat in the final third, not only offering a goal threat, but setting the tone for his team in the way he presses from the front and always puts in 100% effort.
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