That sets up knockout round matchups of Senegal vs. Iran, United States vs. the Netherlands, Denmark vs. Poland, Argentina vs. France, Germany vs. Canada, Belgium vs. Spain, Brazil vs. Ghana, and Uruguay vs. Switzerland. I see Senegal being the surprise of the tournament, a composed squad that isn’t truly tested on the world stage but has all the pieces to be successful. I believe Senegal will be the only team not from Europe or South American to make the quarterfinals.

The Netherlands ends the United States run in the Round of 16, putting into question the long-term plan of Gregg Berhalter. Denmark and Argentina easily win their first knockout games. Germany gets a stiff test from Canada but advances as well. Somehow, Spain plays into the role of the underdog and upsets Belgium, while Brazil and Uruguay round out the quarterfinalists.