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I feel like better teams are going to next rounds all around. Luck isn't something very influencing in this tournament. If this trend goes on Brazil will very likely bring world cup to their home. I don't think Croatia can go to next round. There is huge power difference between them.
I also want to watch Brazil against Portugal soon. Their match can be the most enjoyable match in whole tournament. Cristiano Ronaldo is key player tho.

It was quite surprising to see that Portugal was able to win with a landslide score from Switzerland and it seems that Portugal didn't need to worry when Ronaldo was no longer defending their national team because new talents kept popping up in Portugal. Brazil is a strong team but Croatia can trouble them in this quarter-final if the Croatian defense can keep out the attacks from the Brazilian attackers it is very possible that it will go to extra time but penalties I don't think I can't remember when Brazil faced that.

After yesterday's closing 1/8 games, I have another team that I think is a contender for the final - Portugal. I also was surprised by their excellent performance against Switzerland. Haven't seen Portugal play like that in a long time. As for Brazil and Croatia, I think Croatia will lose in regulation time. Most likely the game will not come down to a penalty shootout. It's hard to call Croatia a semi-final contender at the moment.

I have always know Portugal was a good team. They have very good squad that are balanced all round. They have a good midfield, good defense and good attack. Ronaldo was a hindrance to their fluidity because he doesn't press and when he gets the ball he can't do much with it. Don't get me wrong, if he gets the ball in a good position, mostly inside the box, he might score but the opponents know this so they'll surround him and make sure he doesn't get the ball in the box. Most times they don't even let him go to the box. If he stays upfront without pressing the team suffers. It was evident yesterday. He's a great player that has achieved so much but if Portugal are to reach the final they have to bench him.

Yes, Ronaldo is a great player in the Portuguese team and is captain for a reason, but I agree with you that his time has probably come to an end. In this championship, Portugal have shown new players in the national team, due to which the team is playing well so far. The last time Portugal achieved first place in the European Cup was in 2016. After that, I do not remember any major progress. It will be interesting to see what they can do in this World Cup.