Quarterfinals beginning today France to face Uruguay & Brazil to play Belgium

At 3.75, Brazil are the out and out favourites to win the World Cup and 2.62 to reach the final. They can't afford any hiccups like that against the Brazilians, whose backline should make the difference in this game.

So when is the 2018 World Cup final? And if yes, who do the fans root for now? "In every World Cup, we expect some upsets and this edition has no dearth of that", states 23-year-old footballer Michael Soosai Raj.

When is the World Cup 2018 final?

Didier Deschamps is yet to get the best from this talented group. Mexico flattered to deceive after a promising start to their campaign, in which they beat defending champions Germany in their opening match.

It's what Croatia has done - or hasn't - in the four World Cups since that debut which has created the shadow this team plays under.

Prior to the World Cup, all eyes were on Emil Forsberg to deliver for Sweden, and he has not disappointed so far. Uruguay will take on France, Belgium will play Brazil, England will face Sweden and host nation Russian Federation will be up against Croatia.

But Russia themselves also had just one shot on target in two hours of football and needed two saves by their goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev in the penalty shootout to advance to the last eight and send the country into a soccer frenzy. Now, is the time for the rest of the teams to shine. Yes, Romelu Lukaku remains the biggest attacking threat for Roberto Martinez, but with so many attacking threats it is almost impossible for Brazil to hone in on just one Belgian player. "I like Neymar. So, my vote goes for Brazil". But sadly, they're already out of the World Cup.

"I am preparing my team for if Cavani plays", Deschamps said, although he suggested Uruguay were keeping their cards close to their chest: "If he plays or not, I will only know 90 minutes before the game". Oscar Tabarez has been there so long, and these players have played in so many past finals together, that the unity in the team is supremely strong. Get past France, and they could be unbeatable.

The thing that impressed me most about England against Colombia was the way they stood up to the provocation they faced. I feel it's going to be France. They play like they have nothing to lose. Relying on the counter will be a far more hard approach for France in this match; they'll need more out of the likes of striker Antoine Griezmann, whose only goals thus far have come from the penalty spot. There will be no other game in the competition with as much attacking talent on display. But that wasn't there this time.

Shiven: This is definitely the best tie of the quarter finals.