World Cup Update: Brazil to beat Norway, can England beat Mexico?

Mexico has the firepower to trouble England in their round of 16 clash on Monday. Can the 3 Lions rise above the challenge to near second Wo...

Mexico has the firepower to trouble England in their round of 16 clash on Monday. Can the 3 Lions rise above the challenge to near second World Cup in 60 years? (Photo credit: Opta)

The round of 16 at the World Cup has already taught us a few things that could point to where the title might land in two weeks.

France labored past Paraguay on Saturday night, a game that proved to us that Les Bleus aren't only about beautiful football; they can also get their hands dirty when the need arises. Paraguay defended resolutely and never cared about possession; France responded accordingly.

In the earlier game, Africa recorded its first quarterfinal representative, with Morocco outclassing one of the hosts. Canada matched the intensity of the Moroccans in the first half but failed to stay in the game in the second half as the Atlas Lions ran out 3-0 winners.

Losing Saibari to a hamstring problem earlier in the game didn't do much damage to the Moroccans as a new hero emerged in Ounahi. Morocco got to the semifinal four years ago, with France waiting as an opponent in the last 8, can Morocco do it again?

On Sunday, we will witness two significant fixtures. Brazil rose to the occasion despite the fierce competition offered by Japan in the round of 32. With Norway poised to challenge and Vinicius Junior facing off against Manchester City's Erling Haaland, what can we anticipate??

Brazil has a proven track record of improving with each game in major tournaments. The Selecao wasn't exactly impressive during the group stages and needed a late push to outlast Japan; now they must rise against the Vikings, who will be pumped for this one.

Watch out for the clash between Haaland and Gabriel Meghalaes. The duo never stops going hard on each other; it's a huge opportunity to take the rivalry to the World Cup. It will be an interesting watch on Sunday. Who will take this one?

In the early hours of Monday, England will take on co-host Mexico. Amazingly, Mexico has yet to concede a goal at the ongoing tournament. Will Harry Kane's firepower breach the Mexicans' defense? Or will the hosts find a way to send home Thomas Tuchel's side?

Once you get to the knockout phase, we can expect anything. The 3 Lions haven't been swashbuckling in this tournament, and that explains why Mexico can be hopeful of a result against them. It will be fierce, it will be keenly contested, and we will enjoy every bit of it.

Key battles will be in the midfield, where we don't know whether Declan Rice will continue or be rested. The Arsenal man has played so many games, you can tell he's burning out. Arsenal must be worried about the start of the new season.

Mexico will hope to take the battle to England while preparing for moments of magic from England's individual players. Tuchel could do well to play only two of Jude Bellingham, Elliot Anderson, and Declan Rice to accommodate creative players like Ebere Eze or Morgan Rodgers.

The game between England and Mexico will interest a lot of people for many reasons. The 3 Lions have made the last 8 of the last two tournaments; beating Mexico could improve their chances of winning the title for the first time in 60 years, but will Mexico let them?