Extra Time podcast: Predicting the semi-finalists at World Cup 2018

In this episode we look back at the surprises from the second-round action in Russia and preview of the four quarter-finals.

Harry Kane and England got past Colombia in the second round. Can they defeat Sweden to reach the semi-finals? Predictions on all four quarter-finals on the Extra Time podcast. Dan Mullan / Getty ImagShow more

The 2018 World Cup enters the quarter-final stage on Friday as the eight remaining nations aim to keep their tournament hopes alive. In this Extra Time podcast, Steve Luckings and Jon Turner preview the quarter-final match-ups and predict which nations will reach the final four.

Listen below, and subscribe to Extra Time for free on Apple Podcasts.

France and Uruguay contest the first of the quarter-finals, pitting one of the World Cup's most fearsome attacks against its meanest defence. That is followed by Brazil v Belgium in what could prove the match of the round as Neymar and Eden Hazard attempt to guide their respective sides into the semi-finals.

On Saturday, it's the turn of Sweden and England, with the latter booking their place in the last-eight with a first World Cup penalty shootout victory. Concluding the quarter-final fixtures will be Russia against Croatia as the hosts aim to keep the home fans celebrating.

____

Read more:

World Cup 2018 quarter-final predictions: Neymar's Brazil end Belgium hopes

Ian Oxborrow: Is England's Harry Kane the world's best penalty taker?

Analysis: Belgium will need to emulate Martinez's Wigan in World Cup quarter-final against Brazil

Neymar: The World Cup's most theatrical player - in pictures

The worst XI players at the 2018 World Cup - in pictures