Sensations await in the World Cup last-16 stage as five-time champions Brazil are sensationally predicted to be dumped out of the tournament by plucky Norway. Football pundit Chris Sutton has delivered his explosive forecast, one that's already sent shockwaves through the football world and left fans scrambling for their calculators.
Sutton's prediction is a 2-2 draw after extra time, with Norway progressing via penalties - a verdict he believes will be settled in favour of the Norwegians. He points out Brazil's woeful record against European teams in knockout rounds, citing their trend of being knocked out by the first European team they face at every World Cup since 2002. With concerns also raised over Brazil's midfield stamina, evidenced in their recent drubbing by Japan, Norway's historical unbeaten record against Brazil becomes a significant factor in Sutton's verdict.
The England-Mexico showdown is shaping up to be one of the most mouth-watering clashes of the tournament, and Sutton's prediction hints at a battle royale for Gareth Southgate's men. While the details are yet to be fully revealed, the context suggests it won't be an easy ride for Three Lions. Meanwhile, Paraguay - who famously sent Germany packing in the previous round - face a daunting task against favourites France. Sutton tips Les Bleus to stroll to victory with a 5-0 scoreline, hinting that Paraguay's giant-killing run might come to a crushing end.
Morocco, who stunned the Netherlands in their opening match, are tipped by Sutton to keep their dream alive and deliver a knockout blow against Canada. He predicts a narrow but decisive 2-0 win for Morocco, backing them to be serious contenders all the way to the final if they can keep their momentum going.
Sutton's accuracy rate stands at a respectable 61%, with 54 out of 88 matches correctly predicted so far - just pipped by both the public (70%) and AI (63%). But will his World Cup wizardry pay off in the last-16 stage, commencing this Saturday, June 4th?