
World Cup Knockout Stage: Predictions, Stars and Surprises
Predictions highlight France’s dominance, Messi’s legacy, and potential shocks like an early U.S. exit, while fan cultures from Argentina, Scotland and Ecuador add vibrant energy.
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Wataru Endo across Football, Soccer.

Predictions highlight France’s dominance, Messi’s legacy, and potential shocks like an early U.S. exit, while fan cultures from Argentina, Scotland and Ecuador add vibrant energy.

With Carlo Ancelotti at the helm, Brazil aims to overturn a prior loss to Japan while navigating a depleted squad and historic connections through Zico.

Brazil and Japan meet again in the World Cup’s second round, this time with Ancelotti’s side aiming to overturn a 3-2 loss while Japan contends with key injuries.

Brazil and Japan meet again in the World Cup’s opening knockout stage, a rematch that revives a rivalry shaped by Zico’s legacy, key player comebacks, and divergent preparation paths.

The Athletic’s daily World Cup predictions blend expert insight with a playful competition, recapping Matchday 9’s key results and previewing the decisive fixtures of Matchday 10.

Japan held the Netherlands to a 2-2 draw after twice falling behind, showcasing mental strength and teamwork. Debutant Koki Ogawa's late header secured the equaliser, while a video message from injured captain Wataru Endo inspired the side.

Japan’s second‑half resurgence forced a 2‑2 stalemate with the Netherlands, a result that highlighted both teams’ strategic adjustments and the tournament’s growing competitiveness.

From Morocco’s pulsating draw with Brazil to Australia’s shock win over Turkey, the latest predictions weigh Germany’s confidence against Curacao, preview a tight Netherlands‑Japan clash, and highlight Ivory Coast’s defensive duel with Ecuador, while Sweden eyes a must‑win against Tunisia.

Japan's newly appointed skipper Ko Itakura plans a squad-wide meeting to calm nerves, stress defensive fundamentals and leverage his prior World Cup experience ahead of the tournament opener against the Netherlands.

The Japanese national team arrived in Nashville for World Cup preparation, holding an open session at Geodis Park and planning a prolonged stay at Nashville SC's facility while targeting a historic advance past the round of 16.

Former captain Maya Yoshida will support Japan's squad during a pre‑tournament camp in Monterrey, bringing his North American experience to a team preparing for the World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

Japan secured a 1-0 victory over Iceland in a friendly ahead of their opening World Cup match against the Netherlands on June 14, with manager Hajime Moriyasu overseeing a high‑tempo send‑off.

Japan’s national team opened its 2024 World Cup preparations in Chiba, featuring Ayase Ueda, Ritsu Doan, Kaishu Sano, Maya Yoshida and other European-based stars ahead of a North American tour.

Mohamed Salah, who will leave Liverpool at the end of the season, has demanded a tactical overhaul under new coach Arne Slot, urging the club to reclaim its high‑energy style and secure Champions League qualification.

Salah’s critique of Liverpool’s recent performance, his call for a return to a ‘heavy metal’ style, and his announced exit after the upcoming match have sparked widespread discussion among players, management and fans.

Injured winger Kaoru Mitoma misses the roster, while captain Wataru Endo and veteran Yuto Nagatomo earn spots. Japan opens its tournament against the Netherlands on June 14, hoping to surpass the round of 16 for the first time.