OPINION: The World Cup quarter-finals are upon us with some mouth-watering fixtures set to take place.
We pick the brain of Newshub's football nutters to find out how they see the weekend playing out.
France vs Uruguay
Chris Forster: RadioLIVE sport editor - Uruguay
The supremely talented French team finally hit their straps in the round of 16 comeback to bury a dysfunctional Argentina side.
But they'll have their work cut out against the tiny South American nation, who for decades have been the great over-achievers at the global tournament.
They've got a near impenetrable defence that will take every bit of French ingenuity to unlock.
Top that with the lethal strike combo of Edison Cavani and Luis Suarez and Uruguay can find a way to advance to the semi-finals.
Ben Francis: Newshub sport digital producer - Uruguay
I will pick Uruguay to win this one, if Edinson Cavani plays. He has been great on attack while the South American nation's defence has been remarkable.
Michael O'Keeffe: Newshub sport reporter - France
France seem to have hit their straps after their electric comeback win against Argentina, and have been building nicely throughout the tournament.
Uruguay's defence is as stodgy as stale porridge, but I think France will have too much firepower for them.
Brazil vs Belgium
Ben Francis - Belgium
Brazil are the favourites and understandably so, but I would like to see Belgium advance. They have the talent and it is about time they delivered with the players at their disposal.
Henry Rounce: RadioLIVE sport reporter - Brazil
I still fancy Brazil. They're building nicely and even though they're up against this so called 'golden generation' Brazil have a couple of stars themselves.
The fleet-footed Brazil attack will be too quick for Belgium's tall timber at the back.
Brazil 2-0.
Michael O'Keeffe - Belgium
Brazil easily tamed the threat of Mexico in their most impressive performance to date, but I still have my doubts.
Belgium have the skills to tear their defence apart, and Lukaku's scoring goals for fun.
England vs Sweden
Chris Forster - England
Even this team's greatest knockers would have admired the way they overcame Colombia's ratty tactics.
They also learned how to put away teams with penalties, which could be important against the defensively minded Swedes.
Gareth Southgate is a likable guvnor, and it would be nice for this bunch of Englishmen to keep the dream alive for another couple of days (at least).
Michael O'Keeffe - England
Only just though. It's going to be a horrible, nervous game for their fans.
Sweden are more than capable of an upset, but I just can't see them scoring goals. This one has extra time, and penalties, written all over it.
Henry Rounce - England
The reaction that has surfaced after England's win has got me wanting more. Sweden will be no easybeat though.
A poor record that has only seen the Three Lions beat the Swedes once in eight competitive matches show that. A set piece goal from England will see them through.
England 1-0
Croatia vs Russia
Ben Francis - Russia
Simply because they are the team I drew in both the Newshub sweepstakes!
Chris Forster - Croatia
Russia are riding a wave of positivity as the hosts of a lively, multi-cultural tournament. Putin will be proud. Very proud.
But reality will sink in for a limited team against the classy and vastly experienced Croatian side, who will need to lift from their scratchy display against the Danes last time around.
There will also be an uncontrollable urge to setup a winnable semi-final against England or Sweden.
Henry Rounce - Croatia
Croatia's star midfield will need to step up after going hiding in their last game against Denmark. I think they'll be too strong for a Russian side whose dream run ends here.
2-0 Croatia.
Michael O'Keeffe - Croatia
Russia's fairytale run has to end at some point.
With Rakitic and Modric pulling the strings and controlling the tempo for Croatia, they'll have enough to grind past the niggly Russians.
