Swindon going Football Crazy as World Cup Enters the Knockout Stages

It only seems a matter of days since we published our World Cup preview. Yet here we are at the end of June, with the groups all but decided and the knockout stages ahead. Over recent weeks, Swindon residents have been throwing themselves head-first into the special carnival atmosphere that only a football World Cup can bring.

Here, we take a look at what is to come, including some of the key matches that you can’t afford to miss, along with how to watch them.

The story so far

Before the first World Cup match had even kicked off, there were three main themes. Germany and Brazil were seen as the team to beat and the strong bookmakers’ favourites come away holding the FIFA World Cup aloft. England were apparently no-hopers who would do well to reach the knockout stages. And Lionel Messi would be the star of the event and made Argentina a tantalising outside shot. What are the experts and bookmakers saying now?

It is fair to say that things have not gone entirely as predicted so far. When Mexico beat Germany in their opening match, it was the first of several surprises, and it took some last-minute heroics to squeeze past Sweden. But nothing could prepare the world for the shock defeat to South Korea that saw the defending World Cup holders bundled unceremoniously out at the group stage. Brazil are through, but also had a shaky start with a draw against Switzerland.

England might not have been truly stretched yet, but they have looked a strong and cohesive unit, and it’s been enough for bookmakers to shorten the odds of them winning the tournament from 16/1 to 9/1. Argentina, meanwhile only scraped through to the knockout stages thanks to a nervy win against Nigeria.

Upcoming games you mustn’t miss

28 Jun: England v Belgium: England are through, but their final group match has plenty resting on it. This will be the first real test against high-quality opposition, and it will also decide whether they play the winners or the runners up from Group H in the first knockout match. Kickoff is at 7PM, and the game will be live on ITV1.

30 Jun: France v Argentina: As we’ve already noticed, things are not going to plan for Argentina, and they came dangerously close to elimination at the group stage. Concerns over the health of legend Diego Maradona have added to their woes. France, on the other hand, gives the appearance of a team that is playing well within itself, and is a firm favourite to win the encounter. Nevertheless, the emotion of recent events both on and off the field could galvanise the Argentina team, and this is without doubt the biggest showdown in the round of 16. It’s at 3PM on Saturday, and the weather in Swindon is set fair, so fire up the barbecue and invite some friends round!

01 July: Spain v Russia: This will be an historic match in every sense. It is the first time Russia has made it beyond the group stages in the post-Soviet era, and to do so on home soil makes it doubly special. Given Germany’s departure and Brazil’s less than convincing form in the group stages, Spain are now the favourites with many of the bookmakers, so it will be a huge upset if Russia can somehow advance further. One thing is for sure, the support from the fans will act as an extra man on the field, so if you love fairytales, those 6/1 odds for a Russia win might tempt you to part with some money! This one is at 3PM on Sunday, don’t miss it.