Sweden vs Switzerland:
Two perennial hegemonies, and both broadly moderate, but the Swedes probably need the win more to fend off the Swedish Democrats.
Colombia v England:
Compared with a newly-elected right winger who wants to tear up a peace treaty, even May has to get the nod here.
Quarter-finals:
France v Uruguay:
Macron has moved increasingly to the right since his election, while Frente Amplio have engaged in significant social reform, so Viva Uruguay!
Belgium v Brazil:
A centrist committed to the European project versus an unelected president who has aimed to disqualify his greatest rival, so a clear Belgian win.
Russia vs Croatia
Bosnia has had to deal with Croatian nationalism in the past, but practically a walkover faced with Mr Putin.
England v Sweden:
A comfortable triumph for the Scandinavians.
Semi-finals:
Uruguay vs Belgium:
Neither are particularly offensive, but the former take it due to former President Mujica living on the average industrial wage.
Sweden v Croatia:
The social democrats defeat the conservatives with a questionable heritage.
Final - Uruguay v Sweden:
With Sweden drifting to the right in recent years, the Uruguayans appear to have the government that most merits a World Cup victory.
Two perennial hegemonies, and both broadly moderate, but the Swedes probably need the win more to fend off the Swedish Democrats.
Colombia v England:
Compared with a newly-elected right winger who wants to tear up a peace treaty, even May has to get the nod here.
Quarter-finals:
France v Uruguay:
Macron has moved increasingly to the right since his election, while Frente Amplio have engaged in significant social reform, so Viva Uruguay!
Belgium v Brazil:
A centrist committed to the European project versus an unelected president who has aimed to disqualify his greatest rival, so a clear Belgian win.
Russia vs Croatia
Bosnia has had to deal with Croatian nationalism in the past, but practically a walkover faced with Mr Putin.
England v Sweden:
A comfortable triumph for the Scandinavians.
Semi-finals:
Uruguay vs Belgium:
Neither are particularly offensive, but the former take it due to former President Mujica living on the average industrial wage.
Sweden v Croatia:
The social democrats defeat the conservatives with a questionable heritage.
Final - Uruguay v Sweden:
With Sweden drifting to the right in recent years, the Uruguayans appear to have the government that most merits a World Cup victory.
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