Bracketology: Brazil, France, Portugal, Germany, Argentina could land on same side
With just three days remaining in group play at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, the last-16 picture is beginning to look extremely lopsided.
That's because depending on what happens from Tuesday through Thursday, a slew of stacked squads that are rich in footballing pedigree could find themselves on the same side of the knockout-stage bracket.
(Photo courtesy: Planet Futbol)
It's a distinct possibility that heavyweights France, Argentina, Brazil, and Germany - plus either Belgium or England - could join Portugal and Uruguay on the difficult side of the bracket. Here's how it could all play out:
Group A winner vs. Group B runner-up
Portugal's last-second draw with Iran on Monday means the Euro 2016 holder finished second in Group B and next faces an enthralling clash with attack-heavy Uruguay, the Group A winner.
Related: As it happened - A timeline of the wild events in Group B
The two sides have never played each other at the World Cup.
Group C winner vs. Group D runner-up
With France appearing set to take Group C honours, Les Bleus will likely face whichever of Argentina, Nigeria or Iceland finishes second in Group D, as Croatia is almost assured of maintaining the top spot.
Related: Musa stars as Nigeria lifts last-16 hopes, helping Argentina's odds
If Lionel Messi and Co. can beat Nigeria to snatch the second position, La Albiceleste's would face France looking to reach the quarters for the fourth time on the spin.
Group E winner vs. Group F runner-up
Unless Brazil slides to second in Group E courtesy of a poor result against Serbia and a good showing for Switzerland versus Costa Rica, the five-time winner would likely face defending champion Germany, which currently sits second to Mexico in Group F.
Related: Permutations aplenty - What each team needs to progress to the knockout round
Germany has progressed to the last eight or further in each of the last nine World Cups, while Brazil has done so in the last five quadrennial contests. A rematch of the 7-1 drubbing in Belo Horizonte would be the marquee match of the last 16.
Group G winner vs. Group H runner-up
With Belgium and England set to battle for Group G honours in Kaliningrad on Thursday, the winner of their quartet will face a Group H side that's impressed so far in this World Cup, with Senegal, Colombia, and Japan all in play.
Related: Why fair play rules, or drawing of lots, could decide Group G winner
The Three Lions and the Red Devils will enter Thursday's clash level on each of the first five tiebreakers, meaning FIFA Fair Play could determine the group winner in the event of a draw.
(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)