Kiwi Pick: 🇫🇷France 2–1 Morocco 🇲🇦 A rematch of the 2022 semifinal—France won that one 2–0. This French side looks like the most complete team left in the tournament: 14 goals scored, just 2 conceded, with Kylian Mbappé leading the way on 7 goals as he chases a historic back-to-back Golden Boot. Morocco aren't a fairy tale anymore. They're unbeaten in their last 10 matches and cruised past Canada 3–0. But losing Amir Richardson? Wait—more importantly, they're without Sabiri, who had been thriving as a false nine. That takes away a key attacking outlet, leaving much of the creative burden on Ounahi and Hakimi down the flanks. Morocco will defend deep and look to counter, but France simply have more quality across the pitch. Prediction: France advance. The gap in class should be enough—but Morocco will make them work for every minute.

Kiwi Pick: 🇵🇹Portugal 2:1 Croatia 🇭🇷 (Portugal wins after extra time) The last dance of two former Real Madrid CF legends — 41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo and 40-year-old Luka Modrić. Neither side has looked fully convincing on the way here. Portugal smashed Uzbekistan 5-0, but their other performances were mostly flat and uninspiring. Croatia barely scraped past Ghana through pure grit. Portugal have the deeper squad and a more solid defense, conceding almost nothing in the group stage. But Croatia’s specialty is dragging stronger teams into those painful, exhausting final moments where everything gets messy.

Kiwi Pick: 🇧🇷Brazil 2–1 Japan🇯🇵 Five-star Brazil against a disciplined Japan. Brazil’s firepower is stacked — Vinícius Júnior has scored in every game and already has five goal involvements this tournament, while Matheus Cunha has three goals in two matches. Raphinha is out with a hamstring issue, but 19-year-old Rayan Vitor Simplicio Rocha steps in, and Neymar is still waiting on the bench. The depth advantage is massive. Japan are the real dark horse. They beat Brazil 3–2 in a friendly last year (though Brazil rotated heavily at the back), and they’re unbeaten in their last 10 with only seven goals conceded. Their 3-4-2-1 low block and counterattacking setup can frustrate anyone. But this time, Takefusa Kubo is out with a knee injury, and captain Ko Itakura is doubtful — a big hit to their creativity and defensive stability. Knockout football is about margins. Japan can stay in it and probably nick one, but Brazil’s quality should make the difference. Backing Brazil. Japan can hang with anyone — but Vinícius Júnior punishes the one mistake you can’t afford.

We are back with the game. Kiwi's Pick: South Korea 🇰🇷 Score: 2-1 The Czech Republic’s injury list looks like a system failure. Missing their keeper (Jaroš), defenders (Zima, Chaloupek), engine (Provod), and forwards. It's a disaster. South Korea is only missing Hwang In-beom. The Son + Kim Min-jae core is fully online. Intact squad > Depleted squad. The math is simple. Let’s see if my algorithm goes 2/2 today. 👀🔮 #TopNodMillionCup#