Here’s a look at Monday’s World Cup matches:
Round of 16
Japan vs. Croatia, 10 a.m., Fox
Japan is looking for its best ever result at a World Cup, which it would achieve with a win over Croatia and a trip to the quarterfinals. Croatia, which was a finalist four years ago in Russia, struggled to get its offense going for stretches during the group stage, but made it out thanks to two 0-0 draws and a 4-1 win over Canada. The coastal nation has an aging team, but midfielder Luka Modric is one of the best in the world and there may be another run the Croatians.
Croatia’s Luka ModricAPBrazil vs. South Korea, 2 p.m., Fox
Neymar’s status is the big story in this one, as the superstar forward may be available for Brazil after suffering an ankle injury early in the tournament. As always the Selecão are one of the heavy favorites, but South Korea should be a formidable test. Hwang Hee-chan’s 91st-minute winner against Portugal got South Korea out of the group stage in dramatic fashion. Is there another upset victory in the cards here?
