Area experts pick the Saturday quarterfinal games

Our panel of local soccer experts/fans picked the first round of quarterfinals. I will post the results after the quarterfinals but over a third picked both games correctly, another group picked one of the two results correctly and just two got both wrong. If it were easy to pick the winners, everyone would be doing it.

On to the next round of quarterfinal games….

Sweden vs England – Take your pick…Youth or experience? Manchester City stars or Krasnodar’s finest? The Three Lions or The Team Whose Lion is in LA? More importantly, IKEA or Harrods? You can’t have both. Many think IKEA is affordable and functional in a simplistic sort of way. Harrods, normally known for luxury might be looking to reshape its outdated reputation with a more youthful approach. Our panel went big for England, with 21 picking The Three Lions to advance, with just 7 expecting the Swedish to keep fishing. The Swedish lineup is full of seasoned veterans, most of which ply their trades in stepping stone clubs like Krasnodar or even MLS’s Seattle Sounders. The English roster (ironically with the exception of Ashley Young) features a more youthful (and recognizable) look with most players already established at English destination clubs (Manchester City, Spurs, etc) and others ready to make that move with a good showing in Russia.

Picking Sweden

Crystal Chaidez
Kelcey Chaidez
Vinnie Cortezzo
Marcus Ziemer
Benjamin Ziemer
Gabby Ziemer
Roy Vega

Picking England

Tim Maycock
Mike Friesen
Kai Edwards
Jeremy Gunn
Andrew Ziemer
Ian Mork
Emiria Salzmann
Matt Bernard
Andy Farrant
Don Shaffer
Sally Ziemer
Ely Ziemer
Renee Ziemer
Kevin Christensen
Gabe Rood
Marty Kinahan
Joe Hunter
Lee Summerscales
Chris Daly
Margi Osmundson
Antonio Garcia

I’m riding the England bus for this one.

Russia vs Croatia – Pundits say Russia is playing with house money. Others might suggest they are playing with Putin’s money as Russia’s entire starting lineup in their penalty kick win against Spain plays with Russian clubs. Croatia on the other hand has players sprinkled across Europe at some of the top clubs and at times have looked like a leading candidate for a first time champion to be crowned in Russia. Clearly Croatia impressed our team with 26 picking them to win (all but two) while a brave duo was willing to go with the home field advantage and epic upset by doubling down with Russia. So is what you are telling me is there is a chance…