Final Eight: Quarterfinals Take Center Stage
The bracket has shed its slack. Surviving giants arrive hardened: Udi City’s free-scoring form, DeDonnys’ extra-time grit, Rahat’s knack for late control, Albisrieden’s clean-sheet march, and the ever-clinical Fight United Elite. With margins tightening, set-pieces, benches, and game management loom as tie-breakers.
Matches today & what to watch out for:
Albisrieden have stacked back-to-back shutouts (1–0, 2–0), while Goldstar have quietly posted three straight wins without conceding from open play (2–0 at Espongis, then 2–0 at Dinny). Swiss control vs. Belgian punch—first goal feels decisive.
Fight United survived UC Real Lima in extra time and then edged a penalty duel; fast n fit dumped Mighty Bears on spot-kicks after two narrow wins. Two sides comfortable in late drama—discipline and stamina could swing it.
DeDonnys have twice gone beyond 90’ and advanced, hinting at depth. Tiquanda have been stingy—eliminating Seher Bosna and then GialloRossi in extra time. Expect a territorial chess match with few high-quality chances.
Udi City have opened the throttle (4–1, then 4–0). Rahat’s pathway has been tighter, riding control and timing to see off Veltins. If Rahat slow the midfield, they can drag Brazil’s favorites into a grind.
The bracket has a tidy balance: tradition (RC Kouba), form teams with statement road wins (Olympique de Saubusse, Union Atletico Falcón), a high-ceiling Swedish Academy, and punchy spoilers (Sasboys, Beringen). The fourth round tightened the field—penalties and extra time featured heavily—so margins should be razor-thin again.
Matches today & what to watch out for:
Sasboys keep finding answers in late-game phases and edged Black Panther 3–2. Kouba have lived on control and nerves of steel, twice advancing after 0–0s. If it’s cagey, the Algerians will fancy another grind.
Saubusse have stitched consecutive extra-time wins with three goals scored in Bosnia. Borsholm-Skibstrup just blasted F.C.PRETOR 4–1 away after a 5–3 earlier round. Tempo vs. tempo—whoever handles transitions better should move on.
Falcón travel well (1–0 at MEWA after a string of sturdy results). HAŠK’s 2–0 in Montevideo was composed and clinical. Midfield duels and rest defense will shape this one; a single lapse could decide it.
Academy overturned NY Cosmos in the U.S. and blanked Aira 3–0 away—form looks slick. Beringen arrive off authoritative wins in Greece and Norway. Width and pressing traps on both sides—expect chances, but not chaos.
