Decision Day is here, and the final 16 competitors in the FIFA 18 Global Series Xbox Playoffs are set to duke it out in the bracket for prize money and top seeding for the eWorld Cup Grand Final. Sporting KC pro Alex “Alekzandur” Betancourt talked about his dominant group stage performance, his tight Round of 32 win over Schwenker1991, and his 2018 World Cup predictions. 

EA SPORTS: What do you think about the tournament so far?
SKC Alekzandur: The setup is going great, it's been organized really well. I've been performing out of my mind. 6-1, that's the best record. Third seed out of 32, qualified to the [FIFA eWorld Cup Grand Final]. So, it's been good.

EA: You picked up your sixth win at the very end of the group stage, how did it feel to land in that exclusive club at the end?
SKCA: It was sick, because I know I've been at that level. But I feel personally like I've been underperforming, now I feel that I've reached my potential.

EA: What was your toughest match so far?
SKCA: There have been a lot of really close matches, but I think it'd have to be the 3-1 [where I qualified] for the knockouts against Hashtag Ryan.

EA: What about playing Ryan was especially tough?
SKCA: It was neck-and-neck the entire time, until the 80th minute I scored the winner and sealed it up. It was very good.

EA: How do you feel about your Round of 32 match?
SKCA: It was against Schwenker1991 and it was incredibly stressful. We had the heart rate monitors on, you could see us both just pounding away. 

EA: And what about your Round of 16 match?
SKCA: It's against Denuzzo, the Italian. He's a great player, but at this point everyone is a great player.

EA: Have you done any preparation for the match?
SKCA: I was just planning now, watching his game against [Hashtag] Ryan in the Round of 32 to see if I can get any of his moves down.

EA: You're pretty confident going into today. Is there anything specific that's gone your way or choices you've made that have been particularly effective?
SKCA: In my previous events, I've gone for more of a possessive style, waiting my opponent out and waiting for an opening. But for this one I've been going straight for them. I think I've shown my confidence and everything has gone well.

EA: Which of your players has been the most effective in the tournament?
SKCA: Definitely Prime Ronaldo. That card is incredible. I scored three goals with him in one match, it's incredible.

EA: Few Americans have made it this far, do you guys have an underdog mentality in this tournament?
SKCA: Yeah, it's insane. In my 1-1 matchup against Snip, he's from Finland I'm pretty sure, he was telling me before the game because we're good friends, he was thinking in his hand “oh, I'm playing an American, this should be easy.” So that's how they think, the Europeans, because they know that their an echelon above us. It's great to be the only American that's representing right now.

EA: Does that give you a bit of a chip on your shoulder?
SKCA: All of the other Americans are friends of mine. Unfortunately a lot of them missed out, so I'm carrying the torch. 

EA: Sporting KC has been pretty supportive, how does it feel to represent a team like that on this level?
SKCA: It's crazy. If you would've told me like three years ago that I'd be representing my hometown club, I'd be like “what are you talking about?” But it's crazy, I'm very proud and they've been very supportive. Good all around.

EA: Now that you've qualified for London, is your mind on that or is it on the rest of this tournament?
SKCA: Right now it's on the rest of this tournament, because I have like two months until London so plenty of time to practice and prepare for that. Right now, I'm ready to hopefully make it farther and get some more money in the pocket.

EA: Any predictions for the 2018 FIFA World Cup?
SKCA: There are a lot of good teams. If I had to put money on it, I'd have to say Spain. I think they'll come back.

EA: What about a Golden Boot winner?
SKCA: You always want to say Ronaldo or Messi, but in World Cups they don't always show up like that. I'm going to have to say somebody like Thomas Müller.

EA: Any other thoughts on the rest of this tournament today?
SKCA: I just hope to put on a good show and perform. 

Make sure to subscribe to the EA SPORTS FIFA YouTube Channel, Twitch Channel, Twitter, and Facebook so you don't miss any of the action live from Amsterdam. You can also check out the full schedule, including dates and times, on our schedule page.

Plus, discover extended coverage including exclusive, behind-the-scenes content live from Amsterdam on Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat.