We’ve got some mouth-watering games coming up.
The big hitters have found a bit of form in this knockout stage of the competition after a couple of them clawed their way out of the group. I’ve been impressed with quite a few of the teams I’ve seen in the Round of 16.
NETHERLANDS VS ARGENTINA
The Netherlands have set themselves up for a tie against Argentina.
The Dutch really went to work on the USA, winning 3-1. It could have been a bit tricky if Pulisic had finished his chance early on. I always felt that even if he scored, the Dutch would have had enough quality.
There was a bit of a flow about them and confidence in the way they played. Depay coming back in. He’s getting fitter and fitter as the minutes go by, and he’s got his goal as well. They’ll be disappointed that they conceded, but they looked really good.
There seems to be a team spirit as well. You can see them when they got back to the hotel; Val Gaal was hugging the players and doing a little dance as he got it. That suggests that all is well in the Dutch camp.
As for Argentina, I was at the game. I’m a little bit concerned about their right-hand side to, be honest. Rodrigo De Paul really didn’t play too well down that right-hand side, but when you’ve got someone like the magician Messi – anything can happen at any given moment.
He literally strolls around the ground, just waiting for the opportunity for the ball to drop to him in a nice area, and then he’s just at a different level.
One thing they have got is a really good fan base over here in Qatar. They make a lot of noise, and they’re really vocal in the stadium. That really helps them, and plays as a 12th man.
It’s going to be tough to call this one. They’ve got a bit of resilience and toughness about them, Argentina. That’s what might give them an edge against this Dutch team. I think they can nullify the likes of De Jong and Depay. I think they’ve got enough in that area. When they need a bit of quality in front of goal, Messi can light it up. Julián Álvarez has found a bit of form as well. He’s got a bit of goals in this competition as the go-to centre forward.
I’m going to go for an Argentina win, 2-1, against the Netherlands. Scorer for Argentina, Álvarez. He’s just got a bit of pace about him and a bit of hunger and desire. I think he gets into that final third, and he can cause havoc.
- Argentina to win is available at 11/9 (2.22).
- Argentina to win 2-1 is available at 8/1 (9.00).
- Julián Álvarez to score is available at 9/5 (2.80).
ENGLAND VS FRANCE
England have not really been tested.
I think we built the Senegal game up as a bit of a banana skin, but in all honesty, Senegal ran out of steam more than England played well. Once England got the goal they settled down. They did make hard work of it.
Senegal could have gone 1-0 up if not for a really good save from Jordan Pickford to keep it at 0-0.
England then get the goal, and then get a second. They made light work of it. They were tested at the back a little bit. Harry Maguire’s pace worries me quite a bit. England play with a high line and with the French coming up, they’re a different animal than any team England have faced. This is the real deal for England. The real test for them.
So Kylian Mbappe, how do you stop him? I’d pray for an injury to be honest. That’s the only way he’s not going to perform. This is his stage and he’s absolutely on fire.
His goal against Poland were wonderful. He gets into good areas and isolated Cash. 1 on 1 situations, he comes out on top more often than not. Two fantastic strikes.
Giroud is also playing his part. Those two have struck up a really good relationship. You’ve got Griezmann sitting behind, pulling the strings and putting in a shit. Like the Dutch, it seems to be a very happy camp – something we don’t usually say about the French in these competitions.
I was a little bit worried about France going into the World Cup without Kante and Pogba, but Rabiot and Tchouaméni have been doing a really good job. At the back they’ve got quality and options. They rested players in the last group game and there was a freshness about their performance against Poland.
For England, I really struggle. I don’t think Kane is on top form. I think Jude Bellingham has been the standout player of the tournament. He’s been absolutely fantastic and if England are going to get anything out of this game, he needs to step out again – which he can do. He’s the threat for France.
I just think that France have got too much for England in all areas. I’m going to go with France to win 3-1. I’m going to go with Griezmann to get on the scoresheet this time!
- France to win is available at 22/15 (2.47).
- France to win 3-1 is available at 18/1 (19.00).
- Antione Griezmann to score is available at 11/5 (3.20).
CROATIA VS BRAZIL
Croatia made hard work of it last time out. They looked like they ran out of steam.
It’s been a tough tournament for them. Players are ageing and time is catching up with them. The compactness of the competition, they’re playing games in a much shorter space of time and they’re not really getting a chance to recover.
I thought Japan were excellent. Surprise package to get out of the group by beating Spain and Germany. They’ve done wonderfully. They’ve become the darling over here. Just the way the fans conduct themselves. Always cleaning up after themselves. They make a lot of noise in the stadium and they’re so nice to be around.
It was a disappointment to go out on penalties and in the manner which they did. There were three poor penalties. I think nerves took over and they just couldn’t it get over the line.
Croatia have been here before. They went a goal down and they should resilience to get back into it. Japan should have been out of sight before they gave the Croatians the opportunity. It sets the tie up nicely for Brazil.
Brazil had the luxury of resting nine players in the last group game, and wow, they just blew South Korea away. They were absolutely outstanding. Neymar was back in the team and they looked a different animal. When he’s in the team he’s infectious in the way he plays. His movement and his touch in and around the box. All the players light up when he’s on the ball.
They’ve gone back to that Brazil of ‘82 and ‘70. They’ve got that flair and their performances are reflecting that. What a result 4-1. The manager was dancing!
It’s been a big talking point the dancing, whether it’s been respectful or not. Listen, you got to respect the Brazilian culture. They love dancing and the kids are gonna love it. Everyone is dancing with them. They played in that yellow kit and blue shorts – it was great to see.
I can’t see Croatia going any further in this competition. This is Brazil’s to throw away. It’s all down to them and what they want to do. They should go on and win it from where they are at right now. Especially with Neymar back!
I can’t see anything other than a Brazil win. I’m going to go with Brazil as 3-0 winners, and I’ll go with Richarlison to get on the scoresheet again!
- Brazil to win is available at 13/33 (1.39).
- Brazil to win 3-0 is available at 35/9 (4.90).
- Richarlison to score is available at 11/10 (2.10).
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