Senegal’s hopes of climbing out of Group A have taken a massive hit before the first ball has been kicked in Qatar, with the World’s 2nd best player (according to Ballond’Or rankings) Sadio Mane ruled out through injury.

Though the inclusion of their star forward would have been elementary against the Dutch, who are short odd favourites to top the Group after going undefeated across their last 15 outings (11W,4D).

The Oranje have reached the Semi-Finals in 5 of their last 8 World Cup appearances and should get their 2022 campaign off to a faultless start against the Lions of Teranga.

The US of A enters the Qatar World Cup via direct qualification, after finishing third in the CONCACAF group behind Canada and Mexico!

Meanwhile, Wales finished 2nd behind Belgium in their European group and were forced to see off both Austria and Ukrain in knockout fixtures to secure their 2nd trip to the World Cup Finals.

The Red Dragon come into this fixture off the back of a poor run of international friendlies, losing three straight to the likes of Netherlands, Belgium, and Poland, though they can take solace in the fact that they were within a goal of drawing each of said fixtures.

Meanwhile, the States are also winless in 3, drawing against both El Salvador and Saudi Arabia, while losing 2-0 to Japan.

The last side to defeat Wales in a World Cup fixture was Brazil in 1958, courtesy of a Pele goal.

The USA has failed to win all of their last 9 World Cup matches against European sides, while Wales has lost just once in their last 7 fixtures against non-European outfits.

All things considered, I can’t understand why Wales is priced as $3.10 outsiders, though I’m more than happy to take on the market.

The Group C action gets underway with a real David vs Goliath fixture.

Unfortunately for Saudi Arabia, in this story, David doesn’t have a slingshot and Goliath is Lionel Messi and co!

Argentina is currently on a 35-match unbeaten run dating back to 2019, and has won their last 5 straight fixtures leading into this comp to nil!

Alternatively, Saudi Arabia has won once across their last 5 games (3D,1L) and has only managed to find the back of the net 4 times across 10 fixtures!

We’ll need to build a Same Game Multi to get any sort of value out of this contest, I’ve gone for an Argentine clean sheet, combined with at least two goals from the South Americans, one of which is courtesy of the GOAT.

Denmark embarks on their World Cup journey following an incredible run in their European Qualifying, topping their group with 9 wind from 10 games (1L), while keeping a UEFA-high 8 clean sheets.

They’ll take on Tunisia, who have failed to defeat a European outfit in the World Cup in 10 attempts (3D,7L).

Despite the Carthage Eagles arriving at this tournament in decent nick, I can’t see them stepping up against an extremely well-drilled Danish unit here.

Mexico and Poland face off in the 2nd Group C fixture, with this fixture likely to prove pivotal in the race to finish runners-up to Argentina in the pool.

Mexico comes into this tournament in red-hot form, losing just 2 of their 14 World Cup Qualifying fixtures (8W,4D), while going undefeated across their last 6 WC openers (5W,1D).

Alternatively, Poland required an elimination play-off fixture against Sweden to progress to Qatar, after finishing 2nd in their UEFA qualifying group.

Unlike Mexico, the Eagles have failed to win across their last 6 World Cup openers, failing to make it out of the group stage in their last three attempts.

I don’t want to over-complicate this one, Mexico to win at $2.50 looks like decent value.

France begins their World Cup defense against none other than the Socceroos!

Australia and France faced off in the group stage of the 2018 WC, on that occasion France narrowly got up 2-1 thanks to a late own goal from Behich.

Since then, Australia’s form has seemingly headed in one direction, down.

The Aussies were forced to play 2 knockout fixtures against UAE and Peru after failing to automatically qualify through our group.

France has been plagued with several injuries leading into this competition, with first-choice midfielders Kante and Pogba both ruled out before the comp, while Ballon d’Or winner Benzema tragically injured himself during a training session last week.

One man who will benefit from Benzema’s absence is Oliver Giroud, the former Arsenal and Chelsea striker is 2 goals shy of Thierry Henry’s French scoring record (51).

I can’t find it within myself to tip against the Aussies in the H2H markets, but I will back Giroud to slide one past Mat Ryan.

Croatia arrives in Qatar looking to go one better after finishing runners-up behind France in the 2018 Cup.

The Checkered Ones have not dwelled in defeat though, instead, they continued to improve, and are currently sitting top of Group 1 of the UEFA Nations League, above France, Denmark and Austria.

In fact, Croatia has only lost once across their last 15 internationals, keeping 8 clean sheets across the trip.

I’m backing Modric and his boys to make light work of the Moroccans here.

Germany begins the campaign for their 5th World Cup on Wednesday night (AEST) when they take on Japan.

The Germans cruised through their EUFA qualifiers, finishing with 9 wins and 1 loss on their way to the best record in Europe.

Though since qualifying, the 2014 champs have won just 2 of their last 8 internationals, failing to keep a clean sheet in 7 of those fixtures.

The Germans should be far too strong here, though I believe Japan has enough firepower to trouble Hansi Flick’s shaky defensive unit.

After finishing 4th in the Concacaf qualifiers, Costa Rica was forced to see off New Zealand in an elimination playoff fixture, ultimately booking their spot in the Group of Death!

They will face Spain in their opening fixture, who have won their last six contests against Concacaf outfits.

This pair has met 3 times previously, with all 3 fixtures seeing over 2.5 goals scored.

Opta has given Costa Rica a 9.8% chance of making it out of their group (lowest in the comp) and I can only see that number dropping even further following this fixture.

I’m backing the 2010 World Cup winners to make light work of their opponents here, winning by a comfortable margin.

Following Spain v Costa Rica, we are treated with another mismatch as Canada searches for its first-ever World Cup victory, as they prepare to step on the World stage for just the second time since Mexico 1986!

They’ll face a Belgium side that is looking to improve on the 3rd place finish in Russia 2018, though are fast running out of time with an aging squad.

One man who is aging like a fine wine is Kevin De Bruyne, the Man City maestro is currently leading the Premier League in assists, racking up 9 across 14 appearances!

Surprisingly, Canada finished top of the Concacaf qualifiers following a host of strong home performances, though Qatar’s scorching climate could not be further from that found in North America!

I’m backing Belgium to give the maple leafs a rude awakening here, with KDB’s fingerprints all over his side’s victory!

Switzerland charge into the World Cup in red-hot form, after topping their UEFA qualifying group ahead of the salty Italians, while going on to win their 3 most recent nation’s league games.

Meanwhile, Cameroon lost their two pre-cup warm-up fixtures to lowly ranks Panama and Jamaica, and look like heading towards their 8th straight World Cup defeat!

Granit Xhaka will captain the Red Crosses in his 3rd World Cup appearance, the Gunners midfielder is in career-best form at the moment, netting four times in the PL to help his side enter the break on top of the league.

I’m backing the Swiss to get up comfortably here, with Xhaka forcing at least 1 save from the Cameroonian keeper.

Uruguay and South Korea met in the 2010 World Cup, the Sky Blue won that contest 2-1, with none other than Luis Suarez scoring both goals for the South American outfit.

Suarez will lead the line once again, this time with Liverpool’s Nunes starting alongside him, posing a massive headache for the South Korean backline.

Uruguay are in incredible form at the moment, losing just one fixture this calendar year (7W,1D), and is looking to progress through to the round of 16 for the 4th consecutive time.

I’m backing another Suarez masterclass on the way to a Uruguay win here.

Ronaldo looks to put his Manchester United circus behind him as he bids to become the first-ever player to score a goal in 5 World Cups.

Portugal’s last 4 wins have been accompanied with a clean sheet, while scoring an average of 3.66 goals across the trip!

Meanwhile, Ghana has been in dismal form, finishing last in their African Cup of Nations Group, behind Morocco, Gabon, and Comoros!

Portugal is a star-studded outfit, even if Ronaldo’s poor form continues, the former European champs should see off the Black Stars with relative ease here.

Competition favourite’s Brazil takes on Serbia in a bid to win their first World Cup trophy in 20 years.

Brazil enter this tournament in sizzling form, winning their last 7 starts, outscoring their opponents 26-2 across the trip!

Though outgunned and outranked, Serbia has to be taken seriously here, the Eastern Europeans cruised through their UEFA qualifying group undefeated (6W,2D).

Led by Fulham’s big man Aleksandar Mitrovic, Serbia has scored 15 goals across their last six internationals and will fancy themselves here.

Neymar led Brazil in scoring during their qualifying campaign (8 Goals), I’m backing the mercurial striker to add to his World Cup tally on the way to a high-scoring victory for the South Americans.

Wales take on Iran in the first fixture of the 2nd round of the Group Stage.

Both sides will search for a result following disappointing first-up performances, Walse drawing to the Yanks, while England sent Iran to the shadow realm.

I like Walse straight up at $2.20 here, they outclass the Iranians in most positions across the trip.

Although, with both sides pushing for the 3 points on offer, we may be treated to an open, free-flowing encounter.

I’m going to Multi a Wales victory, with a goal from their talisman and a shot on target from the inform Iranian striker Taremi.

Qatar and Senegal enter this fixture off the back of 2-0 in the opening round, though their performances were starkly different, with the host nation failing to register a single shot on goal, while Senegal created far more chances than the Netherlands, only to lose out late in the tie.

In the absence of Sadio Mane, Ilmaila Sarr has shouldered the attacking burden for the Lions of Teranga, the Watford winger had 3 shots on goal against the Dutch and created 4 more chances for his teammates.

I’m expecting Senegal to work their offense through Sarr once again here, and the former EPL goal threat looks like great value at $3.20 to score anytime.

Meanwhile, at the top of Group A sits the Netherlands and Ecuador, who will trade barbs in the early hours of Saturday morning.

Both sides came through round one with a win and a clean sheet, though a repeat effort looks more likely for the Dutch who have won to nil in their last 3 fixtures.

Ecuador has failed to score in 4 of the previous 6 internationals, and although they put a couple past Qatar, they will find far more resistance from the likes of Virgil van Dijk and co.

The Netherlands is by far and away the best team in this group and should enter the round of 16 without conceding.

The Poms take on the Yanks in what should be a foregone conclusion.

England flies into this fixture off the back of a 6-2 drumming of Iran, with Bakayo Saka netting a brace, while Harry Kane turned provider, laying on 2 assists.

Alternatively, the States started strong against Wales, heading into the half 1-0 up, but failed to capitalise on their lead, ultimately conceding a late penalty and forfeiting 2 completion points.

The Three Lions have scored the opening goal in 5 of their last 6 games and I’m backing them to get off to another quick start here combined with Harry Kane opening his Qatar account.

This fixture shapes up as a must-win contest if either side holds any aspirations of progressing through to the round of 16.

One or both teams have failed to score in 15 of Tunisia’s last 16 international games, while 3 of the African side’s last 7 wins have finished 1-0.

Never outfit boosts much going forward, which has me leaning heavily toward a first-goal-wins type affair.

The Saturday action wraps up when Poland takes on national heroes Saudi Arabia!

The Saudis declared a public holiday following their side’s 2-1 defeat of Leo Messi’s Argentina.

Meanwhile, Poland played out a dull 0-0 draw against Mexico, with Robert Lewandowski missing a second-half penalty to give his side the W.

I believe Saudi Arabia will be over the moon with a point here, and will no doubt dig deep into their bag of sportsmanship tricks.

After blanking in their first contest, all the pressure lies on Poland to get a result here, I’m taking the Saudis to ride their current high and spring another upset.

France looks to all but seal their place atop Group D with a win over Denmark.

Though that might be easier said than done, with Denmark undefeated against the former Champs across the pair’s last 3 meetings (2W,1D).

In fact, Denmark has won their last two fixtures vs France and will offer a huge step up in quality in comparison to the Socceroos.

With Eriksen pulling strings through the middle, I believe this Danish side will be able to play through the French press and find the back of the net against their understrength defense.

I like Denmark at $4.80, but am more than happy to take the insurance of a draw as well for an even money return.

Argentina was on the receiving end of one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history when they well to Saudi Arabia last time out, though I expect this to be the exception to the rule, with Messi’s side winning 13 of their previous 17 matches, their quality will surely shine through here.

Lining up at the other end of the pitch is Mexico, a side that has lost 6 of their last 7 matches against Argentina and enters this fixture in relatively poor form (1W,1D,2L).

Argentina destroyed Mexico 4-0 in their last meeting, with Lautaro Martinez bagging a hattrick.

The Inter striker will be looking to make amends in this contest after having a pivotal goal disallowed via offside last time out.

I’m backing Lautaro to register his first-ever World Cup goal on the way to Argentina claiming all 3 competition points.

Japan surprised the wider footballing community in their opening fixture, upsetting 4x World Cup winners Germany 2-1 after trailing at the break.

Meanwhile, Costa Rica put in an embarrassing showing against Spain, suffering their heaviest ever World Cup defeat, going down 7-0!

Japan’s high-pressing style will likely rattle Costa Rica old guard, and although I can’t see them shipping another 7 goals, I do believe the Blue Samari will put them to the sword!

Belgium enters this contest leading Group F despite being completely outplayed during their meeting with Canada, and can count themselves lucky the Maple Leafs missed a pen chance.

Alternatively, Morocco looked resolute against Croatia, playing out a goalless draw which takes their unbeaten run to 6 matches (4W,2D) across all comps.

Belgium looks a long way off the side that finished 3rd in Russia 2018, their aging defense is a huge concern coming into a fixture against a side street ahead of Canada.

Morocco has a huge support base in Qatar, and despite drawing their first fixture, they played much better football than Belgium, as such I’m taking on the odds and backing them in for an upset here.

Croatia looks to improve on a disappointing 0-0 draw against Morocco in their opening fixture when they take on the 41st-ranked FIFA nation, Canada.

The Mapel Leafs are yet to register their first World Cup win from 4 bites at the cherry (4L), and will be ruing missed opportunities against Belgium, after failing to find the back of the net from 21 shots!

They’ll now be tasked with facing a side in better shape and form in Croatia, a side who are yet to lose their 2nd group stage fixture at a World Cup (4W,1D).

I can see Croatia winning this fixture to nil, though I’m more than happy to take above evens in the H2H market!

Spain and Germany meet in the most anticipated GRoup fixture to date.

Germany faces being eliminated from the Group Stage after a surprise defeat to Japan last time out, and will be feeling vulnerable coming up against a side that spanked them 6-0 in their last meeting!

Alternatively, Spain enters this fixture riding cloud nine, following their biggest ever World Cup victory in a 7-0 belting of Costa Rica.

Despite not scoring against Japan, Germany had a 3.3 XG, the most expected goals for a losing side since 1988!

Germany will need to push for a win here, as such, I can see this game opening up at both ends of the park.

Cameroon and Serbia both enter this fixture off the back of opening round defeats, with neither side finding the back of the net.

Serbia can take solace in the fact they lost to competition favourites Brazil, while Cameroon was comfortably bettered by Switzerland.

Serbia has a stacked team on paper, a team that came together to dominate EUFA qualifying, finishing their group undefeated (6W,2D) and claiming the top spot above Portugal.

Aleksandar Mitrovic will easily be the most dangerous man on the pitch, if he can transfer his Premier League form to the national side, then Cameroon are buckleys here.

Two sides with completely contrasting styles are set to meet in a pivotal Group H fixture.

South Korea are patient and calculating, solid in defense, and fierce in transition attack, while Ghana adopts a more gung-ho approach to their football, pushing forward in droves, leaving plenty of holes in the defense.

South Korea will back the defensive structures to absorb Ghana’s waves of offense, with the likes of Son Heung-Min to thrive off the counterattack.

I’m backing the AFC outfit to see off Ghana in what should be a thrilling contest from a neutral’s perspective.

After stealing a win against Cameroon in the opening g round, Switzerland now faces the frightening task of taking on competition favourites and 5x Champions Brazil.

The Canarinho are currently on an 8-game winning streak, with all but 1 of those victories coming with a 2+ goal margin, while a clean sheet accompanied 6!

Alternatively, Switzerland has only scored 2+ goals in 2 of their last 10 internationals, an area they’ll need to improve if they plan to hang with the Brazilians.

Despite missing Neymar through injury, Brazil will have too much firepower for the Swiss to contain and should win by 2+ here.

Portugal can secure their place in the round of 16 with a victory over Uruguay, as CR7’s side look to avenge their 2-1 defeat to the South Americans in the Russia 2018 quarter finals!

Uruguay’s defense has been elite of late, concerning just two goals across their last 10 internationals (7W,2D,1L), and have kept 5 consecutive clean sheets across the World Cup Group stages dating back to 2014!

These two sides are evenly matched, I can see them feeling each other out over the opening 60 minutes, before taking a few risks late in an attempt to secure a vital 3-points.

I’m backing the goals to arrive in the 2nd half of this contest, with either side capable of claiming the W.

The Netherlands just need a point here to secure their place in the round of 16, and should feel confident in doing so against the first-ever host nation to lose their opening 2 fixtures!

That’s right, Qatar is smashing records at their 1st ever World Cup, sadly, the host nation is clearly just making up the numbers at their own party.

The Dutch have lost just once across their last 25 internationals (18W,6D) and should breeze past Qatar here without conceding as much as a shot on target.

Ecuador also requires a point to progress through Group A, with their opponents Senegal sitting a point beneath them in 3rd.

la Tricolor are undefeated across their last 9 internationals, and have drawn 9 of their previous 13 fixtures, concerning over 2+ goals just once across the trip!

I’m backing Ecuador to put on another defensive masterclass and struggle the life out of Senegal here.

Barring a 4-goal defeat to the Dragons, England look set to progress through to the round of 16, though a win here will guarantee they top Group B.

Alternatively, Wales needs to claim their first-ever competitive victory over the Three Lions in order to progress through to the knockout phase.

England has rinsed the Dragons across all 6 of the pair’s meetings since the turn of the century (6W), outscoring their neighbours 11-1 across the trip.

I can’t see any way forward for the Dragons and expect them to go down in a heated contest.

Iran just needs a draw to write history by reaching the round of 16 for the first time ever.

Alternatively, the US requires a win to reach the knockout phase in their third successive World Cup appearance.

The Stars and Stripes will need to improve offensively should they wish to progress here, after managing just 2 shots on target across their opening 2 games.

Whereas, Iran has already found the back of the net on 4 occasions this World Cup, and absolutely dominated Wales last time out, letting 21 shots fly, 6 of which were on target.

I think that Iran has been criminally undervalued in the H2H market, I see them absorbing an early onslaught from the States before snagging a winner late.

Australia has a chance to reach the Round of 16 for just the 2nd time when they take the field against the more fancied Denmark.

A draw will likely be enough to see the Socceroos progress, barring a huge upset between Tunisia and France.

Denmark and Australia played out a 1-1 Draw in Russia 2018 Group Stage, a result which ultimately saw the Danish Dynamite move on to the knockout phase.

Graham Arnold will be aiming for a similar result here and is expected to instruct his side to build a wall in front of Mat Ryan’s goals.

Denmark hasn’t looked too dangerous moving the ball forward in their opening 2 fixtures, I’m expecting the Socceroos to put in a massive shift here and hold the Danes to a historic draw!

Meanwhile, it’s do-or-die for Tunisia when they take on Group leaders France.

Tunisia is just one of the few sides that are yet to score in the opening two rounds, a stat that doesn’t bode well when lining up against a nation that has netted 6 times already.

Of those 6 goals, Kylian Mbappe has his name next to 3, with the PSG winger proving unstoppable against both Australia and Denmark.

I’m backing France to fly through Group D with a perfect record, while Mbappe tightens his grip on the Golden Boot award.

A draw here would be enough to see Poland progress through to the Round of 16, though such a result will be extremely difficult to achieve against a side with the attacking caliber of Argentina.

Messi’s team will need to secure all 3 points to ensure their survival and Top the Group, with a Saudi Arabian victory against Mexico seeing them eliminated should they settle for less.

Poland has been heavily reliant on defensive prowess, shutting out their opponents in four straight games!

I’m expecting the Pols to hold resolute in defense until the break, with the relentless onslaught from Messi, Di Maria, and Martinez eventually overwhelming them late in the contest!

Saudi Arabia head into this fixture knowing a win will send them through to the Round of 16.

The Saudis turned the footballing world on its head by upsetting Argentina 201 in the Group’s opening fixture and can count themselves unlucky not to get a result against Poland after dominating for most of the fixture.

They’ll face a Mexican side who are yet to trouble the scorekeepers this tournament and have only managed 3 wins across their last 10 games in all comps!

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia has lost just 2 of their last 10 games and will head into this contest with far more hope and confidence than their opponents here.

I’m backing the Saudis to get at least 1 point out of this contest and potentially reach the knockout phase for the first time ever.

Canada is chasing their first win in six attempts at the World Cup Finals, as they prepare to take the field for the last time in Qatar.

They’ll be taking on a Morocco outfit who will be looking to record their 7th straight clean sheet and finish atop a stacked Group F.

Canada scored their first-ever World Cup goal last time out, though ultimately going down 4-1 to an inspired Croatian outfit.

I can’t see the Maple Leafs leaving with anything from this fixture, Morocco simply outclasses the North Americans at both ends of the park and should roll through the group stages without conceding.

The 2nd Group F fixture is a far more interesting encounter, with last World Cup’s runners-up and 3rd placed side likely vying for the other spot in the Round of 16!

A draw will be enough to see Croatia through, whereas a win is the only guarantee for their rivals, which could result in an open game here.

Despite being ranked #2 in the world coming into this tournament, Belgium’s form has left much to be desired, the Red Devils were lucky to escape with a win against Canada, before being thoroughly outplayed by Morocco last time out.

Cracks are beginning to form in the Belgium camp, with senior players turning on each other in the media.

Meanwhile, Croatia seems to be evolving as we head deeper into the World Cup, hitting the type of form which saw them nearly go all the way in 2018.

I’m taking Croatia to win here, while Belgium becomes the first big nation to bow out of the race.

Spain and Japan meet in a wild final round for Group E, with all four teams with a chance to progress through to the Round of 16.

La Roja requires a point to escape the Group, though a loss may see them through thanks to the massive goal difference they amassed against Costa Rica.

Alternatively, the Blue Samurai will be ruing a disappointing showing against the Costa Ricans last time out, now needing a win against a far superior side.

Spain has lost just once across their last 13 games (9W,3D), with 7 of their 9 wins accompanied by a clean sheet!

Japan will be remembered for their massive upset against Germany in round 1, but that’s where their fairytale ends, I’m backing the Europeans to top Group E with a convincing win here.

Germany kept their World Cup dreams alive with a late equaliser against Spain last time out.

Meanwhile, Costa Rica blew the group wide open, upsetting Japan 1-0, giving both themselves and Germany a shot at progression.

Despite securing a point, Germany was largely horrible against Spain, seeing just 36% of possession.

Germany has conceded in 9 of their last 10 fixtures across all comps and in 5 straight World Cup fixtures since defeating Argentina 1-0 in the 2014 Final.

I’m backing the Germans to claim the much needed 3-points in what should be an open affair!

This is a must-win contest for Uruguay, as both sides compete for a spot alongside Portugal in the Round of 16.

Ghana has been on both ends of two high-scoring fixtures, going down 3-2 to Portugal before claiming a massive 3-2 win over Korea!

Alternatively, Uruguay is yet to score this tournament, though they can count themselves unlucky after hitting the woodwork 3 times.

The Sky Blues have relied heavily on their defense thus far, but I’m expecting them to throw caution to the wind here and go shot for shot with this excitement machine that is Ghana.

I’m backing the overs to salute here, but this fixture is a strong candidate for a goalscoring Same Game Multi, keep an eye on Nunes and Kudus.

Portugal enters this fixture having already qualified through to the final 16, with a point enough to secure the top spot in the group.

Meanwhile, South Korea requires a win and Ghana to drop points against Uruguay to progress.

These two sides met back in the 2002  World Cup with South Korea jagging a 1-0 victory.

I’m expecting Portugal to do a “France” here and rotate their entire squad ahead of the Round of 16, giving South Korea a real chance of sneaking out of this group!

A draw here will likely see Switzerland progress through Group G behind Brazil.

The Swiss have lacked a lot of firepower in front of goal this tournament, though their defensive dominance has laid them in good stead.

Meanwhile, Serbia has leaked a group-high 5 goals across their opening 2 fixtures, leaving them in need of all 3 points here.

Serbia has lost just 1 of their last 16 appearances against European opposition (11W,4D).

If Switzerland sit on their heels and plays for the draw, I fear the aerial threat from Mitrovic and the dynamic midfield pairing of Tadic and Milinkovic-Savic will prove too much to hold out.

I’m backing Serbia to lift in this one and find a way to progress to the knockout phase for the first ever time.

Brazil are set to take on Cameroon in the last Group fixture of the 2022 World Cup.

The Brazilians have already secured their place in the Round of 16, while Cameroon requires a win and other results to fall their way.

I’m expecting Tite to make a raft of changes to Brazil’s starting 11 as they prepare for a tough R16 fixture.

That being said, Brazil easily has the most talented squad in the comp, with the likes of EPL stars Jesus, Martinelli, and Antony looking to get a call-up here.

Brazil hasn’t lost to an African nation in 19 years and has scored 3+ goals in 5 of their last 7 fixtures against the AFCON sides.

I’m backing the competition favourites to top Group G with a perfect record, seeing off Cameroon in a high-scoring fixture.

The Netherlands head into the Round of 16 after topping Group A with 7 points (2W,1D), conceding just 1 goal, while finding the back of the net 5 times.

Meanwhile, the USA also went through Group B without defeat (1W,2D), with a 0-0 draw against England a standout result!

The Dutch have been in incredible form of late, going undefeated across their last 18 games (13W,5), with many if not most of those fixtures coming against far more accomplished sides than the Stars and Stripes.

At just under even money, the Netherlands winning this fixture in regular time is a no-brainer for me.

The match we’ve all been waiting for!

🇦🇺 Australia vs Argentina 🇦🇷

🐐 Messi vs Leckie 🐐

Argentina topped Group C with 6 points despite losing their first match against Saudi Arabia in what has been described as the biggest upset in World Cup history!

Australia also finished the Group stage with 6 competition points, though they were pipped to the top spot by France on goal difference alone, largely due to their 4-1 defeat to the current champs on matchday 1.

This represents just the 2nd ever appearance for the Socceroos in the Round of 16, formerly going down at this stage 1-0 to eventual champs Italy in ’06.

Despite being outgunned across the pitch, Graham Arnold will have his side prepared for everything Argentina will throw their way.

The Socceroos will only have to look back as far as the Saudi v Argentina match to draw inspiration and hope from, with pure hunger, desire, and work rate enough to dethrone even the best of sides!

As a passionate Australian, I would love to jump on the Aussies @$14 in the H2H market, though as a punter I cannot advise others to do the same.

Instead, I’ll be tipping the Socceroos to continue their run of 3-straight games of finding the back of the net, by backing both teams to score.

The French squad enters this fixture well rest after naming their 2nd team to face Tunisia in their final Group fixture.

Alternatively, Poland can count themselves lucky to be in the Round of 16, progressing on goal difference thanks to an injury-time consolation goal to Saudi Arabia against Mexico.

Concerningly, the White and Red have only managed to register 5 shots on target across their 3 pool fixtures, while scoring just 4 goals over their last 7 internationals!

I’m backing the current champs to race through to the quarter-finals by a 2+ goal margin, with Kylian Mbappe to add to his 7 World Cup goals, 3 of which have come in this comp.

Is it coming home?

England cruised through to the Round of 16, topping Group B with 2 wins and a draw, and are currently co-top scorers in the comp with 9 goals.

Meanwhile, Senegal required a win in their final fixture to sneak through Group A in 2nd behind the Netherlands, in so, becoming just the 3rd African nation behind Nigeria and Ghana to make the knockout phase of the comp.

Despite scoring 9 times, it’s been the Three Lions’ defense that has stood head and shoulders above the rest of the comp, conceding just 5 shots on goal across their 3 group fixtures!

I’m backing the Poms to progress through to the quarters in comfortable fashion here, with Pickford claiming another clean sheet.

Japan is set to take on Croatia after upsetting Germany and Spain on their way to topping Group E!

Meanwhile, Croatia snuck through Group F with just 5 points (1W,2D), with Belgium bowing out early.

Concernedly, Croatia only scored against Canada during the group stage, with their stubborn defense earning them draws in the other 2 fixtures.

I’m backing this to be another low-scoring affair, with the winner to be crowned via over time or pens!

Group G winners and competition favourite Brazil looks to take another step toward their first World Cup title since 2002 when they take on South Korea.

South Korea scraped through Group G on goals for, after finishing tied on 4 points with Uruguay.

Brazil has defeated South Korea in the pair’s last 3 meetings,s outscoring the Asia side 10-1 across the trip.

The Braliz have kept a clean sheet in 10 of their last 18 games, and with their starting XI rested last time out they should be fresh and raring to go here.

I’m backing Brazil to breeze past a South Korean outfit that played the grand final against Portugal last time out.

After knocking off Belgium and topping Group F, Morocco has been rewarded with a Round of 16 match-up against the 2010 World Cup winner, Spain.

Spain was pipped by Japan to the top of Group E, following their 2-1 defeat to the Blue Samurai in the final fixture.

Similar to Croatia, Morocco has relied heavily on their defense to progress to the knockout phase, conceding just once across their 3 group fixtures, with no other side boasting a better defensive record.

I’m backing another cagey affair in across the opening 90mins, with this fixture to be decided in Extra-time/ Pens.

With Messi and Argentina already through to the quarterfinals, Ronaldo has no choice but to drag Portugal in behind them.

Despite losing their final group fixture, Portugal finished top of the pile in Group H and looked dominant with their strongest 11 on the pitch.

Meanwhile, Switzerland finished a strong 2nd in Group G, seeing off both Cameroon and Serbia.

Neither side has looked defensively assertive across the group stage, though I’m backing Portugal’s stacked forward line to outgun their European opponents here.

Both Brazil and Croatia meet in the quarterfinals after seeing off Asian outfits in the Round of 16.

Croatia was forced to play 120+ minutes of football, following a 1-1 stalemate during regular time, with the result eventually decided via pen, with Dominik Livaković becoming just the 3rd keeper to make 3 saves in a World Cup shoot-out!

Alternatively, Brazil was met with far less resistance, easing their way past South Korea thanks to 4 first-half goals, affording them the opportunity to rest key players in the final 45 minutes.

Brazil has won the last 3 meetings against Croatia, keeping two clean sheets across the trip.

While I’m not expecting this to be a walk in the park for the South Americans, I do believe they’ve got a few more gears to go to in this competition and should get the better of their fatigued opponents here.

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Neymar $2.15

The Netherlands meets Argentina for the fourth time on Football’s biggest stage, with the last two fixtures finishing 0-0 during regular time, while their last three H2Hs across all comps have seen under 1.5 goals scored.

Both sides enter the quarterfinal in incredible form, the Dutch are undefeated across their last 19 internationals (14W,5D), while Argentina has lost just once in their last 40 starts (29W,10D)!

Despite both outfits possessing a wealth of attacking talent, I believe this fixture will be won at the other end of the park.

Both teams have secured 4 clean sheets across their last 6 matches, and at $7, backing the pair to playout their 3rd straight 0-0 draw seems like a worthwhile play.

Morocco became just the fourth African nation and the first Arab country to reach the Quarterfinals of the World Cup. when they stunned Spain in the Round of 16!

The Atlas Lions’ success has been built off the back of their defense, conceding just once during their 4 WC fixtures (own goal), while they have kept 7 clean sheets across their last 8 internationals!

Alternatively, it has been Portugal’s offensive power that has seen them progress through to the final 8, scoring 6 goals against Switzerland in the Round of 16, to go with the 6 they accumulated in the Group stage!

This fixture will be an interesting conflict of styles, Morocco has been more than happy to sit back and welcome the opposition into their half before hitting hard on the counter.

I’m backing the African nation to hold resolute for the opening 45 minutes, before Portugal eventually pick them apart in the closing stages of the match.

The Quarterfinals are wrapped up with a colossal contest between England and France.

This is the first time these two sides have met since 2017, with France winning 4 of the previous 6 H2Hs (1D,1L).

While England has looked fantastic in Qatar, winning 3 of their 4 fixtures (1D), scoring a competition high 12 goals, and conceding just twice, they are yet to face a top 15 ranked nation.

Meanwhile, France has looked fairly comfortable thus far, seeing off both Denmark and Poland on their way to the quarters, with Kylian Mbappe leading the way with 6 goals.

I think the lack of quality faced by the Three Lions has lulled them into a false sense of security, I can see the likes of Mbappe, Griezman, Giroud, and Dembele running riot against Maguire and co.

I’m backing the current Champs to progress here.

Argentina and Croatia both meet in the 2022 World Cup Semi-finals after progressing through the quarterfinals via a penalty shootout!

Argentina avoided an embarrassing defeat after leading 2-0 late in the game, before the Dutch pulled out their best Brunley impersonation, pinning back 2 goals by throwing on tall timber Wout Weghorst and bombarding in long balls and crosses!

Meanwhile, Croatia did pull off the perfect snatch and grab against competition favourites Brazil. The Vatreni repelled wave after wave of Brazilian onslaught, with their keeper making a record 11 saves, while the Europeans found an equaliser in extra time with their first and only shot on target!

Croatia has cheated death one too many times in this tournament, the Vatreni has only won 1 of 5 fixtures (4-1 v Canada) on the road to the Semis, seemingly happy to grind their way to pens.

Alternatively, Argentina has grown stronger as the tournament has progressed, mostly due to the exploits of one man, with Messi scoring 4 goals across 5 WC games, while netting an incredible 14 times over his last 9 internationals!

I’m backing the GOAT to make a run for the gold boot as he carries Argentina to their first final since their heartbreaking defeat to Germany in 2014!

Everyone’s 2nd team, Morocco has continued their fairytale World Cup journey, upsetting Portugal on the way to becoming the first-ever African nation to book their place in the WC semi-finals!

Astonishingly, Morocco has achieved this feat without conceding a goal via an opposition player, keeping clean sheets against Belgium, Spain, Portugal, and semi-finalists Croatia!

Meanwhile, current champions France are yet to keep a clean, instead relying on the attacking exploits of Giroud, Griezmann, and Mpabbe to fire them out of trouble.

I’m backing Morocco to dig their heels in once again, keeping the likes of Spain and Portugal scoreless is no mean feat, and I believe they have the ability and ticker to keep this one tight.

There are no prizes for 2nd, so why on earth are we playing for 3rd?!

Croatia and Morocco both look to put their semi-final heartbreak behind them, as they compete in the 3rd place play-off.

Croatia was absolutely picked apart by Lionel Messi, as the GOAT scored the opener before laying on a magical assist to Alverez to put the game out of reach at 3-0.

Alternatively, Morocco put up a valiant fight against the much more fancied French, putting the current champs on the back foot for much of the contest despite having an injury-ravaged squad.

Morocco left everything on the pitch against the French, their squad is both physically and mentally wiped, while Croatia has far more depth to call on.

I’m backing the European outfit to come out swinging after their embarrassing showing against Argentina, ultimately finishing on the podium in two straight World Cup appearances.

The Big Dance is here!

France is attempting to become the first nation to win back-to-back World Cup trophies since Brazil in 1958 & ’62.

Meanwhile, Argentina is looking to claim its first trophy since 1986 and exercise the demons from their 2014 Final defeat to Germany.

Both sides suffered defeat in the Group stage of the competition, France going down 1-0 to Tunisia after resting the majority of their starting XI, while Argentina was surprised by Saudi Arabia on match day 1!

Since match day 1, Argentina has gone from strength to strength, with Messi (5) and Alverez (4) leading the line to great success, scoring 9 goals between them, while Messi has laid on another 3 assists.

French pair, Mbappe (5) and Giroud (4) have also combined for 9 goals this tournament, with not only the Jules Rimet Trophy up for grabs but also the Golden Boot and Golden Ball on the line!

While both sides have looked threatening going forward, Argentina has looked more assured in defense, keeping 3 clean sheets compared to 1 from the French.

On paper, it’s undeniable that France has more talent and depth across most positions on the park, but what they don’t have is the greatest player of all time and 10 blokes willing to lay their lives on the line for him!

Messi has already announced that this fixture will be his last for Argentina at the World Cup, his teammates and every Argentinian man, woman, and child will be doing their all to ensure the great man gets his hands on this elusive trophy.

I’m backing Messi to come up clutch as he has done on so many occasions in the past, scoring his 6th goal in Qatar and leading his side to World Cup glory!