FIFA World Cup Tips and Previews, Quarter Finals
Croatia vs. Brazil
December 10
It’s been a topsy-turvy World Cup for Croatia, but they have made it through to the final eight.
Having finished second in 2018, the bulk of this Croatian squad knows what it takes to get past this stage, but they have a mammoth task ahead of them. They have a strong attack consisting of Ivan Perisic and Andrejs Kramaric, with Luka Modric setting up the drive from the midfield. There are some issues in defence with Josip Stanicic no certainty to return from injury. His absence would open things up for a dangerous Brazilian attack, with Richarlison, Neymar and Junior just some of the players who could take advantage.
Brazil has been exceptional so far and is showing no sign of slowing down. The ghosts of the 2018 quarter-final exit are a distant memory now, and they should win this.
SUGGESTED BETS:
Brazil to win at $1.30
Richarlison first goal scorer at $4.30
Neymar any time goal scorere at $2.10
Netherlands vs. Argentina
December 10
Argentina is one of the highly-fancied tournament favourites but is yet to take on a team with the talent and depth of the Netherlands.
Cody Gakpo and Memphis Depay have been dominant for the Dutch, relishing any open space they can get and could pose a danger early on. There is some genuine self-belief in the Dutch team, with a win or a draw in each of their past 18 games, and they are in good shape to challenge here.
But to do so, they need to nullify the incredible Lionel Messi, who has had a big impact in each game. He will most likely be the danger man again, with support from the returning Angel Di Maria and fellow scoring threat Lautaro Martinez.
Argentina seems on the verge of something special and should be able to withstand a spirited Netherlands attack.
SUGGESTED BETS:
Draw after 90 minutes or Argentina win at $1.29
Lautaro Martinez first goal scorer at $6
Both teams to score in first half at $5.40
Morocco vs. Portugal
December 11
What to make of a Portuguese team that was so dominant but so deep in turmoil after its round of 16 game.
The spectre of Cristiano Ronaldo is enough to intimidate any team, but for the moment seems to be threatening his own nation more than anyone.
Ronaldo was benched in the thumping win over Switzerland, which on the surface should be positive, but the intangibles of his frustrations may have a negative effect.
Whether he plays a full role here is one question, but Portugal has shown it can perform without him, and Goncalo Ramos may be the new leading man after his hat trick.
They face a Moroccan team that finds itself in the quarter-finals for the first time in their World Cup history, and not by accident.
Achraf Hakimi and Hakim Ziyech have been an outstanding combination for Morocco and may have one last burst in them. But even if they do, it probably won’t be enough to defeat a Portugal team with genuine talent on all lines.
SUGGESTED BETS:
Portugal win at $1.57
Goncarlo Ramos first goal scorer at $5
Only one team to score at $1.72
England vs. France
December 11
France is one of, if not the most exciting, team in this tournament. There is class throughout their line-up, and in Kylian Mbappe, they have the clear best player in the world right now.
Mbappe is the leading goalscorer this World Cup with five and could very well add to that tally here. To do that, he has to work through a staunch England defence, with Jude Bellingham impenetrable across the midfield. The French team have enjoyed a free-flowing style, with Mbappe and Olivier Giroud managing to convert at crucial times. Look for that to be the approach here.
Harry Kane has been tremendous for England, and he is a solid chance to score again here, as is Marcus Rashford, who has had three goals so far.
England has been exciting and played without restraint, but the French class should see them get over the line.
