2022 FIFA World Cup Quarterfinal Picks: Can Argentina and Lionel Messi continue their journey to the WC trophy?

The 2022 FIFA World Cup moves into the quarterfinal round on Friday, December 9 with Argentina and Lionel Messi battling the Netherlands. Brazil will clash with Croatia in the early game on Friday, with a place in the semifinals on the line. 

On Saturday, the quarterfinals continue as England face off with France in the marquee game of the day. The Three Lions and Les Bleus will follow Morocco and Portugal, which takes place earlier in the day on Saturday.

2022 FIFA World Cup Outright Winner Odds

Brazil started the 2022 FIFA World Cup as the bookmakers’ favorite to win the tournament. Nothing has changed over the course of the tournament, as the Brazilians remain the sportsbooks’ favorite to lift the World Cup trophy.

France and Argentina have flip-flopped between second and third-favorite in terms of odds. Currently, the French are second-favorite, as the team prepares to face England in its most difficult game of the tournament.

Morocco and Croatia are currently the longshots to win the World Cup. The Moroccans reached the quarterfinals thanks to a strong defence. The Atlas Lions are coming off a penalty shootout win against Spain. Croatia also needed a penalty shootout win after a 1-1 draw with Japan after 120 minutes.

Here are the latest tournament winner odds courtesy of Betway (odds current as of December 8)

• Brazil +175
• France +400
• Argentina +600
• England +650
• Portugal +650
• Netherlands +1600
• Croatia +3300
• Morocco +3300

Croatia vs Brazil

Croatia will face Brazil on Friday at the Education City Stadium. The winner of the quarterfinal match will play either the Netherlands or Argentina in the final four.

Croatia go into the game with one win in four tournament matches. Three of Croatia’s games need as draws at full-time. Three of their four matches finished with under 2.5 goals.

Brazil broke out with four goals against South Korea in the round of 16. However, South Korea were the weakest team left in the tournament. The team had three of their four games end with under 2.5 goals and both teams not scoring.

The Selecao look strong defensively and it leads me to believe the match with Croatia will end low scoring. Soccer Buddy predicts a 2-1 Brazil win at full-time. I support a Brazil win and would also add this game is likely to finish with under 3.5 goals.

Netherlands vs Argentina

A lot of fans and bettors are backing Argentina to defeat the Netherlands and go on to win the tournament. However, La Albiceleste haven’t been entirely convincing in Qatar.

The Dutch looked strong against the United States in the round of 16, winning 3-1. The Netherlands are a great outright winner betting option at odds of +1600.

Soccer Buddy likes Argentina to win 2-1. However, based on the strong defenses on both sides, my betting tips prediction is a draw at full-time. Extra time could be needed to sort out the winner.

Morocco vs Portugal

Morocco are the surprise package at the FIFA World Cup. The Atlas Lions are relying heavily on defense to stop opposing teams. The Moroccan attack isn’t anything special. The team needed penalties to defeat Spain after finishing 120 minutes of soccer nil-nil.

Portugal were brilliant against Switzerland, winning 6-1. Manager Fernando Santos benched Cristiano Ronaldo and started Goncalo Ramos. What did Ramos do in the starting XI? He only scored a hat trick.

Morocco’s good fortune will finally run out, as Portugal post a win. Soccer Buddy believes the game will end 1-1. I’m going to go against this and pick a Portugal win in a close game. You may opt for a wager on both teams not to score in the first half.

England vs France

England and France will clash in a massive fixture between two old rivals. France are the reigning World Cup winner and England have an exciting squad capable of extraordinary things.

The Three Lions defeated Senegal 3-0 in the round of 16. England started slowly but picked up the pace to win the game. France won 3-1 against Poland and were never troubled during the 90-minute match.

French superstar Kylian Mbappe leads the tournament with five goals. England have to find a way to stop Mbappe, which can certainly be done. The Three Lions’ best defence is likely to be attack.

Saturday’s game should be fantastic and Soccer Buddy picks a draw between England and France. It is a great pick, as 90 minutes may not be enough to separate the two rivals.

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