Australia’s World Cup campaign may have come to an end, but there’s still plenty to be excited about as we approach the quarterfinals. Here, we take a look at all four fixtures and bring you our best betting tips. Good luck to everyone following!
2022 FIFA World Cup: Quarterfinals Betting Tips
Croatia vs Brazil
Saturday 2am AEDT
The first World Cup quarterfinal gets underway on early Saturday morning (or late Friday night). Croatia ($9) will start as the massive underdogs against Brazil ($1.33) at the Education City Stadium.
Croatia have grinded their way through to the last eight despite winning just one match in normal time to date. Their experience shone through in the penalty shootout against Japan in their recent match, and they’ll need every bit said experience when they take on five-time World Cup champions, Brazil.
Croatia, led by veteran Luka Modric, have relied heavily on their defence to get to this stage – they’ve conceded only two goals from their four matches.
The Brazilians absolutely flew out of the blocks in their Round of 16 match with South Korea, putting four goals past them in the first half, before somewhat putting the cue in the rack and cruising to a 4-1 victory.
Brazil came to Qatar as the favourites to become champions of the world game once again, and they’ve certainly done more than enough to justify that label through the early stages of the tournament.
Brazil are the heavy, heavy favourites to get past Croatia and book a spot in the semi-finals, but they can’t expect to have it all their own way. Croatia were the runners-up in Russia four years ago and are capable of knocking off even the best teams in the world on their day.
With that said, I like their chances of at least scoring a goal against Brazil on Saturday morning, which makes the BTTS market stand out as great value.
Both Teams to Score
$2.10
Netherlands vs Argentina
Saturday 6am AEDT
The second quarterfinal is the one I’m probably looking forward to the most. On early Saturday morning, Netherlands will host Argentina in what should be a fascinating affair. The Dutch ($3.80) will start as the underdogs against the Argentines ($2.10).
The Netherlands came to Qatar with little expectations about going deep in the World Cup. They failed to qualify for Russia four years ago and didn’t have the best form in the lead-up matches. However, they’ve been fantastic in their four games to date and are one of just four teams yet to lose.
The Oranje were far too good for USA in their Round of 16 clash, defeating them 3-1 after going ahead in just the 10th minute thanks to a Memphis Depay strike.
Meanwhile, Argentina had to shake off a determined Socceroos outfit in their recent match. A late shot in the box from Australia’s Garang Kuol nearly sent the match to extra time, but it wasn’t to be as the Argentines saluted 2-1.
Now with three wins in a row after losing their opening match to Saudi Arabia, Lionel Messi and co. are starting to build some decent momentum. They’re aiming to reach the quarterfinals at a World Cup for the fourth time in their last five attempts.
Both of these teams will fancy their chances of qualifying for the quarterfinals, which should lead to an exciting and attacking contest. In my opinion, the Netherlands have been the more impressive of the pair and deserve to be an even money chance in this matchup. They have stars all over the field and are every chance of getting past Argentina with even luck.
Netherlands to Qualify
$2.40
Morocco vs Portugal
Sunday 2am AEDT
Morocco and Portugal will meet for the second consecutive World Cup when they do battle in their quarterfinal on Sunday morning. The Portuguese will start as the $1.70 favourites against the Moroccans who are currently $5.50.
The Atlas Lions have been phenomenal in Qatar, and to make it to the final eight has defied all odds. They’ve knocked off football powerhouses in Belgium and Spain, while keeping a clean sheet against both. Amazingly, they’ve only conceded four goals to date, which is the fewest of all teams in the quarterfinals.
Portuguese manager Fernando Santos made the brave call to drop Cristiano Ronaldo from their staring XI against Switzerland in their Round of 16 fixture, and it sure paid off. They put six goals past the Swiss, three of which came from Ronaldo’s replacement, Goncalo Ramos.
This quarterfinal features the best attack (Portugal) against the best defence (Morocco) at the World Cup, which makes for an intriguing battle. Portugal will likely dominate possession and put the Moroccans under constant pressure, but this will give the underdogs the chance to play to their strengths and hit them on the counterattack. With that in mind, getting nearly even money for Morocco to score seems like great value.
Morocco Over 0.5 Goals
$1.75
England vs France
Sunday 6am AEDT
The most highly anticipated quarterfinal in Qatar is the fourth and final game. England will take on France for a spot in the final four. Les Bleus will start as favourites against The Three Lions on Sunday morning ($2.50 vs $3).
England have been firing on all cylinders in Qatar with 12 goals scored and only two conceded from their four games. They kicked things off with a 6-2 demolition job of Iran in their opening fixture and haven’t looked back since.
Meanwhile, France are yet to keep a clean sheet in four attempts but have still managed to win three of their matches, with their lone defeat coming against Tunisia when they made 11 changes to their team knowing they’d already qualified. Kylian Mbappe has been super in each match and currently leads the Golden Boot with five goals.
England certainly have the quality all over the pitch to make this a difficult match for France, but the French have more experience in the World Cup knockout stages and are the defending champions for a reason. This gives Les Bleus the slight edge and makes them a decent bet on Sunday morning.
