The Qatar World Cup has made it to the quarter-final stage. There have been shocks along the way but there are plenty of big names left in the final eight. Two matches on both Friday and Saturday will be a treat for football fans as the tournament enters the business end.
QF1 – Croatia V Brazil – Friday 3pm
It was a shock at Russia ’18 to see Croatia in the final. They have made their way into the last 8 this time around to show that was no fluke but now have to take on the might of the Brazilians.
The South Americans have danced their way into the quarters, impressive in their last 16 demolition of South Korea. It’s hard to see past a Brazil win here but Croatia have been solid at the back, drawing two of their three group games 0-0. Draw-Brazil was the successful HT/FT bet in Brazil’s first two group games and looks the play at 13/4 here.
QF2 – Netherlands V Argentina – Friday 7pm
Two of the last 3 World Cups have seen Netherlands in the semi-finals. They met Argentina at that stage in the 2014 World Cup, losing to the South Americans in a penalty shootout following a 0-0 draw. The Netherlands have made it into the final on three occasions but are yet to lift the World Cup.
Argentina have been great at limiting shots on target so far. They have given up just four shots on target but have conceded three goals! It suggests Argentina are vulnerable in net and with Netherlands scoring eight in four games, Netherlands to win BTTS is strongly considered here at 7/1 with BTTS looking too big at 1/1.
QF3 – Morocco V Portugal – Saturday 3pm
Morocco have been the surprise of the tournament, defending well. Three clean sheets in four games has seen them progress to this stage to take on their toughest task. Knocking out Spain will have been a huge boost to their confidence and they could yet be dangerous.
Portugal have been full of goals so far, putting six past Switzerland in the last 16. The Swiss are another team who typically have been strong at the back so it has to go down as the most commanding performance of the round. Portugal should win but it might take them a little while to break down their opponents. Draw/Portugal HT/FT at 17/5 makes most appeal.
QF4 – England V France – Saturday 7pm
England made the semi-final stage in Russia, taking the lead against Croatia but were unable to hold on. They face a stiffer test still on Saturday in defending champions France. England have been full of goals so far in this tournament, with plenty of young talent to excite for years to come. Can they trouble France though?
The French team were embarrassed at Euro ’20. As such, it’s been no surprise to see them come out all guns blazing here. They have conceded in all four of their games at this tournament but look superb in attack. That suggests over 3.5 goals at 14/5 could be an interesting play with France to win and BTTS at 4/1 also looking tempting.