World Cup Round of 16 matches and predictions – Part 1

The first four rounds of round 16 matches in the 2022 World Cup are now decided, with the games taking place on December 3^rd and 4^th.

Netherlands v USA – 12/3/2022 15:00 (GMT)

In Cody Gakpo, the Netherlands have one of the stars of the tournament so far, having scored in all three of their group games, against Senegal, Ecuador and Qatar. In reality, Louis van Gaal’s team was placed in the easiest group and knows that things will only get tougher from here on out.

The USA will certainly give them a physical challenge, and they have not lacked for energy in their three matches against Wales, England, and Iran. However, in scoring the winner against Iran, striker Christian Pulisic got injured and, if he is not available, his guile will be missed.

The Netherlands should win, but only after a close battle.

Argentina v Australia – 12/3/2022 19:00 (GMT)

When Argentina suffered one of the biggest World Cup upsets of all time, losing to Saudi Arabia, their pre-tournament status as one of the favourites looked to be shredded. But in beating Mexico and then Poland, they have since gained some momentum, and Lionel Messi remains integral to all that they do.

Australia have made the last 16 for the first time since 2006, recovering from a heavy opening match defeat to France, by recording two surprise wins against Tunisia and Denmark, although they were second best for much of both those games.

It is difficult to imagine Argentina underestimating the Australians and Messi et al should just be too strong for them.

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France v Poland – 12/4/2022 15:00 (GMT)

France, the defending champions, started their campaign with a convincing victory over Australia before defeating Denmark, a team they had previously lost to twice in qualifying. They had the luxury of being able to rest players for their final; group game against Tunisia and promptly lost it, but that should not affect their confidence for this match.

Poland can consider themselves fortunate to be still in the World Cup, having drawn their opening game with Mexico and then beaten Saudi Arabia, before they were outplayed by Argentina. Had Mexico found one more goal on the night they would have been out.

Unless Poland can find some way to give striker Robert Lewandowski the service he needs, it is hard to see them seriously troubling France.

England v Senegal – 12/4/2022 19:00 (GMT)

England began the tournament strongly by thrashing Iran 6 – 2, but reverted to recent type under manager Gareth Southgate with a dull draw against the USA.

That same cautions approach was evident in the first half of their game against Wales, a match dubbed the Battle of Britain, but the team threw off the shackles in the second half, scored three goals and could have scored more.

Senegal was dealt a major blow on the eve of the tournament when main striker Sadio Mané was injured, and they began their campaign with a loss to the Netherlands before recovering to beat Qatar and edge out Ecuador.

England, if they play to their potential should win this, but they do need to guard against the pace of Senegal on the break.