World Cup 2022 Weekend Tipsheet: Tournament favourites should progress

The World Cup 2022 action continues as the Round of 16 gets underway in Qatar - crunchtime for the big nations - and Greg Lea provides his verdicts for this weekend’s games.

Netherlands v USA

Kick-off: 3pm Saturday

Tuesday’s 1-0 victory over Iran booked a knockout stage spot for the USA. Their opponents only needed a draw to advance to the next round, whereas Gregg Berhalter’s side had to win. The USA dominated proceedings in the first half and deservedly took the lead through Christian Pulisic, before repelling Iran’s late efforts to force an equaliser.

The USA can be pleased with their efforts in Group B, where they played well in five of the six halves of football that they contested. They now look to upset a Netherlands team that topped Group A with seven points from a possible nine, despite not playing particularly well at any point.

Indeed, the Dutch’s displays to date mean they should not be feared by Berhalter’s boys. The USA boast plenty of energy and dynamism, and they look well equipped to disrupt the Netherlands’ rhythm, much like Ecuador did when the two sides met in the group phase. This one could go all the way to extra time, so back a draw after 90 minutes.

Prediction: Draw after 90 minutes @ 3.45

Argentina v Australia

Kick-off: 7pm Saturday

In the end it was all pretty comfortable for Argentina. That shock loss to Saudi Arabia on matchday one left them one defeat away from elimination, but Lionel Scaloni’s side bounced back impressively to register back-to-back 2-0 victories over Mexico and Poland. And, with all due respect to Australia, Argentina will be delighted with this draw.

The Socceroos have done exceptionally well to get this far. Consecutive 1-0 wins against Tunisia and Denmark featured no shortage of superb defending from Graham Arnold’s side. The spirit and character of this team cannot be called into question, but nor is this the most talented Australian generation we have ever seen.

If Argentina find their rhythm, as they did in their stroll against Poland, this could be another one-sided contest. Australia will look to keep the score at 0-0 for as long as possible, but once the South Americans make the breakthrough, the game could open up.

Prediction: Argentina -2.5 Asian handicap @ 2.54

France v Poland

Kick-off: 3pm Sunday

France were able to rest some key players in their final group game against Tunisia. A second-string side slumped to a 1-0 defeat, but they still advanced in first place and were able to sit the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Olivier Giroud, Antoine Griezmann and Ousmane Dembele for most of the match.

Olivier Giroud: rested for France's final group game against Tunisia

Deschamps had previously included all four of those attackers in his starting group stage squad, and he will probably do the same here. The France boss may adopt a more cautious approach later in the tournament, but nothing that Poland have shown so far will particularly worry the reigning champions.

Indeed, the Poles can count themselves a little fortunate to be here after narrowly squeezing through Group C. They did not provide any sort of threat in the 2-0 loss to Argentina on Wednesday, and this will probably be the end of the road for Robert Lewadowski and co.

Prediction: France to score in both halves @ 2.02

World Cup 2022 Weekend Predictions

Netherlands v USA: Draw after 90 minutes @ 3.45
Argentina v Australia: Argentina -2.5 Asian handicap @ 2.54
France v Poland: France to score in both halves @ 2.02