The ultimate battle for the most prestigious trophy in football is slowly coming to an end. There are only eight games left to be played in WC 2022 Qatar, and the quarter-finals action is starting on Friday afternoon with a clash between Croatia and Brazil, followed by a big match at Lusail Stadium between Netherlands and Argentina. Judging by the latest odds, there is a high chance of having South American El Clasico in the semi-finals!
As for the other side of the bracket, Morocco is the only team that managed to cause an upset in the Round of 16 by eliminating Spain. They will most likely use the same defensive strategy for Saturday’s afternoon match against Portugal. Last, fourth match features bitter rivals France and England, which is without a doubt the strongest match-up at this stage. Check our predictions below.
World Cup Quarter Final Betting Tips
Croatia vs Brazil
No one was really surprised to see Croatia take an elimination match against Japan to penalties and win. That was their winning formula back in WC 2018 where they reached the finals after eliminating Denmark (penalties), Russia (Penalties), and England (extra-time). Even though they looked solid in the group stages, we don’t think this team is capable of causing another big upset.
Luka Modric and Ivan Perisic are still playing at a high level, but it’s unreasonable to expect them to outplay in-form Brazilians who have all positions covered by at least two top-notch players. Brazil cruised past South Korea in the previous round. We expect them to beat Croatia and to keep a clean sheet as they did in the groups versus Switzerland and Serbia.
- Prediction: Brazil to win to nil 11/10
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Brazil win to nil v Croatia - 11/10
Brazil are fancied to take the first quarter final
For more on this game, you can check out our Croatia v Brazil betting tips
Netherlands vs Argentina
This mouthwatering QF clash promises a lot of action and goals. The Netherlands were ruthless with their counterattacks against the USA in the previous round, earning the third victory in the tournament. The only slip-up for Oranje happened versus Ecuador (1-1) while managing to beat Qatar and Senegal. Cody Gakpo may have failed to score for the fourth match in a row versus the USA, but his impact was still massive.
It’s interesting to mention that Argentina failed to score in their last three games against the Netherlands. We are not impressed by La Albiceleste’s performances so far as the only team they dominated so far was Poland. Let’s also not forget the opening loss to Saudi Arabia. Our prediction is going to be for the Netherlands to qualify. No one would be surprised to see a high-scoring affair and or winner to be decided on penalties.
- Prediction: Netherlands to qualify 13/10
Netherlands to qualify - 13/10
The Dutch are fancied to knockout Argentina
For more on Friday night’s game, check out our Netherlands v Argentina bet builder tips.
Morocco vs Portugal
A lot of daily football news and updates have been around Portugal in the last few days for multiple reasons. There’s been a lot of drama around Cristiano Ronaldo and his dispute with the head coach Fernando Santos who benched the star player in the previous match against Switzerland (6-1).
Ronaldo’s replacement 21-year old Goncalo Ramos scored three goals, becoming the youngest player to score a hat-trick in the WC knockout stage game since Pele 64 years ago. The Navigators surely have huge confidence ahead of Saturday’s clash. Morocco is most certainly to park the bus and hope for the best. We are predicting Portugal to win and the match to end with less than three goals.
- Prediction: Portugal to win & Under 2.5 goals 5/2
Portugal win & under 2.5 goals - 5/2
A low scoring Portugal win is fancied
England vs France
Games on the big stage can hardly be much bigger than this as the Three Lions take on France in the quarter-finals. With so many star players on the pitch, we are expecting to see a lot of action, strategic battles, and individual clashes. Jude Bellingham is one of the biggest revelations in the entire tournament and could easily become the x-factor for England on Saturday.
As expected, bookies are giving a slight edge here to France who is the reigning champions. The biggest concern for the Three Lions is how to stop red-hot Kylian Mbappe, but the Frenchmen should also worry about the safety of their own net. England is the highest-scoring team in Qatar, averaging three goals per match. We will stick our necks out and back them to eliminate the champions, hoping that Foden, Kane, and Saka can outscore Les Bleus.
- Prediction: England to qualify 11/10
England to qualify - 11/10
In the final game, England are fancied to qualify over France
For more tips ahead of the big game on Saturday night you can check out our England v France bet builder tips where we have a same-game multi pick. Alternatively, Sam Tizzle has released his England v France match predictions which include various bets on the game, plus a bonus bet builder to follow!
Across the various members of our tipping team, we have everything covered when it comes to England at the World Cup.
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