2022 World Cup Betting Odds, Picks & Predictions: Saturday (12/3)
Following some late-match dramatics in both groups, Group A through D wrapped up on Tuesday and Wednesday, with some likely (and unlikely) teams pushing their way through to the next round. With group play as a whole rapping on Friday, the 2022 FIFA World Cup now advances to the knockout round, with the Round of 16 getting started on Saturday.
Let’s take a closer look at both Saturday matches, and see where the value remains as kickoff quickly approaches in Qatar.
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Netherlands vs. USA (Khalifa International Stadium, Al Rayyan; 10 a.m.)
Despite playing arguably their sloppiest match of the three games in group play, the USA got the job done to beat Iran on Tuesday and advance into the knockout round. At what cost is still unknown, as Christian Pulisic suffered a pelvic contusion while scoring the game’s lone goal just before the half.
As a reward, they’ll now take on the No. 8 team in the world, the Netherlands, who got here by winning their group and going unbeaten in all three matches. However, their play was far from flawless, as they were lucky to escape their Ecuador match with a draw. In fact, according to xG Philosophy which looks at the expected goals after a match based on possession, changes and more, the Netherlands actually lost that match on paper 1.69-.07.
Conversely, the USA looked like the better team in all three of their group matches, and I think have a real shot at getting this one across the finish line.
Pick: USA to Advance (+170)
Argentina vs. Australia (Ahmed bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan; 2 p.m.)
Following one of the more stunning defeats in World Cup history, Argentina battled back to win their group with wins over Mexico and Poland as this team is starting to hit their stride. With goals against both Saudi Arabia and Mexico, Lionel Messi further bolstered his legend as all that remains in his illustrious career is a World Cup trophy.
For the Aussies, finishing second to France in their group and ahead of Denmark was step No. 1 of their World Cup journey, as the stakes will be significantly raised here against one of the tournament’s favorites. With narrow wins over both Tunisia and Denmark (1-0 in both) after getting trounced by France in their first match (4-1), the Socceroos were the only team to advance to the next round with a negative (-1) goal differential.
A tournament favorite for a reason, look for Argentina’s dominance to be on display in this one.
Pick: Argentina -1.5 (-150)
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