This is where the real business happens! The knockout stages of the World Cup have arrived. We’ve picked out our six “bankers” for the round of 32.
- England (vs DR Congo)
- USA (vs (Bosnia)
- Croatia (vs Portugal)
- Switzerland (vs Algeria)
- Egypt (vs Australia)
- Argentina (vs Cape Verde)
- ODDS: 41.14/1
England vs DR Congo, July 1, 17:00
England have looked sluggish in their last two games against Ghana and Panama but they should have enough to squeeze past a stubborn DR Congo side.
The African nation are in the knockout stages for the first time having held Portugal and beaten Uzbekistan either side of a narrow defeat to Columbia.
Although the Leopards have only won one of their last five matches (D2, L2), they’re unlikely to be pushovers as DR Congo haven’t been beaten by more than one goal in a competitive match since March 2022.
England are often slow starters with six of their last eight goals coming after the half-time interval but Kane and co should have enough about them to set up a meeting with Mexico at the Azteca in the last 16.
Verdict: England (3/10)
USA vs Bosnia & Herzegovina, 01:00, July 2
Bosnia recovered from a 4-1 hammering against Switzerland by recording a first-ever World Cup victory against Qatar in their final group game to set up this knockout clash with hosts America. The US were impressive in the groups with a 4-1 win against Paraguay, who have since knocked out the Germans, and a 2-0 win over Australia. Their defeat against Turkey was a thrilling game which was only settled by an injury-time winner.
The US recorded 18 shots in that game and may have too much firepower for a Bosnian side who have looked tired and predictable in this tournament. 40-year-old Edin Dzeko led their attack against an awful Qatar side but could only manage 19 touches and one shot.
Verdict: USA (2/5)
Portugal vs Croatia, July 3, 00:00
For the first time ever at a World Cup, two teams containing outfield players in their 40’s will meet as former Real Madrid teammates Ronaldo and Modric go toe-to-toe.
Modric set up a goal in his teams win against Ghana last time but huge questions over Ronaldo’s effectiveness in this Portugal team remain after a lackluster display in the scoreless draw with Columbia.
Despite defeat to England in their opener, Croatia played some excellent stuff and followed up with consecutive wins. This is a Croatia side who have continually overachieved at major tournaments, they have a togetherness and belief that isn’t always evident among the Portuguese, who have looked unsure of themselves in this tournament.
Verdict: Croatia (10/3)
Switzerland vs Algeria, July 3, 04:00
Having chucked away victory in their opening draw with Qatar, Switzerland duly responded by putting four past Bosnia before defeating co-hosts Canada. Off the back of an excellent club season with Sunderland, Grant Xhaka has carried his Premier League form into this tournament with a man of the match display and a goal against Bosnia.
However, the Swiss appeared to have unearthed a new star in 20-year-old Johan Manzambi who came off the bench to score twice against Bosnia prior to scoring from the start against Canada. Ruben Vargas got a goal and assist off the bench against Bosnia before also scoring when rewarded with a start against Canada, so there does appear to be strength in depth in this Swiss squad.
Algeria are winless in their last nine World Cup games against European opposition (D4, L5) so this appears to be a great opportunity for the Swiss to get over their poor historic record in World Cup knockout matches.
Verdict: Switzerland (19/20).
– View our ultimate World Cup Guide.
Australia vs Egypt, July 3, 19:00
Having never won a game at the World Cup until their victory against New Zealand recently, this Egyptian team are breaking new ground as the Pharaohs prepare for a first-ever knockout stage appearance. Egypt netted five goals in their group, as many as they had scored in seven previous games at the finals.
Mohamed Salah endured a trying season with Liverpool but remains a key player for his country. Salah contributed 60% of his teams goals in qualifying through both goals & assists and he’s already been involved in three goals at these finals (1G, 2A).
Australia reached the knockout stages as Group D runners-up after a goalless draw with Paraguay on matchday three (W1, D1, L1). The Socceroos are now preparing for just their third World Cup knockout match, having lost their previous two to the eventual champions in 2006 and 2022.
Tony Popovic’s side have been difficult to break down, conceding only twice in the group stage, but they have struggled at the other end, scoring just two goals and failing to find the net in either of their last two matches.
The individual class of a player like Salah may just tip the scales in Egypt’s favour.
Verdict: Egypt (11/8)
Argentina vs Cape Verde, July 3, 23:00
Cape Verde will attempt to write the most dramatic chapter of their World Cup fairytale so far when the Islanders take on World Champions Argentina in Florida.
Argentina have made an imperious start to the defence of their World Cup crown, winning all three group matches after a 3-1 victory over Jordan. Lionel Scaloni’s side have now won ten consecutive matches and look well placed to retain their title, with none of the tournament’s top-10 ranked nations standing in their way until at least the semi-finals.
Cape Verde reached this point without winning any of their three group matches and are the lowest-ranked side left in the competition. Their incredible defensive display against Spain will be a source of inspiration but Leo Messi looks determined to emulate the great Diego Maradona by bringing a second World Cup title back to Argentina.
Messi is the World Cup’s joint leading scorer with six goals at these finals, while he’s scored 12 goals in his last nine internationals.
Verdict: Argentina (2/13)
FIFA World Cup Round of 32 ACCA
- England (vs DR Congo)
- USA (vs (Bosnia)
- Croatia (vs Portugal)
- Switzerland (vs Algeria)
- Egypt (vs Australia)
- Argentina (vs Cape Verde)
- ODDS: 41.14/1
