Join us for our latest World Cup betting picks and expert analysis to assist you in picking the weekend’s best bets in Qatar’s Round of 16.
Read on for this weekend’s World Cup Round of 16 soccer analysis and free World Cup betting preview for a schedule involving USA vs. Netherlands, England vs. Senegal, and France vs. Poland.
USA vs. Netherlands
Saturday, December 3, 2022 – 10:00 AM EST at Khalifa International Stadium
The USA Lack Goal Scoring Talent
USMNT fans have endured a nerve-racking qualification into the World Cup Round of 16 after winning just one of their three Group B meetings. However, these efforts weren’t from the lack of trying, as the US squad has looked better than ever. The persisting problem for the USA is in the final third.
Gregg Berhalter is heavily reliant on Christian Pulisic. The Chelsea man has netted double the number of goals than any other player on the squad. Without him, they could be in jeopardy, and panic is starting to set in with his current injury status unknown.
On the other hand, Holland has had no problem scoring goals thus far. Louis van Gaal’s squad has netted five times from three games as they won Group A relatively easily.
Since their 2020 Euro elimination, thanks to the Czech Republic, the Netherlands have remained unbeaten in 18 consecutive fixtures. The defense has been the heart of their team in Qatar, and the Oranje will be confident in backing up an underwhelming US attack.
The Pick
Both teams have been solid in defense, and although the Netherlands moneyline is tempting, it wouldn’t be surprising to see this fixture be decided in extra time. For these reasons, under 2.5 goals is the most desirable betting position, especially considering each team has allowed just one goal from their World Cup group stage fixtures.
Soccer Pick: Under 2.5 Goals (-154) at SBK
England vs. Senegal
Sunday, December 4, 2022 – 02:00 PM EST at Al Bayt Stadium
The Three Lions Will Tame the Lions of Teranga
Since the beginning, critics and fans alike were conscious of England’s chance at lifting the World Cup. And thus far, this stance has been reaffirmed.
Their first Qatar clash against Saudi Arabia saw the Three Lions utterly dismantle the opposition with six goals. However, a formidable defensive presence of the USA held England to a draw. Gareth Southgate made notable squad changes and tactics for this game, which he soon reverted from in the final group game versus Wales.
England returned to their matchday one form and sent Wales back to Great Britain. A 3-0 victory placed Southgate’s men as the top-scoring team throughout the entire competition, and after allowing just two goals in three games, the Three Lions also have one of the best defensive records.
Senegal entered Qatar with question marks surrounding their potential due to the absence of star man Sadio Mane. They lost 2-0 to the Netherlands, but consecutive bounce-back victories over Qatar and Ecuador gave the African squad a place in the Round of 16.
The Pick
It won’t be an easy outing for Southgate’s men by any means. Both squads are physically strong and know how to take advantage of careless mistakes. Possession will undoubtedly be the winner of this game, and we believe England has this advantage.
With that said, the England moneyline is an ugly price. To find some value in this game, you can wager on the England team’s total goals at over 1.5. Scoring goals is rarely an issue for Rashford, Kane, Foden, and Sterling. So, expecting at least two goals from the English at -120 is a price we can respect.
Soccer Pick: England Team Total Over 1.5 Goals (-120) at Bet365
France vs. Poland
Sunday, December 4, 2022 – 10:00 AM EST at Al Thumama Stadium
Les Bleus Defend the Crown
The defending World Cup champions began life in Qatar with an emphatic 4-1 success over Australia, which wasn’t surprising to most. They claimed successive victories after a revenge meeting with Denmark as qualification into the Round of 16 was settled.
However, nobody expected Tunisia to take three points from Les Blues in their final group-stage game. Despite losing this fixture, it does not represent the starting XI’s talent level. Didier Deschamps rested several first-team starters, thus allowing Tunisia to capitalize versus a second-string squad.
On the other hand, Poland didn’t reach the Round of 16 with ease. They, fortunately, qualified from Group C on goal difference, as the Mexican squad was one goal short of stealing a position in the World Cup playoffs.
The Pick
We don’t make picks based on historical trends, but Poland hasn’t defeated France in over 40 years outside of Poland’s lackluster efforts in Qatar. Les Blues are riding a seven-game undefeated streak, and with the return of a fully rested first team, we expect a routine victory for the World Cup champs.
There isn’t much betting value to be found on the moneyline, but for -105, we can grab France to grab a first-half lead and maintain it until the final whistle.
Soccer Pick: France Half-Time/Full-Time (-105) at BetMGM
