World Cup Betting Breakdown (Saturday 12/3)

The group stage of the 2022 Qatar World Cup has officially come to a close. Half of the 32 teams have been sent home, with 16 remaining. Saturday’s games are all Round of 16 contests, and a winner must be decided. The United States will take on Netherlands — who won Group A — in the early game. The late game will feature Argentina and Australia batting for a spot in the quarterfinals.

Game 1: United States vs. Netherlands

The Netherlands won Group A with seven points. They beat Qatar and Senegal but tied Ecuador 1-1. They scored five goals and allowed just one. The teams in Group A are a little weaker than some of the other groups, and the Dutch did not blow them out of the water. They look like a beatable R16 opponent.

The United States sneaked out of Group B in second place after a hard-fought 1-0 win over Iran in the last group stage game. They did not lose a game in Group B, with draws against England and Wales. They scored just twice and only conceded one goal via a penalty kick. It will be interesting to see these two teams match up with their different styles of play. The US will try to be aggressive going forward but struggle to finish. While the Netherlands will be a little more balanced in possession.

The Netherlands is -110 on the money line at FanDuel Sportsbook but are -235 to advance including extra time and kicks from the spot. The goal total over/under is 2.25.

United States vs. Netherlands Bets

United States to Advance

+188, FanDuel Sportsbook

The Netherlands have not been a scary team so far this tournament, and the United States have shown that they can compete. Their energy and spark going up the pitch will challenge the Netherlands in this game. Their fitness and bench worry me slightly if this game goes to extra time, but that’s why we get plus odds. Placing a small wager on USA to win in ET at +1700 as well.

Under 2.5 Goals

-165, BetRivers

The United States has been defending well and has trouble scoring. Both teams will play tight defensively, so I don’t see this game going over 2.5.

Game 2: Argentina vs. Australia

Argentina won Group C with six points. They lost 2-1 to Saudi Arabia in the first game but were able to take care of business against Mexico and Poland. They scored five and allowed two goals. Despite not playing that well, they are still one of the favorites to win the whole thing.

Australia made it out of Group D as a surprise. They beat both Denmark and Tunisia after a 4-1 loss to France in their first game. They are likely going to be overmatched in this game especially if Argentina can find the next gear. Australia is 9/1 to advance past this game.

Argentina will likely control most — if not all — positive aspects of this game. They are -475 on the money line at DraftKings, and the goal total over/under is 2.75.

Argentina vs. Australia Bets

BTTS no and u2.5 Goals

+120, FanDuel Sportsbook

Argentina still look a little flawed in the attack and Australia has been decent on defense. If Argentina get a lead, I don’t see them running up the score, and I also don’t think Australia is finding the back of the net in this game.