At the onset of the 2022 World Cup draw, a quarterfinal between Argentina and the Netherlands seemed likely. Both teams were favored to win their groups. And then get past the Round of 16. Although it became a reality, it wasn’t easy sailing for both teams. Argentina lost its betting on the World Cup group opener. And they survived a late push from Australia in the Round of 16. The Netherlands was unimpressive in Group A. Despite winning it with seven points. But the Dutch turned it up against the Americans. Now, these traditional powers will meet.
2022 World Cup – Top Games on Friday, December 9, 2022
Croatia vs. Brazil Betting Information
| Date and Time: | Friday, December 9, 2022, 10 AM ET |
|---|---|
| Location: | Education City Stadium |
| 2022 FIFA World Cup TV Coverage: | FOX and Telemundo |
| Team | Spread | Total | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brazil | -1½ (+105) | 2½ (-125) | -275 |  |
| Croatia | +1½ (-125) | 2½ (+105) | +824 | |
| Draw | – | – | +384 | |
|
||||
Certainly, Brazil is the more talented and more rested sportsbook team. Brazil put away South Korea before halftime in the Round of 16. Neymar returned from injury and looked healthy. In turn, he had an assist and converted a penalty before the match was 15 minutes old.
By contrast, the Croatia team barely got out of its group. And then they needed a penalty shootout to get by Japan. These two teams will be playing on just three days of rest. While Friday’s other quarterfinal teams, Argentina and the Netherlands, will be playing after having five days off since playing in the Round of 16.
Croatia star Luka Modric is 37. Hence that doesn’t bode well in this tightly scheduled tournament. Modric was subbed off in the 99th minute against Japan, a sign that Croatia is managing his minutes, knowing that he can’t play every minute of the tournament.
In sum, Brazil has plenty of World Cup Betting depth and has taken advantage of it. Plus, the team is overcoming injuries suffered early in the tournament.
Netherlands vs. Argentina Betting Information
| Date and Time: | Friday, December 9, 2022, 2 p.m. ET |
|---|---|
| Location: | Lusail Stadium |
| 2022 FIFA World Cup TV Coverage: | FOX and Telemundo |
| Team | Spread | Total | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Argentina | -½ (+120) | 2 (-125) | +122 | |
| Netherlands | +½ (-140) | 2 (+105) | +263 | |
| Draw | – | – | +213 | |
|
||||
Regardless if Argentina wins this World Cup, Lionel Messi has already been impressive. Of great concern is that the bar is too high for gamblers to accept. But Messi has three goals already and was dancing all over Australia with a vintage performance. By contrast, he had a penalty saved against Poland. But he has scored the two biggest goals for Argentina this World Cup. Following Argentina’s shocking loss to Saudi Arabia, A magical Messi goal broke the deadlock with Mexico. Also, it was his goal to give Argentina the lead against Australia.
Further, he set up numerous chances for himself and his teammates in that one. Of course, topping Messi is easier said than done. But having Virgil van Dijk leading the backline is a good Bet the World Cup start. Consider the Dutch defense has only allowed two goals this tournament. One of those goals was a fluky, scuffed ball against the U.S.
Also, the Netherlands had some flowing buildup moves against the Americans. Which gamblers didn’t see as much of in the group stage. This match could be a good one with Argentina’s looser play and the Dutch looking like themselves.
Argentina is favored and remains one of the top World Cup betting favorites to win the tournament. Argentina made the final in 2014, but that is the country’s only semifinal since another runner-up finish in 1990. The Netherlands was Argentina’s opponent in that 2014 semifinal. Argentina won that game in penalties after 120 minutes without a goal. Messi is the only Argentina holdover from that match eight years ago.
