by: Pedro the intern
World Cup 2022 Round of 16 Predictions:
– Netherlands vs. USA
o Pick: USA 1-0 ET: Call me biased but I like the US here. Both teams provide
strong defensive squads so I see this being a low scoring match. I think Gregg
Berhalter utilizes his attacking options better as the US grab a winner in extra
time.
– Argentina vs. Australia
o Pick: Argentina 3-1: Australia has provided one of the many great storylines to
this World Cup but Argentina provide too much skill and depth as they overcome
the Socceroos.
– France vs. Poland
o Pick: France 2-0: France come into this matchup with so much momentum with
their only loss coming against Tunisia with most of their backups making the
starting lineup. This matchup will still be tricky due to the level that Poland
goalkeeper, Wojciech Szczęsny is playing but France provides too much attacking
firepower to lose this matchup.
– England vs. Senegal
o Pick: England 3-1: I like the Three Lions in this matchup as they coasted through
their group while Senegal needed multiple final day results to get through theirs.
– Japan vs. Croatia
o Pick: Japan 2-1: I am riding Japan’s hot hand here. It is time to call them giant
killers as they defeated both Spain and Germany. I see them repeating this against
Croatia.
– Brazil vs. South Korea
o Pick: Brazil 3-0: After miraculously escaping their group with an added time
winner against Portugal, South Korea faces one of the favorites of the tournament.
I don’t see them providing much trouble for Brazil as they fly by the South
Koreans.
– Morocco vs. Spain
o Pick: Spain 2-0: After winning their group, Morocco gets the unfortunate matchup
of facing Spain. Spain provides too much experience and talent as they grind their
way past Morocco.
– Portugal vs. Switzerland
o Pick: Portugal: Portugal 3-1: Portugal comes into this matchup rested and I see
them overwhelming the Swiss early in this matchup.