FIFA World Cup 2022 – Knockout Stages Predictions

With the most exciting group stages in recent memory coming to a close, the knockout stages bring a different challenge for the teams involved. The consequences are simple – You lose, you’re out. No second chances. Some of the heavyweights like Germany and Belgium have been knocked out in the group stages while many others are looking ahead with anticipation. There are some remarkable dark horses in Japan, Morocco, and South Korea. Football is a sport where anything can happen and after the group stage, people will be hoping for more. With that being said, lets take a look at the match ups and my predictions.

Round of 16

Saturday December 3rd

Netherlands vs USA – The Dutch have a strong squad and despite a boring group stage, they should comfortably win. However the Americans are capable of punching above their weight.

Prediction – Netherlands win

Argentina vs Australia – Argentina overcame a stunning defeat in their first game to finish top of the group. The strongest Argentina team in recent years, it seems like now or never for Messi and the La Albiceleste.

Prediction – Argentina win

Sunday December 4th

France vs Poland – This should be an easy win for the French with Poland looking poor in the group stage and limping to the knockouts. Despite missing some crucial players, France are still the favorites to win the cup. Prediction – France win

England vs Senegal – While the African champions have done well without their talisman Sadio Mane, they still don’t have what it takes to beat a strong England with some bright young players. England should make quick work of this.

Prediction – England win

Monday December 5th

Japan vs Croatia – Japan are the center of attention having beaten two former world champions in the group stages. With some of the most well disciplined and passionate fan bases, the Japanese have won the hearts of millions of football fanatics. Croatia are another team the neutrals support and have one of the strongest midfields. If they play to their potential, the 2018 runner ups can beat any team. However, surely most neutrals will be supporting the underdogs.

Prediction – Croatia win

Brazil vs South Korea – Brazil have been a mix of flamboyant and effective with a lethal front 3 of Richarlison, Vinicus Jr, and Rafinha. Despite a loss against Cameroon in their final group stage match, it will make little difference as they played with their second team. Despite Neymar’s injury in the first match and his possible unavailability till the Quarter Finals, Brazil go into this as clear favorites. South Korea stunned Portugal in the final round of group stage to qualify for the knockouts. They had finished 4th in the 2002 edition and will be praying for a miracle.

Prediction – Brazil win

Tuesday December 6th

Morocco vs Spain – Another of the dark horses, this time from Africa, Morocco topped their group ahead of Croatia and Belgium. Despite the latter two being lackluster, Morocco should be applauded for their performances. Spain faded away after a dominant 7-0 win in their first game where they denied the opposition even a single attempt. They faded away after that with a stunning loss to Japan. With an exciting young squad and one of the best managers in Luis Enrique, they should be expected to regain their mojo in the knockouts.

Prediction – Spain win

Portugal vs Switzerland – Portugal have looked good in attack despite Ronaldo not being in form. But he might just take it up a notch in the knockouts. This is his last chance to win the biggest prize in football. Switzerland did well to finish second and level on points with Brazil in the group stage, but should pose no threat to the Portuguese.

Prediction – Portugal win

 

Quarter Finals

Friday December 9th

Croatia vs Brazil – European discipline vs South American flamboyance. This is an interesting contest but Brazil should win with their superior squad depth and attacking talent.

Prediction – Brazil win

Netherlands vs Argentina – Their first meeting since the semi finals of the 2014 world cup. Interestingly Louis Van Gaal was manager then as well. He has a chance to avenge that loss. Both have well rounded squads but Messi should provide the difference.

Prediction – Argentina win

Saturday December 10th

Spain vs Portugal – The Iberian war or Iberian derby is one of the oldest football rivalries. They had played out a thrilling 3-3 draw in the group stages of the 2018 world cup with Cristiano Ronaldo scoring a sensational hattrick. Having recently lost to Spain in the Nations League, Portugal will be looking to get back at their Iberian rivals. This could go either way so I will base my prediction on the world cup record of both teams.

Prediction – Spain win

England vs France – The historic rivals will look to leave everything on the pitch when they face each other. With the semi finals on the line, expect a world cup classic. Both have equally strong teams with the same managers having coached them in 2018 as well. France won the world cup in 2018 while England are still waiting for an international cup since they won the world cup in 1966. England have a more balanced team while France have an X factor in Kylian Mbappe. These clashes are tough to predict but given England’s depth in attack and defense, they could pull off a victory.

Prediction – England win

 

Semi Finals

Tuesday December 13th

Argentina vs Brazil – The South American derby and the fiercest rivalry in world football. Messi vs Neymar. Brazil will look to avenge their Copa America defeat in 2021 and make their way to the finals for the first time since they won the world cup in 2002. Argentina will be hoping for Messi to work his magic. However Brazil have greater depth in attacking options which could make the difference.

Prediction – Brazil win

Wednesday December 14th

England vs Spain – England will be hoping that none of their major players get injured as they will need all hands on deck for this encounter. Spain will no doubt battle hard to reach the finals. However if “it is coming home” anytime, this year seems to be it. Advantage England.

Prediction – England win

 

Third Place

Saturday December 17th

Argentina vs Spain – Argentina should beat Spain whose young players will struggle against the GOAT Messi. Spain will look to hog possession to keep Messi out of the game.

Prediction – Argentina win

 

Finals

Sunday December 18th

Brazil vs England – Their last competitive meeting was in the group stages of the 2002 world cup where a stunning Ronaldinho free kick won the game for Brazil. Both teams are looking resurgent after a period of decline and both are similar in their approach to mix flamboyance with physicality and discipline. Brazil are a better counter attacking side and will look for quick breaks while England are better drilled. England have greater depth in midfield with any player capable of making the difference while Brazil have a superior attack. This should be a thoroughly entertaining world cup final.

Prediction – Brazil win