MY ACCOUNT
– Monday is the third of four days where round of 16 matches take place at the World Cup in Qatar
– Croatia will look to use their experience to temper Japan’s free-flowing play
– Richarlison could prove the difference when Brazil take on South Korea
There are two more quarter-final places up for grabs on Monday as impressive Japan face the beaten finalists from four years ago, Croatia, while five-time winners Brazil take on South Korea in the round of 16.
Croatia to grind it out
Bet 1: Back Croatia to win to nil in 90 minutes
Croatia have kept two clean sheets so far in Qatar.
They recorded shutouts against both Morocco and Belgium, with the only goal they have conceded coming after two minutes against Canada.
They went on to win that match 4-1, the result that arguably booked their place in the last 16 and while not an outlier in their recent tournament history, their results suggest things might be tighter in Al Wakrah.
While their World Cup final defeat to France finished 4-2 and they were eliminated from Euro 2020 5-3 by Spain, they tend to be quite cagey and went to penalties in their first two knockout games in Russia before beating England in extra time in the semis.
Having kept two clean sheets in Qatar and seen Japan cancelled out by Costa Rica, the Europeans should sneak a tight contest.
Bet 2: Back Croatia to have 3+ shots on target
Vatreni’s style is to build into the game and move the ball up the field, with Luka Modric, Marcelo Brozovic and Mateo Kovacic arguably the tournament’s standout trio when it comes to midfield combinations.
This often allows them to get bodies around the opposing box and take shots on goal.
While they were rather shy against Morocco, managing just two in their opener, they have been a bit more expressive since.
Zlatko Dalic’s side had 10 efforts on target against Canada and four versus Belgium and will expect to create chances against a team that has still to keep a clean sheet in Qatar.
Bet 3: Back Half Time/Full Time result will be Tie/Croatia
With a couple of 0-0 draws under their belt, it goes without saying that being level at the interval is a familiar situation for Croatia.
With the extra jeopardy that comes with the knockout stages, another tie at half time could be likely before things open up a bit in the second half.
Brazil to win a thriller
Bet 1: Back result will be Brazil in 90 minutes
It is hard not to see Brazil booking their place in the quarter-finals.
They won 5-1 when these two met in a friendly in June and although it is unlikely to be as lively at Doha’s Stadium 974, Tite’s men should make it through.
The Selecao have reached the quarter-finals or better at every World Cup since going out in the last 16 in 1990.
After beating Serbia 2-0 and Switzerland 1-0 to book their qualification from Group G, Tite rested a number of his starts for Friday’s 1-0 defeat to Cameroon.
Both Gabriel Jesus and Alex Telles have been ruled out of the tournament through injury on the back of that game.
However, there is so much talent in the Brazil squad that those absences should be covered.
Bet 2: Back Richarlison to Score anytime in 90 mins
With Jesus no longer on the scene, Richarlison is now undoubtedly the main man in attack and Tite’s decision to put his faith in the 25-year-old throughout his reign has clearly brought the best out of him.
The Tottenham star scored both of Brazil’s goals in the 2-0 win over Serbia and with him so often cast in a supporting role at club level, he seems to relish the extra responsibility he is given for the national team.
Richarlison scored in that previously mentioned 5-1 win in June and may fancy himself to do so again in Doha.
Bet 3: Back both teams to score: Yes in 90 mins
However, it may not be clearcut for Brazil against a South Korean side who, after drawing their opener with Uruguay 0-0, have shown real variety in attack.
Both of Cho Gue-sung’s goals in the 3-2 defeat to Ghana were headers, while Kim Young-gwon’s equaliser against Portugal was scrambled home from a corner.
However, the goal that best sums up their style was the winner against Portugal when Son Heung-min’s mazy run and fine pass on the counterattack was finished off by Hee Chan Hwang.
The Taeguk Warriors are sure to pose plenty of puzzles to the Brazilian defence and while they may be eliminated on Monday, they will not go down without a fight.
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