The World Cup – A look at the knockouts

Netherlands vs USA

The first knockout game of the tournament will see Holland take on America as two of the remaining unbeaten teams will go head-to-head. The Netherlands were unimpressive in a group where they were heavy favourites to progress from. They drew against Ecuador and gave uninspiring performances against Senegal and Qatar which leave few expecting them to go far in the Knockout stages. The USA however were a surprise package in group B as they held England to a goalless draw, performed well against Wales, and got a much-needed win over Iran in their final group game. Many considered the USA as the best footballing team in the group, they just couldn’t find their shooting boots. It will be a close encounter between the two but with the U.S Star Man Christian Pulisic a doubt to start the match it looks like the Netherlands game to lose.

England vs Senegal

England will be confident they can make it to the quarters and be one step closer to bringing it home. The three lions had a steady run in the group stages as Southgate’s men played brilliantly in their opener against Iran and put three past Wales in a comfortable match. This will be their toughest game of the tournament yet as Senegal are not going to go down easily. The African side won two games in their group only falling to Holland. The side is led by Chelsea Duo Koulibaly and Mendy whilst also having many other players at top European clubs such as Idrissa Gueye of Everton and formally of PSG. England are the favourites to progress from the match and rightfully so as the squad they possess will look to put on a show and perform well for a place in the quarter-finals.

Argentina vs Australia

Argentina made it out of their group despite their shock loss to Saudi Arabia in their first match of the tournament. Messi’s men won the remaining two games against Mexico and Poland comfortably and they will hope that they can keep the performances to that standard as we get to the business end of the competition. Australia find themselves in the knockout stages of a world cup for the first time since 2006 after a dramatic last-game upset against Denmark. The Socceroos finished second in their group only to holders France. This game sets up an underdog story for the ages as one of the tournament’s favourites faces a team that many had given no chance and predicted to finish last in their group. Argentina have produced better performances as the tournament has gone on and will hope that continues and they can progress further in what looks to be their main man Messi’s last chance at world cup glory. As for Australia, they have had a great run but this game may be one step too far, we know they can pull off a shock result but this would be a big ask.