2022 World Cup quarterfinals picks & value bets – Friday, Dec 9

After a two-day hiatus, the FIFA World Cup will return this Friday with the first quarterfinal games. Only eight teams remain, and at this point, any team could win. This Friday, we will see Brazil, Croatia, Netherlands, and Argentina in action, and we have some betting picks for the two games.

Croatia vs Brazil

At this point in the tournament, this line is far too long. Croatia have proven themselves as an elite team throughout this World Cup, and this all comes on the heels of their loss in the final of the last World Cup. While Brazil have the better team on paper, this Croatia side has proven it is able to grind out results as the underdog. While Brazil are favorites for a reason, all the value lies with Croatia.

Brazil goalscorer pick: Neymar

While Croatia could win this game, it’s a long shot and there is a lot of value on some of the Brazilian goalscorers to grab a goal — including their main man. Neymar has really only played one full game this World Cup and he scored in that contest. He always shows up for Brazil and fans can see the passion he has for his country. This Brazil attack flows through Neymar, and considering the talent he has with him, he will be fed opportunities. While Croatia’s midfield is their strength, Brazil should be able to create a lot of chances and Neymar only needs one to score. He also takes penalties for his nation, so at +115 with Bovada, this is the best goalscorer bet in this game.

Netherlands vs Argentina

This is one of the marquee games of the quarterfinal round. Argentina slipped up in the group stage but bounced back with an impressive win in the first knockout round against Australia. Their attack features loads of talent, and with Lionel Messi on the park they can win any game. Netherlands, on the other hand, have not been very impressive all tournament, and while they beat the United States 3-1, their strategy in that game will not work in this spot. Basically, they didn’t respect the USA’s finishing ability and let them possess the ball while attacking on the counter. If they do that again, guys like Messi and Lautaro Martinez will punish what is an inconsistent Dutch defense. Argentina have all the value and Messi should advance to yet another World Cup semifinal.

Argentina goalscorer pick: Lionel Messi

This almost feels too good to be true. Leo Messi has been in great form this World Cup, and outside of Kylian Mbappe he has been the best player in the tournament. The Argentina captain has three goals this tournament and each of them has been an individual moment of brilliance. There has truly not been a team that has been able to stop him, and that shouldn’t change in this game. Messi is determined to carry his nation to its first World Cup victory since 1986, and viewers can tell it just means more to him. Like Neymar, Messi also takes penalties for his nation, which only adds value to the +180 anytime goalscorer odds on offer at the top betting sites.

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