The FIFA World Cup in Qatar is finally upon us after years of anticipation and we're into the last 16 stage, with some huge soccer games set for the knockout rounds.
We will see the winners and runners-up of the eight groups so far in this competition go head-to-head in the first knockout round of the tournament, with a place in the quarter-final up for grabs and a chance to become world champions.
We'll take a look at these games between teams who will fancy their chances of making it to the quarter-finals and provide you with the best free soccer picks for the clash to see if we can earn you some extra cash for the holiday period.
Let's have a look at the fresh World Cup odds.
World Cup Round of 16 information
- Netherlands vs USA
- Argentina vs Australia
- France vs Poland
- England vs Senegal
- Morocco vs Spain
- Japan vs Croatia
- Brazil vs TBA
- Portugal vs TBA
Soccer picks: Netherlands vs USA - Back the Unders
Of the six games these two teams have played combined so far in the World Cup, all six of them have finished with the Unders landing.
Netherlands won 2-0, drew 1-1 then won 2-0 again, while the USA drew 1-1, drew 0-0 and won 1-0, and that pretty much sums up the abilities and strengths of these teams. Defensively they are both strong and with the stakes so high and the loser leaving the competition, they will both be more focused on not losing than they will be with winning.
There are no real natural goalscorers in either squad either. But to be safe and still get decent value, go with the Under 2.5 goals market to land again and maintain it's 100% record for these teams.
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Soccer picks: Argentina vs Australia - Lionel Messi to score
Both of these teams secured a dramatic path into this stage with big wins in the final group game, but there is a clear favorite to progress beyond this round.
Australia claimed a win over Denmark in the final group game to finish as runners-up, while Argentina overcame Poland despite Lionel Messi missing a first-half penalty.
He scored in both the games prior to that though, and while he has never scored a knockout goal at a World Cup tournament before it's about time he ends that drought, so he'll do that here and help his nation to another quarter-final.
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Soccer picks: Poland v France - France win to nil
The French were arguably the most impressive side in the tournament in the opening two games, and only lost to Tunisia in the final group game because of a dodgy VAR call and resting their entire first-team.
Poland on the other hand were lucky to find themselves here, and were hugely disappointing against Argentina as they struggled to even string an attack together.
France are a better outfit than Argentina both offensively and defensively, and they should be able to win this game without too much bother because Poland will try not to lose more than they'll try to win.
Soccer picks: England vs Senegal - England to win in 90 mins
England qualified as group winners with a big 3-0 win over Wales in the final group game, and continue as one of the favorites in this tournament, while Senegal needed a big win over Ecuador to seal their place as runners-up.
Defensively Senegal have struggled in this tournament, but they will need to come forward and attack if they want to go through despite being the weaker side.
England are the stronger team in all areas of the pitch, and whether it's a set-piece goal, a counter-attack or just a good bit of play, they have more than enough quality to win this game in the regulation 90mins and I expect them to do so.
Soccer picks: Morocco vs Spain - Back the Unders
A crazy Thursday saw these two teams destined to meet each other, but in the opposite slots that were expected as Morocco won their group and Spain finished as runners-up in theirs.
Both of these teams have been surprising during the tournament, with Morocco conceding just one goal under their current manager in seven games, while Spain like to dominate possession.
When at their best they can put teams to the sword as they did against Costa Rica in the opening game, but they lack a natural goalscorer. With their possession style and Morocco's unlikelihood of being clinical on the counter, expect a relatively tight game.
Soccer picks: Japan vs Croatia - Both teams to score
Japan shocked the world by beating Spain on Thursday and claimed the group winners spot, while Croatia's 0-0 draw with Belgium eliminated them and helped them through into the knockout rounds.
The Japanese have been sensational on the counter attack, and the manager has used his substitutions perfectly to help influence games. Individually Croatia are the better side, with great technical qualities and world class midfielders like Luka Modric in their side.
Defensively neither team has looked the best, and with both teams feeling that they're going into this with a great chance of progression, expect an open game and goals for both teams.
