Canada will face Morocco in Saturday's Round of 16 after the Atlas Lions upset the Netherlands in a dramatic penalty shootout
The World Cup knockout picture is starting to take shape after a dramatic day of upsets Monday.
Canada has its opponent for its Round of 16 match, after Morocco took out Netherlands late last night in a penalty shootout after the sides drew 1-1, in front of over 51,000 fans at Estadio BBVA in Guadalupe, Mexico. Ismael Saibari scored the winner after multiple missed opportunities and saves by both teams.
That match is scheduled for Saturday at 1 p.m. EST at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas.
Germany is grappling with its stunning upset loss to Paraguay, also on penalties, after the teams drew 1-1 in Boston. The Germans were frustrated all match by a squad that sat back, leaving the German side little room to maneuver.
Earlier on in the day, Brazil edged out Japan 2-1, on a stoppage time winner by Gabriel Martinelli.
There are three knockout stage matches on the schedule today:
Ivory Coast versus Norway, 1 p.m. EST, AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas. In World Cup betting at Betway, Norway is a +110 favourite, Ivory Coast is +240, and the draw is +230.
Ivory Coast was one of the great storylines during group play, going 2-0-1.
Norway, though, is the favorite, and that’s where I am leaning. I’m looking at their top-end attacking talent, led by Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard, tallying seven goals in their first two group matches before resting key players versus France. Haaland was one of those who was rested.
Ivory Coast is dangerous enough to keep this close, though. Over 2.5 Total Goals is another strong option at Betway, priced at -120, with both teams showing scoring ability.
France versus Sweden, 5 p.m. EST, MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey. At Betway, France is -350, Sweden +800, and odds for a draw at +475.
France is a powerhouse, and Sweden will have to produce the performance of a lifetime to take them out, in the heat later today in New Jersey.
Sweden eked into the knockout stage after going 1-1-1 in the group stage, finished third in Group F, so they’re up against it today.
For bettors, look at player props, since there’s not a lot of value on France moneyline – you’re betting $350 to win $100 – unless you’re using it in a parlay.
Kylian Mbappé Anytime Goalscorer is -182 at Betway, with France feasting on Sweden’s defence. Mbappé has four goals in the tournament already. France’s Ousmane Dembélé Anytime Goalscorer is +110, if this turns into a blowout. On the Sweden side, look at Alexander Isak 1+ Shots on Target, since he’s been consistent getting shots on target even against tough sides.
Mexico versus Ecuador, 9 pm. EST, Estadio Banorte, Mexico City, Mexico. Mexico is +120, Ecuador +280, and the draw is +187.
A big advantage for Mexico in this one is Ecuador’s travel fatigue, after a nine-hour travel day yesterday, ahead of tonight’s match.
That and Azteca Stadium’s high altitude, with a hostile home crowd. Mexico went 3-0 in the group stage, scoring six goals without conceding any.
“Mexico has a great fortress in this mythical stadium,” said Ecuador coach Sebastian Beccacece, per Reuters. “Things are always difficult for us, so we take it as a beautiful challenge.”
Ecuador is tough and organized, which makes the Unders look sharp here: Under 1.5 is +130, while Under 2.5 is -250. That’s where the value appears to be.
I’m also going with Mexico to win at +120, leaning on the home-field advantage. Both teams are sharp defensively, so this could be tight.
