After almost two wild and dramatic weeks at World Cup, we have reached the winning or going home portion of the tournament. Sixteen teams remained, another 16 were eliminated and the fun continued on Saturday.
Be sure to subscribe to ESPN during the tournament as we bring you the latest from Qatar. Here’s what you might have missed from Friday’s World Cup developments and a preview of what’s to come next Saturday.
– World Cup news, features, previews and more
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Round of 16: Brazil, Portugal, South Korea; Uruguay ra
Here we go! shelf for the knockout round of the World Cup has been fixed. Two matches daily for the next four days, with the winners then set to the quarterfinals.
1:25
Luis Miguel Echegaray picks up a cheeky World Cup bracket on ESPN FC Daily.
Here is the full schedule:
Saturday, December 3 (winners play each other in quarterfinals)
Netherlands compare to USA
Argentina compare to Australia
Sunday, December 4 (winners play each other in quarterfinals)
France compare to Poland
England compare to Senegal
Monday, December 5 (winners play each other in the quarterfinals)
Japan compare to Croatia
Brazil compare to south Korea
Tuesday, December 6 (the winners play each other in the quarterfinals)
Maroc compare to Spain
Portugal compare to Switzerland
Wild Group Stage Ending: Suarez’s Tears, Son’s Joy
1:09
Luis Miguel Echegaray reacts to Uruguay’s elimination from the 2022 FIFA World Cup in a heartbreaking way.
In keeping with the drama we’ve been watching over the past few days, Friday’s chart also offers plenty of key moments.
Just like it looks as if Uruguay will advance by defeating ganaKorea’s last breath-taking goal against Portugal secured a 2-1 win in their remaining Group H match — and more importantly, a place in the knockout stages.
12 years after Uruguay eliminated Ghana in the quarterfinals of the 2010 World Cup in large part thanks to Luis SuárezAfter the famous American handball game, Friday’s match was seen as a grudge match for the Black Stars. Taking a two-goal lead on Friday, Uruguay looked ready to ruin Ghana’s party once again. But when the screen showed the score of the match between Korea and Portugal, the cameras quickly switched to Suarez sitting on the bench, looking shocked.
Uruguay needed another goal to turn the tide in their favor, but it didn’t come. So of Ghana schadenfreude will come from lingering images of Suarez burying his head in tears in his shirt, possibly the last time the 35-year-old wears it at a World Cup.
And while Uruguay fans are in dire straits, it’s the exact opposite for Korean supporters across town. When the match against the top team Portugal was held to a 1-1 draw near injury time, Hwang Hee-chan’s goal in the 91st minute ensured Korea would lead Uruguay in the rankings.
It was a particularly poignant moment for captain Son Heung-min, who is sometimes accused of trying to do too much while playing for the national team. But Son’s clever play helped Hwang score, and he excelled when his teammates needed him most.
1:49
Julien Laurens recounts Korea’s dramatic 2-1 win over Portugal, sending Son Heung-min’s side into the round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup.
In Group G, Brazil have secured a spot in the round of 16 but are aiming to be the only team in the entire tournament to win all three group stage matches. Still playing without getting hurt NeymarBrazilians cannot rally many against one Cameron parties looking to keep their hopes alive.
The goal in the 92nd minute of Vincent Aboubakar (who was later sent off for taking off his shirt in celebration) created a small chance for the African team, but Switzerland won 3-2 Serbia in the match while also ensuring the Swiss advance.
Brazil lost their first group stage match since 1998 and no team has won a maximum of nine points for the first time since 1994, which is a fitting way to end a poor start to the World Cup.
America vs. Netherlands: Get your popcorn (and coffee) ready
1:18
Christian Pulisic talks to Sam Borden about his winning goal in the USA vs. Iran and heading for a round of 16 clash with the Netherlands.
US fans, sleep well as you have an early appointment with the lauded Netherlands, with the winner of Saturday morning’s game going to face Argentina or Australia.
The good news for American fans is Christian Pulisic is now allowed to play against the Dutch. As you may remember, Pulisic taught us what a “pelvic concussion” is after he collided with Iran Goalie Alireza Beiranvand when he scored the winning goal in Tuesday’s game, sending USMNT into the round of 16.
Whether Pulisic can play the full 90 minutes on Saturday remains unclear. Talk to ESPN’s Sam Borden on ThursdayPulisic hinted that he may have a game time limit.
“I will do everything in my power, along with the staff and medical team, to make sure that no matter how long I can play, I will give 110% of my energy. whatever happens,” Pulisic said. .
On the Dutch side, coach Louis van Gaal revealed several members of his team are battling flu symptomsalthough he did not reveal who.
Need some reading material before the game? We’ve got you covered, and be sure to tag along with ESPN tomorrow during and after the game.
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Tactical preview: Can the US midfield keep its momentum? Cody Gakpo, Frenkie de Jong end the American run? READ
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Captain America: How is America? Tyler Adams showed the world his worth on the pitch, his inspirational leadership from there READ
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Dutch dating with destiny: Born in the Netherlands, Saturday game for the USA Destination Sergino will be more special READ
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Taylor Twellman believes there is no pressure on the United States ahead of their game against the Netherlands and says they thrive as the weaker team.
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Your best bet (odds via Caesars Sportsbook)
If you’re looking to bet on the World Cup, ESPN contributors Paul Carr, Dan Thomas and Dalen Cuff are here to give you the key tips. about odds, options and futures. Here’s what we have for Saturday’s games.
Round of 16: Netherlands (-110) vs USA (+325), Draw (+235)
Paul Carre: I hope I’m not being too cocky here, but I like the US double chance at -125. The Dutch did not play impressively despite having 7 points in the group stage, leading by 10 points and scoring only 2.4 expected goals. Having Memphis Depay Being back in the lineup would help, but the USA played better than a better England team, so I would assume that the USA should at least put this game into extra time.
Daniel Thomas: I think this could be a clone of the British game – a tight, eventless event. I’ll get 0-0 in 90 minutes.
Dalen cuff: Unlike Paul, I’m a homer here, but I think I’m reasonable. This Dutch team is not an overwhelming team. This USA team has talent and has had outstanding matches in this tournament, most notably against England. I like the US up at +180. However, I think it will be a tight match, especially in the first half. I liked 0-0 in the first half (+145).
Round of 16: Argentina (-540) vs Australia (+1600), Draw (+525)
Carr: Australia made it to the knockout stages, but that doesn’t mean they’re a particularly good team. Argentina has the third highest expected goals (6.3) and expected goal difference (+5.5) in the group stage, while Australia is 30th with 1.7 expected goals and 31st with goal difference -4.1. In addition, Argentina has Lionel Messi. I’m willing to book 1.5 goals at -160 and I’m tempted by Argentina -2.5 at +170.
Thomas: This must be an Argentine victory. So where can we find some value in this game? I will take one angel di maria support at +125.
Cuff; wristband: There is no value here. I’m not willing to put 2.5 for extra money, so I’ll pass.
News and notes
What else catches our eye
A heartwarming scene from Brazil’s national anthem ahead of the team’s game against Cameroon on Friday. Fans reveal a tifo for Brazilian legend Pele, who was at Sao Paulo hospital have had a respiratory infection since Tuesday.
Brazilian fans hold up ‘Pelé get well soon’ during the national anthem ❤️🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/xlRC7XqiaL
– FOX Football (@FOXSoccer) December 2, 2022
The 82-year-old and three-time World Cup winner thanked fans in an Instagram post late on Thursday for the well wishes he has received in his battle against cancer. He had a colon tumor removed in September 2021 and has since undergone chemotherapy.
