Join us for our helping of 2022 World Cup betting picks, as our experts have crafted the best analysis to assist you with Monday’s Qatar Round of 16 games.
Read on for Monday’s Round of 16 soccer analysis & free World Cup betting preview for fixtures involving Brazil vs. South Korea and Japan vs. Croatia.
Brazil vs. South Korea
Monday, December 5, 2022 – 02:00 PM EST at Stadium 974
The Koreans Face a Stiff Test
Like many nations that had already qualified for the Round of 16 with one game to spare, Portugal made six squad changes in their final group stage meeting with South Korea. And in the footsteps of Australia, Cameroon, and Japan, the Koreans overcame the reserve squad. They will make a surprise appearance in the Round of 16 after edging Uruguay on goal difference.
However, the reserve starting XIs won’t exist in the Round of 16 and beyond, as Paulo Bento is now faced with the favorites to win it all, Brazil.
While the Brazilian reserve attack failed to stop Cameroon, the return of a well-rested starting lineup will trouble South Korea in all areas of the pitch. Brazil netted three goals in their first two group-stage outings, and this tally is expected to grow, particularly versus a South Korean defense that hasn’t been ultra-impressive in Qatar thus far.
Brazil’s Starting XI Returns to Dominate
Brazil’s primary squad will return to the starting lineup on Monday, and we aren’t likely to see any team members who lost to Cameroon see much playing between now and Brazil’s exit or World Cup-winning year.
Neymar is expected to return, and he played when these two sides met in June. The summer encounter between these sides ended in a 5-1 victory for Brazil, and the attacking talents in yellow and green will be pushing from every angle.
Brazil vs. South Korea Round of 16 Betting Picks
The current World Cup odds at Bet365 have naturally placed Brazil as a significantly juiced betting favorite. A straight moneyline wager simply isn’t enough World Cup betting value, but we can add over 2.5 goals to this moneyline play and receive plus-money at Bet365.
Brazil has netted 29 goals from their previous ten games in all competitions, including a 5-1 victory over their Monday opponents. South Korea has scored twice in their last two games, so they can undoubtedly assist in the finishing scoreline.
Score Prediction: Brazil 3 – South Korea 1
Soccer Pick: Brazil Win & Over 2.5 Goals (+110) at Bet365
Soccer Pick: Brazil Wins Both Halves (+175) at Bet365
Japan vs. Croatia
Monday, December 5, 2022 – 10:00 AM EST at Al Janoub Stadium
The World Cup Giant Killers
Following their Group E successes over Germany and Spain, Japan became Qatar’s most prominent surprise outfit, finishing atop their group with six points. The maths doesn’t always add up as Hajime Moriyasu’s men lost to Costa Rica. However, placing above the 2010 and 2014 World Cup champions labels them as the Qatar giant killers.
The Samurai Blue aren’t an elite squad by any means, as displayed by their losing efforts to Los Ticos and an average of 32.3% possession at the tournament so far. But with the passion for winning and Moriyasu’s super substitutes, can they continue to make more history against the Croatians this Monday?
A Fortunate Position for Croatia
Croatia barely made it into the Round of 16, and Zlatko Dalic’s men should be thankful for the lackluster efforts of Belgium’s Romelu Lukaku during their final Group F matchday. The Belgium striker failed to finish multiple gifted chances he had in front of goal, leading to a 0-0 draw, which gave the 2018 World Cup runners-up a place in the Round of 16 alongside Morocco.
Despite a smidgen of luck, the Chequered Ones still enter Monday’s final-16 clash with Japan behind a nine-game undefeated streak and a stellar defense allowing just one goal in Qatar thus far. Dalic’s squad should take their Japanese opponents seriously, as they’re a proven counter-attacking machine.
Japan vs. Croatia Round of 16 Betting Picks
The current World Cup odds at the best sportsbooks have the Croatians as a moneyline betting favorite at +105 odds. While we agree Croatia should be in this position, the price is undesirable.
We cannot underestimate the counter-attacking style of Japan; another shock victory isn’t beyond the realm of possibility. With that said, Croatia’s defense has been strong thus far, and the potential of a penalty shootout to decide who advances to the quarter-finals could be on the cards.
Score Prediction: Japan 1 – Croatia 1
Soccer Pick: Under 2.5 Goals (-159) at SBK
Soccer Pick: Draw (+225) at Bet365
