There are three top ties to follow on Tuesday as the Round of 16 reaches its climax.
We still have some early starts to contend with at this World Cup and the action gets underway at 1am as co-hosts USA take on Belgium at Seattle Stadium. While USA made comfortable work of beating Bosnia & Herzegovina 2-0 in the last round, Belgium had to grab two last-gasp goals against Senegal to set up extra-time before clinching an exhausting 3-2 win.
World Cup holders Argentina survived a scare dished up by Cape Verde and now face the challenge of Egypt at Atlanta Stadium in a 5pm kick-off. Egypt have drawn three of their four games in open play so far, overcoming Australia in a penalty shootout in the Round of 32,
The final game featuring the last 16 pits two unbeaten teams against each other, as Switzerland tackle Colombia at BC Place Vancouver, kicking-off at 9pm. The Swiss saw off Algeria with a 2-0 victory in the last round while Colombia ran out 1-0 winners after a tight game with Ghana.
To help you through a decisive day of top football action with NetBet Sport, we’ve selected some best picks below for each of the three games based on our latest World Cup betting odds.
*All odds are subject to change
USA vs Belgium: Both Teams To Score And Total Goals 2.5 – Yes And Over 2.5 @1.74
There is controversy in the making if Folarin Balogun has a big influence here. The USA’s leading goalscorer at the World Cup was set to miss this game after receiving a red card in the 2-0 win over Bosnia & Herzegovina. But in a controversial move that ban has been lifted by FIFA. Goals in games featuring USA are rarely a problem. Eight of their last 11 matches have featured results with over 2.5 goals per game. In that run of 11 matches, 43 goals have been scored by both sides at an average 3.9 per game. This tie is a rerun of the 2014 World Cup, where Belgium beat USA 2-1 after extra-time. Belgium’s class of 2026 are unbeaten in their last 17 games and have scored 14 goals in their last five. But the comeback against Senegal was made possible thanks to a late goalkeeping error and disappointing draws with Egypt and Iran were below par. There is also a question mark over what to do with Romelu Lukaku. The powerful striker has contributed two goals and an assist as a substitute in the last two games and is pushing for a place in the starting XI. While it is difficult to see a clear and easy winner, present form promises plenty of goals.
Argentina vs Egypt: Outcome and Total Goals 2.5 – Argentina and Over 2.5 @ 2.20
Cape Verde won a few hearts in their epic clash with Argentina, but it was the World Cup’s defending champions who won the day. That was an 11th straight win for Argentina, a sequence that has seen them keep clean sheets in eight of those games. Six of their last eight games have witnessed three goals or more and that man Lionel Messi has kept up his run of scoring in every match so far at this tournament. Seven goals in four games have seen Messi take the crown as the World Cup’s top goalscorer historically, with 20 across six championships. The only previous meeting between these two teams was a friendly in Cairo in 2008, which Argentina won 2-0. Egypt have done well to get this far considering their lack of cutting edge. They have drawn three of their four games in open play, needing a penalty shoutout to beat Australia and seal their first ever win in a World Cup knockout round. They have won only two of their last seven games in regular time and winger Emam Ashour is their top scorer in this tournament with two goals. That is matched by right-back Mohamed Hany, who has scored two OWN goals.
Switzerland vs Colombia: Anytime Goalscorer Double Chance – Breel Embolo or Johan Manzambi @ 2.16
Switzerland have looked impressive with three straight wins that followed a rather flat 1-1 draw with Qatar in their opening game. Their standout player has been Johan Manzambi, just 20-years-old, who has excelled in the No10 role. Manzambi has scored three goals and provided two assists while striker Breel Embolo has banked two goals and two assists for the efficient Swiss machine. This has been no magical uplift; they have been performing consistently well for some time and have lost just one of their last 18 matches. Colombia are also unbeaten at this tournament with three wins and a draw. Creativity hasn’t been a problem, but converting chances has been a major issue. Despite their progress they have scored just two goals in the last three games, even though they have managed at least 20 shots in each of those matches. Their leading scorer is Crystal Palace right-back Daniel Munoz with two while experienced goal poacher Luis Diaz has just one so far. In a World Cup that has sprung a few surprises, Colombia are clear favourites for the Match Result (@2.25, Switzerland @ 3.40) but with five goals between them Embolo and Manzambi are in good shape to inspire an upset.
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