Netherlands have never won the World Cup but will be starting to dream of ending their long wait if they get past the United States to reach the quarter-finals. The Dutch have not been the most exciting team to watch but progressed as group winners, while the Americans made it out of Group B despite only scoring two goals.
Argentina showed great composure to top their World Cup group after an opening loss to Saudi Arabia and the reward is facing rank outsiders Australia. The Socceroos, who upset Tunisia and Denmark to qualify behind France, are expected to prove game, but outgunned.
World Cup holders France are hot favourites to qualify for the Qatar 2022 quarter-finals at the expense of Poland. However, Les Bleus did concede a goal in each of their group-stage games, so the Eagles may be worth backing to grab a consolation score in defeat in Doha.
England will put their unbeaten record against African opposition on the line when they face Senegal in the round of 16 at the World Cup. Gareth Southgate’s men eased through to the knockout stage as group winners for the first time since 2006 and with the best goal difference they have enjoyed at a major tournament.
Brazil have made smooth progress so far at Qatar 2022 and are expected to complete a hat-trick of Group G wins when facing Cameroon. The Indomitable Lions showed great spirit when drawing with Serbia last time out but it is hard to see them securing the win they need here.
Switzerland just need a point to advance to the World Cup knockout stage and are disciplined enough to achieve that feat against Serbia. The Eagles possess more quality players in their line-up, but haven’t quite had the same experience of performing at the highest level.
Spain have been among the best sides during the early stages of Qatar 2022 and it would be a surprise if they don’t get the better of Japan. The Samurai Blue did shock Germany first up but undid much of that good work when edged out by Costa Rica in the second round of games.
Germany will be relieved to still have a chance of progressing from Group E and can do their bit by seeing off Costa Rica in Al Khor. If Hansi Flick’s side win by more than one clear goal, they will advance as long as Japan don’t beat Spain in the other group match.
Portugal only need a point to clinch top spot in Group H but are fancied to advance in style by proving too strong for South Korea. Fernando Santos has plenty of useful fringe players who will be keen to press their claims for more action during the knockout rounds.
Uruguay have been very underwhelming so far at Qatar 2022 but still have another chance to qualify for the last 16 by beating Ghana. La Celeste showed they are capable of great escapes when winning their final four qualifiers and can again come good just in time.
Croatia have never failed to qualify from their World Cup group in five previous appearances and can continue that trend in Qatar. The 2018 finalists only need a point to progress and are tipped to secure a share of the spoils with Belgium at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium.
Morocco sent their hordes of passionate fans into raptures by stunning Belgium and can follow up by beating Canada as well. The Atlas Lions just need a point to progress from Group F but may now be eyeing top spot, as they only trail Croatia on goal difference at the summit.
Argentina are back on track at Qatar 2022 and fancied to book a place in the last 16 by edging out Poland. Everything points towards this crucial Group C showdown being a tight tussle, though, with Poland a point ahead at the top of the table going into the final round of fixtures.
Denmark must go for a win when facing Australia in the final round of Group D fixtures and that could pave the way for an entertaining encounter. The Socceroos are two points better off after shading Tunisia last time out and are also the type of team to adopt a positive approach.