5 Tips for Friday’s World Cup Quarter-Finals - 9/12/22

On Friday, Brazil faces Croatia in the quarter-finals of the World Cup, while the Netherlands goes up against Argentina.

In this featured boost, Neymar and Lionel Messi are both required to have two or more shots on target. Last time out against South Korea, Neymar impressed with a goal, while Messi also bagged one in his side’s 2-1 victory over Australia. Messi averages 2.5 shots on target per game.

Vinicius Junior and Memphis Depay were both on the scoresheet in their last matches too, as they both scored the opening goals in their side’s victories over South Korea and the USA.

Both Croatia and the Netherlands were shown two yellow cards each in their wins over Japan and the USA.

Tottenham striker Richarlison has been one of the stars of the World Cup, as the 25-year-old has scored three goals in three appearances - the ex-Everton man is averaging a goal every 81 minutes at the World Cup.

Barcelona forward Raphinha, formerly of Leeds United managed to have three shots on target in Brazil’s thumping 4-1 win over South Korea. During Brazil’s 1-0 loss to Cameroon in the group stages, Tite’s men had a total of 11 corners.

Croatia will be fearful of Brazil’s attack which obliterated South Korea’s pre-game tactics, as A Seleção scored four goals in the first half of their last match, thanks to goals from Vinicius Junior, Neymar, Richarlison and Lucas Paqueta.

As mentioned above, Richarlison has three goals at this year’s World Cup, while Vinicius scored his first goal of the tournament last time out.

The Netherlands against Argentina should be a fascinating contest between two giants of the game.

Depay looks to be getting up to speed at the World Cup, having scored last time out against America - the 28-year-old had three shots on target during this game.

Manchester City forward Julian Alvarez is having a superb World Cup, as the 22-year-old has scored two goals in four appearances, including Argentina’s second in their round-of-16 victory over Australia.

Messi has managed three goals and one assist in four matches for Argentina in what looks likely to be his final World Cup. The 35-year-old will be quintessential to Lionel Scaloni’s side’s chances of progression.

In the Netherlands' last fixture, there were a total of nine corners awarded while two yellow cards were shown. With the stakes being so high for this match, there is a chance that three or more cards could be shown.

The final tip on this list revolves around PSV forward Cody Gakpo and Messi.

As previously mentioned, Messi has managed four goal contributions in four matches and will have to be at his best once against if Argentina are to make it through to the semi-finals.

Gakpo has been one of the stars of the World Cup, having scored three times in four matches, doing so against the likes of Senegal, Ecuador and Qatar. With plenty of clubs interested in acquiring the 23-year-old’s services in January, he will be keen to impress once again.

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