Fri, 02 Dec 22 19:24:06 +0000

FIFA WORLD CUP: Bilicki and Chapman’s picks for Dec. 3

Netherlands' forwards Wout Weghorst (left) and Memphis Depay take part in a training session. Getty Images

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Dan Bilicki’s picks

Netherlands 1, U.S. 0

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The Americans should bring a similar ferocious press to the Dutch like it did against England. The difference here is that the Dutch won’t be accepting of a draw, given the game would go to the lottery known as a penalty shootout. The midfield battle should be excellent but we think Memphis Depay makes the difference. With a flu bug reportedly going through the Dutch camp, is there an upset in offing? It’s not out of the question.

Argentina 3, Australia 0

A lovely underdog story comes to an end for Australia against the South American powerhouses. Argentina probably should’ve had a few more than the two it scored against Poland and are the much better side in this one. Australia won’t back down, but should be overwhelmed in this one, like it was against France.

Paul Chapman’s picks

Netherlands 2, USA 0

While the Yanks are falling all over themselves lauding Christian Pulisic’s winning goal against Iran, the fact is the golden goal from the golden boy was a cheesy, scrabbled goal-mouth mash up that came with a tremendous slice of luck. I just haven’t seen enough out of the U.S. attack in this tournament, and going up against a calm and classy Dutch defence, I’m scratching my head to see where the goals will come from. The Netherlands have hardly evoked memories of Johan Cruyff and Total Football either, but they have that solidity at the back paired with one of the tournament’s most in-form players in Cody Gakpo, who has scored in each game he has played so far. This tournament has been full of shocks and, if you’ve been paying attention to my picks, you’ll know that as I have been frequently flummoxed. But I just can’t see the U.S. having enough offence to get by the old Dutch.

Argentina 1, Australia 0

There’s always the prospect of some Lionel Messi magic, but Argentina has not been playing the creative, fluid and free-flowing football people were expecting coming into the tournament. That’s going to be the challenge for a workmanlike team from Australia. Work hard, dig in, communicate and then be undone by a fleeting moment of individual brilliance. And then you have to ask yourself who from Australia is capable of that moment for it? Still, from this point on we’re dealing with the spectre of spot kicks and that means anyone has a chance.

Postmedia’s soccer expert Derek Van Diest is on the ground in Qatar to cover every kickoff of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Subscribe today and get access to all his coverage.