There’s an old saying that likely goes: “What the World Cup giveth, it can taketh.” And that’s how fans may feel after seeing the USA’s remarkable run in Qatar end in heartbreaking fashion thanks to the Netherlands. Meanwhile, Lionel Messi and Argentina withstood a late surge by Australia to book a date with the Dutch in the quarterfinals.
Be sure to check in with ESPN throughout the tournament as we bring you the latest from Qatar. Here’s what you might have missed from Saturday’s World Cup happenings, and a look ahead to Sunday for what’s next.
– World Cup news, features, previews and more
– Stream FC Daily and Futbol Americas on ESPN+
USA lose to the Netherlands: Is it 2026 yet?
Not the best way to start a Saturday morning, considering the United States‘ solid form during the group stage and the hope of seeing this group of young players at least reach the quarterfinals.
– World Cup bracket: Netherlands, Argentina set up QF match
But the Netherlands showed the gap in quality that still exists between the USA and the sides they want to compare themselves with. Netherlands coach Luis van Gaal’s tactical game plan in the Oranje‘s 3-1 win was ruthlessly effective and it forced the US into mistakes (leaving players unmarked in all three Dutch goals) and to do things it wasn’t good at (breaking down an organized defense).
Playing at a World Cup without a club? Cristiano Ronaldo and only few others know
It’s a rare group: World Cup players without a club to call home. For some it’s a distraction; for others, it’s motivation.
Playstation, rotating DJs, and ‘foot-golf’: How France relax at the World Cup
Les Bleus are aiming to be repeat champions. But you wouldn’t know from visiting their camp that they’re feeling any pressure.
Spain were lucky after Japan defeat, but can they reset ahead of Morocco match?
Spain were fortunate to emerge from Group E given the way Japan fought back to beat them. So other teams know how to stop La Roja?
Your best bets (odds via Caesars Sportsbook)
If you’re looking to bet on the World Cup, ESPN contributors Paul Carr, Dan Thomas and Dalen Cuff are here to give you key tips on odds, options and futures. Here’s what we have for the Sunday’s matches.
France (-390) vs. Poland (+1200), Draw (+430)
Carr: France’s loss to Tunisia doesn’t concern me, given the squad rotation and unfamiliarity. Poland was fortunate to lose only 2-0 to Argentina (3.7 xG on 23 shots) and gave up a ton of good chances to Saudi Arabia too (1.7 xG on 16 shots). I think France cruises here with the first team back, and I’ll lay the 1.5 goals at -115.
Cuff: Poland was arguably the most unimpressive team to advance to round of 16. France’s last loss was with a lineup of reserves. I think they dominate, play for me is win to nil -116. I also will probably play Olivier Giroud to score anytime +120.
England (-195) vs. Senegal (+600), Draw (+290)
Carr: I remain unconvinced by England manager Gareth Southgate’s willingness to go for it in the knockout stage. In eight games over the previous two tournaments, England only put two away before the 80th minute, including draws against opponents Colombia (2018 World Cup) and Denmark (Euro 2020). Senegal is missing Idrissa Gueye in midfield, but I think they have a decent shot to hang with England at least through 90 minutes, so I’ll play Senegal on the double chance at +150. If you’re feeling more daring, I don’t mind playing them to advance at +360.
Cuff: I feel similar to Paul here, I played England to be eliminated in round of 16. I just don’t believe in this team and how Southgate sets them up. However, I thought their opponent here would be Ecuador, which provides a different challenge than Senegal. I think I’m going to slightly hedge here by not playing a side, but I think we see more goals than you’d expect. Over 2.5 +125.
News and notes
Brazil legend Pele is responding well to treatment for a respiratory infection and his health condition has not worsened over the past 24 hours, the Albert Einstein hospital in Sao Paulo said in a statement Saturday. Pele, 82, has been at the hospital since Tuesday. Get-well messages have poured in from around the world for the three-time World Cup winner, who is also undergoing cancer treatment.
Lionel Messi achieved all sorts of milestones in Argentina’s 2-1 win over Australia on Saturday that booked the Albiceleste a quartefinal date against the Netherlands. He reached 1,000 professional matches, and also moved passed Diego Maradona’s World Cup goals tally. With eight goals across his five World Cups, Messi needs one more to tie with Gabriel Batitusta for Argentina’s all-time record at the tournament.
Brazil have suffered two more injury setbacks ahead of the World Cup round-of-16 clash against South Korea with both striker Gabriel Jesus and defender Alex Telles ruled out of the rest of the tournament. Brazil have been hit by the injury bug in Qatar, with Neymar’s status still uncertain due to an ankle issue that made him miss two matches so far.
England captain Harry Kane said he is ready to peak in the World Cup knockout stages after tailoring his conditioning to reach optimum match fitness. The 29-year-old has not scored yet in the tournament but has three assists to his name so far in Qatar. Kane won the Golden Boot at the 2018 tournament but five of his six goals came in the group stage before England were beaten by Croatia in the semifinals.
