Jim James’ 2022 Qatar World Cup Knockout Stage Predictions
By Jim James
Hello all, welcome back to the blog. Last Week, I put out my 2022 FIFA World Cup Group Stage Predictions, and today, I’m making my knockout stage predictions based on those predictions, so if you haven’t read my first post, read it before starting this one to clear up any confusion. Read it? Ok, here we go.
Round of 16
Game 1: Netherlands vs England
This game will be hard-fought, with the Netherlands keen to make a splash this tournament and England looking to bounce back after a tough group stage. I think the resolve and teamwork of this team will be enough to best the English, who have a squad that I don’t think is enough of a team to go far.
Predicted Score: Netherlands 2-0 England
Game 2: Argentina vs Australia
This won’t be much of a contest at all. Australia will have worn themselves out beating France, and Argentina will want to make a statement. Lionel Messi will score his first knockout goals, his first 3 as Argentina take an early lead and never look back.
Predicted Score: Argentina 5-1 Australia
Game 3: Germany vs Canada
This is a game I’d love to see, as these are my two favourite teams in the World Cup. However, I see this game going only one way, Germany’s way. They’ll take the lead, and while Canada may get one or two goals, Germany will outclass the Canadians, who will feel free to call this a successful tournament.
Predicted Score: Germany 3-1 Canada
Game 4: Brazil vs Ghana
Again, I’d love to see an underdog win here, but there’s absolutely no chance of it. After Brazil’s group stage domination, I can’t see a slip up vs, of all teams, Ghana. This will be a one-sided and dominant affair.
Predicted score: Brazil 4-0 Ghana
Game 5: Iran vs Senegal
This isn’t the most attractive of affairs, so I’ll keep it short. While these two may seem similar, the sheer starpower of Senegal will be too much for Iran. Sadio Mané will be exquisite, and Kalidou Koulibaly will have a great shift, and lead Senegal to victory.
Predicted score: Iran 0-2 Senegal
Game 6: Denmark vs Poland
Denmark may have made it to the Semi Finals of the Euros only 18 months ago, but this Poland team is much the better side. With Robert Lewandowski and Wojciech Szczesny, Denmark will look powerless for the 90 minutes before a Robert Lewandowski brace will win it for Poland.
Predicted Score: Denmark 0-2 Poland
Game 7: Belgium vs Spain
This will be the game of the Round of 16, and it will be quite hard fought. It will be hard to get a winner, and it will go to penalties. Neither team will run away with it, and the best performers will be Youri Tielemans, Kevin de Bruyne, Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedri, and Spain will win on penalties.
Predicted Score: Belgium 3-3 Spain (Belgium 3-4 Spain on Penalties)
Game 8: Portugal vs Cameroon
Portugal, while they will look shaky for the first portion of this game, conceding first, they will turn on the jets in the second half with two goals in quick succession and coasting for the rest of the game to set up an Iberian clash in the Quarter-Finals.
Predicted Score: Portugal 3-1 Cameroon
Quarter-Finals
Game 1: Netherlands vs Argentina
These two teams could win it, and yet again for the Netherlands, this will be a clash of the titans. However, I back Argentina to win a closely fought battle due to the starpower of Lionel Messi, something the Netherlands don’t have. Defence will reign supreme in this clash, with great defending from both Virgil van Dijk and the duo of Christian Romero and Lisandro Martínez, but a solitary Leo Messi goal will make the difference.
Predicted Score: Netherlands 0-1 Argentina
Game 2: Germany vs Brazil
This is the perfect opportunity for a revenge match for Brazil, and with their form, they look unstoppable. However, they haven’t played someone like Germany yet, and they will either overthink it or underestimate their foes, and will be outmatched. Germany will get the lead early, and while Brazil may claw back a little, Germany will look in control for the majority of this game.
Predicted Score: Germany 3-1 Brazil
Game 3: Senegal vs Poland
This is a great clash between Sadio Mané and Robert Lewandowski to be in the semi-final of the World Cup, and while again, hard fought, Poland will come out victorious. Piotr Zielinski will do great at feeding through balls to Robert Lewandowski, while Sadio Mané will struggle. Poland advances to the World Cup semi-finals.
Predicted Score: Senegal 0-2 Poland
Game 4: Spain vs Portugal
An Iberian derby always brings fire, and I believe it will here too. Both Halves will produce 3 goals, with it being 2-1 for Portugal at half-time, but Spain barraging Portugal in the second half to win 4-2 with a brace from Ansu Fati. I just don’t think Portugal has the star power to get over the hump that Spain brings.
Predicted Score: Spain 4-2 Portugal
Semi-Finals
Game 1: Argentina vs Germany
It’s a rematch of the 2014 Final, and a huge test for Lionel Messi. This Argentina team, though, is much better than that of 2014 and Germany’s squad is overall worse than 2014. You can see where this is going. While it won’t be too one-sided, Argentina will look much the better side throughout the match, while Germany will look outclassed as Lionel Messi yet again scores and gets an assist.
Predicted score: Argentina 2-0 Germany
Game 2: Poland vs Spain
Will we get an upset here? No. Poland’s fairy tale run will end with a big loss to Spain in the Semi-Finals, but their tournament will still be celebrated back at home. Robert Lewandowski will have many chances, but will be unable to convert, while the free flowing football of Spain will get them into the FIFA World Cup final. Just you wait and see.
Predicted Score: Poland 0-3 Spain
3rd Place Match: Germany vs Poland
I know what you are thinking, but I promise that this was completely accidental. Bobandjim.ca nor Jim James are making any political statements with this matchup, it’s just what I think will happen. This match won’t be as one-sided as you think, but in the end, Thomas Müller and Leroy Sané will both score as Germany win, met with a Robert Lewandowski consolation.
Predicted Score: Germany 2-1 Poland.
Final: Argentina vs Spain
This is a final of dreams. Argentina, Lionel Messi, finally with a chance to get that coveted World Cup, vs Spain, who since 2012 have been a calamity and can finally get back to the top. The game will match the buildup, with end-to-end action followed up with goals. Argentina will score first through Lionel Messi, but Spain will equalize right before half-time and get another before the 50-minute mark. After many Argentinian chances, they’ll get their equalizer from Lautaro Martinez in the final 10 minutes. Then, in extra-time, at least 115 minutes in, Lionel Messi will get Argentina’s winner, and they will win the World Cup, Messi will get his World Cup, and he will finally be the GOAT, without a doubt.
Predicted Score: Argentina 3-2 Spain
That’s all from me, folks! If you want to see FIFA 23’s predictions on the World Cup, I got that out earlier today, I’ll have a ton of World Cup content coming out until Christmas, I’m Jim James, and until next time!