World Cup Knockout Round Preview with Nick Hennion

In today's episode, ChicagoTribune and BostonDotCom betting expert Nick Hennion and I preview the knockout round of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. First, we break down why known soccer powers Belgium, Germany, Denmark, and Uruguay all failed to advance out of the group stages in Qatar. We answer what went wrong and why four of football's biggest powers saw their World Cups end early. Then, we look at one of the biggest Round of 16 encounters with tomorrow's exciting clash between the USMNT against the Netherlands. I ask Nick whether the US can beat Holland to win its first knockout round game since a 2-0 win over Mexico in 2002. With every World Cup, there is at least one surprise nation making a deep run. Nick believes Japan will continue its surprise run against Croatia after beating Germany and Spain in Group E. I like Senegal, and this team would be even better if Bayern Munich star Sadio Mane could play against England. Speaking of England, we agree England manager Gareth Southgate faces the most pressure in leading the Three Lions. With so many superstars making the knockout round, we look at which stars face the most pressure. Nick believes Argentina captain Lionel Messi faces plenty of pressure to win in his final World Cup. I believe France's Kylian Mbappé needs to continue carrying his country with so many French players not playing in Qatar. He also needs to continue proving why he is one of the world's most exciting soccer players. Before giving our World Cup winners, Nick gives out his favorite bets for the knockout rounds. Finally, we both believe Brazil will end a 20-year drought and win its historic sixth World Cup in 16 days. Despite a 1-0 loss to Cameroon, Brazil's depth is greater than any other team left in the World Cup. Neymar's potential return gives Brazil its play-maker to energize the squad.