Japan to beat Croatia? The best World Cup last-16 picks for Big5

 

The shocks continued in the latest round of fixtures… Cameroon became the first African nation to beat Brazil in World Cup history! 

 

It didn’t stop the Samba stars topping their group, but will South Korea take inspiration after their dramatic late winner sent them through ahead of Uruguay? That’s what we call karma, Luis Suarez! 

 

Their encounter is one of our Big5 Round of 16 fixtures… will you back Brazil to rebound and help you win a share of £1,000+? 

 

The format is simple… predict 5 results, answer 3 match-related Boosters and finish in the top-25% to win a cash prize! 

 

Japan to beat Croatia? The best World Cup last-16 picks for Big5

 

As if the game wasn’t already exciting enough, we’ve introduced extra time and penalties into the mix! Get ready for some edge of your seat drama over the coming days… 

 

We kick off with England vs Senegal. Book your spot by 6:45pm on Sunday, 4 December - entries are only £5! 

 

We’ve tasked our tipster ‘The Teacher’ with giving his best picks for the action ahead. Let’s see if you agree! 

 

The Teacher says… 

 

My Pick 

 

Brazil (vs South Korea) 

 

Yes, they may have suffered a shock defeat in their last game, but Tite rested the majority of his starting XI and could welcome superstar Neymar back for this fixture against South Korea. 

 

The World Cup favourites had the fourth-best xG of the group stages - a list that was somehow topped by Germany, who went crashing out! 

 

Brazil have made it past the Round of 16 at the last seven World Cups and we doubt Heung-Min Son’s side have the firepower to end that streak. 

 

Japan to beat Croatia? The best World Cup last-16 picks for Big5

 

Potential Pick 

 

England (vs Senegal) 

 

This won't be easy for England. Senegal are without talismanic Sadio Mane up top, but they still dispatched a handy Ecuador outfit to progress.  

 

Nevertheless, the Three Lions capped off a complex group themselves with aplomb and ushered into the leading teams in terms of xG (5.67) in the tournament.  

 

Gareth Southgate now has a headache of finding space for form players in attacking areas - back England to be too strong. 

 

Risky Pick 

 

Japan (vs Croatia) 

 

Japan topping their group ahead of Spain and Germany is one of the best storylines of the tournament, but their magical run could come to an end here. 

 

Only Australia and Poland have a worse xGA than Japan (4.2) at this World Cup from the teams progressing to the Round of 16. 

 

Luka Modric’s Croatia have only lost one of their last 19 matches and know how to get the job done on the biggest stage. 

 

Ready to make your picks?

You can play our £1,000+ Big5 Round of 16 game here

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Japan to beat Croatia? The best World Cup last-16 picks for Big5