Who is the favorite now to win the World Cup?
The 2022 FIFA World Cup started with round-robin group games. The 10 leading teams from each group progressed to the tournament’s single-elimination knockout round. The latest knockout had even more surprises in store, adding to the twist that the 2022 World Cup has been filled with.
Brazil Forced Out
Croatia opened the quarterfinal stage by causing a massive upset. This was accomplished by defeating the tournament’s top favorite, Brazil, on penalties. Brazil appeared to have the advantage in extra time following 90 minutes of scoreless play, thanks to a goal scored by Neymar within the 106th minute. However, Croatia’s Bruno Petkovic tied the game in the 117′ minute with a goal. The match then proceeded to penalties, which Croatia won. This was after Croatian goalkeeper Livakovic saved one while Brazil’s Marquinhos smashed another penalty off the post and then out. This saw Croatia advance to the semifinals. For the second time in a row, Brazil, one of the tournament’s top-ranked teams, is eliminated in the quarterfinals.
Argentina advances Amid Messi Controversy
In another game, Argentina defeated the Netherlands in the day’s second match, which also required penalty kicks to decide. Argentina seemed to be in control at first, racing out to a comfortable 2-0 lead as Lionel Messi created the first goal with a wonderful ball to Molina after 35 minutes. He later added salt to the Netherlands’ wounds with a penalty kick goal in the 73rd minute.
The Netherlands, however, recovered to draw the game with 2 late goals from Wout Weghorst. The second goal came 11 minutes after stoppage time. After neither side scored in extra time, the game proceeded to penalty kicks. This ended with Argentina winning thanks to two saves by Argentine goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.
Should Messi have been sent off?
Lionel Messi also got booked during Argentina’s tumultuous quarterfinal victory on Friday. However, some supporters believe he ought to have been sent off.
During the game, Spanish referee Lahoz Antonio sent out a record 18 yellow cards. One of those yellow cards was issued to Messi at the conclusion of regular time.
However, some supporters believe the 35-year-old Ballon d’Or winner should have been dismissed. Despite seeming to purposefully smack the ball with his hand, Argentina’s captain avoided a yellow card 10 minutes into the second half.
Had Messi been booked for the handball, then the yellow card in extra time would have resulted in his dismissal.
How to bet on the World Cup in the Netherlands
With all the World Cup action taking place, you’d surely want to try betting at an online sportsbook for a chance to win. Gambling has been quite popular in Europe for some time. The Dutch Gambling Authority, or Kansspelautoriteit in Dutch, recently opened a regulated online gaming sector as of October 1, 2021, enabling money from sports betting to flood into the nation.
However, gamblers must be 18 years old or older to access the betting sites in the Netherlands and make bets on their favorite sports, like soccer betting, or voetbalwedden in Dutch.
Top Tips for Finding a Reliable Betting Site in the Netherlands
With so many alternatives, some people may find it difficult to choose which internet Dutch betting site to register an account with.
1. Security
It’s important to sign up with a reputable operator everywhere, but it’s especially important in the Netherlands.
2. Accepting the NZD
Look for an online betting service that lets Dutch people bet in euros, so you don’t have to pay high exchange rates.
3. Odds
You won’t receive excellent value if your sportsbook doesn’t provide competitive odds. Always keep an eye out for good odds.
4. Welcome Bonus
It is common practice for the finest betting sites to provide new clients with a welcome bonus. This is frequently the case with free bets, risk-free bets, and other similar promotions.
