ALEX CROOK WORLD CUP PREVIEW: Last 32

So after the longest group stage in World Cup history, we roll on into the knockout rounds, with 32 teams still dreaming of etching their name on the famous trophy, writes ALEX CROOK.

With a couple of notable exceptions, including Cape Verde, the groups panned out pretty much as expected, with Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal the only pre-tournament favourite to miss out on top spot.

That means Ronaldo will now face Luka Modric’s Croatia in what can be dubbed ‘the old man derby.’

Other notable ties in the first knockout phase include the impressive Netherlands against Morocco, who made it all the way to the semis four years ago in Qatar and dark horses Japan taking on Brazil in Houston on Monday.

England’s path to what could be an epic clash with co-hosts Mexico relies on them beating DR Congo, which should be straightforward enough, although the Three Lions once again underwhelmed in their final group game with Panama, before eventually winning 2-0.

I’ll be back with an in-depth preview of that game later in the week, but for now I have picked out what I think are some value plays for the first knockout phase as a whole.

I’ve been really impressed with hosts USA and their fans are really starting to get swept up in World Cup fever.

They won their group and will face Bosnia in the round of 32, a side ranked outside the top 60, and that have posed very little goal threat so far this tournament.

I expect the US to get through, and with Belgium or Senegal waiting in the last 16, I think there is a strong case to be made for Mauricio Pochettino’s men to emulate what they did in 2002 and reach the last eight, where they are likely to encounter ante-post second favourites Spain.

Spain have not conceded a goal yet and with Lamine Yamal fit and firing have a great chance to go deep, especially as they find themselves on the ‘easier’ side of the draw.

The USA are 11/10 with starsports.bet to fire themselves into the quarter finals.

Of the other fancied nations, Germany, France and Argentina all have very winnable matches. If you throw them in with the USA and Spain all to win in 90 minutes, the five-fold pays 2.25/1 with starsports.bet.

The Dutch may not have it all their own way against a Morocco side who have looked in decent nick to that point so I will be backing the draw after 90 minutes at 2/1 with starsports.bet.

Brazil against Japan should be a game that is really pleasing on the eye and I fancy both teams to score there at 17/20 with starsports.bet.

We have a record number of African nations in the knockout stages and I think Senegal, who face Belgium, have the best chance to progress to the last 16.

The 12/5 available at starsports.bet on Senegal to win in 90 minutes looks too big to me.

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1️⃣ BEST BET: Germany, Argentina, Spain, France and the USA all to win in 90 minutes 1.5pts at 2.25/1 with starsports.bet
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📊 MATCH SELECTION: Netherlands v Morocco draw 1pt at 2/1 (⭐️ ? CLICK TO BET NOW)

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(JUNE 2026): ALEX’S PROFIT/LOSS: -10.75 points

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