Lamine Yamal Set to Join the World Cup Party in the Knockout Stage – Here’s How to Take Advantage

The FIFA World Cup Knockout Stage continues with three Round of 32 clashes, featuring Lamine Yamal and Spain, with the Barcelona prodigy set to join the party started by his contemporaries Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi and Vinicius Junior. We break down Spain vs Austria, Portugal vs Croatia and Switzerland vs Algeria.

Are Austria Equipped to Stop Lamine Yamal From Running Riot?

Lamine Yamal would be the first to admit his debut World Cup started slowly. He was only used for 20 minutes in Spain’s opener against Cape Verde, before tearing Saudi Arabia to shreds from the start in La Roja’s second game. He found the net just once in the group phase, but he is ready to show his best in the games that matter most. Austria’s defence isn’t as strong as it was at the start of Ralf Rangnick’s time in charge, and they will find it difficult to contain the teenager.

Key Statistics:

• In their last five matches against Austria, Spain are unbeaten, winning four and drawing one.
• Spain has the sixth-best total xG in the tournament to this point, with La Roja registering 6.58 xG.
• Lamine Yamal hasn’t played a full 90 minutes of football since April 14.
• Ralf Rangnick’s win percentage since taking over the Austrian National Team is 59.2%.

Is it Smart to Back Lamine Yamal to be Heavily Involved?

Spain haven’t been at their best in this tournament, but that can still change. It isn’t quite the blistering football that carried them to the Euro 2024 title, but Yamal can kick the entire team into another gear. Betway are offering odds of 2.10 for Yamal to score at any time, which holds an implied probability of 47.6%. Considering his fitness concerns, this is probably fair value. If you wanted to play it safer, you could go with Yamal to provide either a goal or an assist at any time, with Betway offering odds of 1.48.

Predictions:

• Spain to win and Lamine Yamal to score at any time @ 2.29 with Betway – Lamine Yamal is as gifted as any footballer around, he is returning to full fitness. Austria’s defence isn’t strong enough to stop him.

Will it be Modric or Ronaldo in the Battle of the Veterans?

Cristiano Ronaldo has played every single minute of Portugal’s 2026 World Cup campaign to this point. He has scored twice, but his overall play has perhaps limited the impact of those talented players around him. Croatia are perhaps the worst possible opponents for this Portugal side. They will make it difficult and have players who excel at retaining possession. Luka Modric will also be looking to extend his international career by another game at least.

Key Statistics:

• Portugal has faced Croatia 10 times and has only lost once.
• Croatia haven’t won a World Cup knockout game without a penalty shoot-out since the 2018 semi-final against England.
• Ronaldo has scored three goals in five matches against Croatia, never losing in the process.

Where is the Value in Backing Portugal and Ronaldo?

Portugal are marginal favourites for this clash, although I suspect that is more down to how disappointing Croatia have been since the tournament began. Portugal’s attacking play looks disjointed with Ronaldo in the team, and Colombia outplayed them in the last group game. This match will likely be a slog; most knockout games involving Croatia go to extra time, and I expect nothing different here. Betway are offering odds of 2.15 for Portugal to qualify and Ronaldo to score at any time. Irrespective of his physical limitations, Ronaldo will always be a big game player. If a chance falls to him, expect him to take it.

Predictions:

• Under 2.5 total goals @ 1.75 with Betway – Croatia can make any match into an ordeal, and knockout pressure sees players try to limit risk.
• Croatia to qualify and Cristiano Ronaldo to score at any time @ 10.0 with Betway – Ronaldo can score big goals, but I think Croatia take this to penalties and wins.

Can Algeria Upset the Odds Against Switzerland?

Algeria were the beneficiaries of their rather bizarre final group match against Austria, and will get to play Switzerland instead of Spain. The African side hasn’t looked especially dangerous throughout the tournament, but Riyad Mahrez looks to be finding his best form in front of goal. Switzerland’s experience puts them as the favourites before kick-off, but this will be anything but a routine game.

Key Statistics:

• Algeria have never beaten Switzerland at senior level.
• Switzerland have only played two matches against African opponents at World Cups, winning both.
• Algeria haven’t beaten a European team at a World Cup since 1982.

Algeria are up Against the Odds, Can You Take Advantage of That?

Backing Algeria to win outright would be a bold move. Betway are offering odds of 3.80 for the African side to win the match, which holds an implied probability of just 26%. The bookmakers do not believe Algeria have any chance of winning inside 90 minutes. There are ways you can maximise value, though, with a double of Switzerland to qualify and Riyad Mahrez to score or assist at any time being offered by Betway @ 4.50.

Predictions:

• Switzerland to qualify and Riyad Mahrez to score or assist at any time @ 4.50 with Betway – The Swiss are far stronger a team than Algeria, but Mahrez is always liable to be involved.
• Switzerland to win @ 2.00 with Betway – European side has experience in tournament KO stages and players who can make the difference.

The Battle of the Ws

For the Battle of the Ws in this round, I will use my entire £10 on a single bet in the Portugal vs Croatia game. I think the two teams will cancel each other out, despite Croatia’s defensive horror show against England earlier in the tournament. I will stick with my tip of under 2.5 total goals @ 1.75 with Betway. Will this pick allow me to stay in the race to defeat Russell? Follow my progress against Russell Wingham in the Battle of the Ws.