On this episode of The Underdog World Cup Show, Chris Horwedel recaps Spain’s 2-1 win over Belgium and previews the final 2 World Cup quarterfinals: Norway vs. England and Argentina vs. Switzerland. The show opens in Los Angeles, where Spain survives Belgium behind another late Mikel Merino winner. Fabián Ruiz gives Spain the lead before Charles De Ketelaere equalizes, ending Spain’s run of 5 straight clean sheets. Belgium pushes Spain deep into the match, but an injury to Thibaut Courtois forces Senne Lammens into goal, and Merino finishes the rebound in the closing minutes.
Chris breaks down why Belgium’s tournament should not be reduced to 1 goalkeeper mistake, especially after they became the first team to score against Spain. Spain has now gone 37 competitive matches without a defeat and reaches its first men’s World Cup semifinal since winning the tournament in 2010. Next up is a massive France-Spain semifinal loaded with attacking talent.
The episode then previews Norway vs. England in Miami, centered on Erling Haaland against Harry Kane. Haaland has 7 goals in 5 matches, while Kane has 6, making this matchup a major Golden Boot storyline. Norway enters after stunning Brazil behind Haaland’s brace, while England advanced past Mexico behind 2 Jude Bellingham goals and a Kane penalty. Chris looks at England’s defensive concerns, Jarell Quansah’s suspension, Jordan Henderson’s injury, Marc Guéhi’s fitness, and Norway’s ability to create danger through Martin Ødegaard, Alexander Sørloth, and Haaland.
Chris uses odds from oddsmakers to frame England as the favorite, while noting Norway’s transition threat and the attacking numbers on both sides. The lean is England advancing in a game where Norway still finds the scoresheet.
The show closes with Argentina vs. Switzerland in Kansas City. Argentina is trying to become the first men’s team since Brazil in 1962 to win back-to-back World Cups, while Lionel Messi looks to move ahead of Kylian Mbappé in the Golden Boot race. Messi has 8 goals in the tournament and 21 career World Cup goals. Switzerland counters with a compact defense, Gregor Kobel in goal, Granit Xhaka in midfield, and momentum from its penalty shootout win over Colombia. Chris expects Switzerland to make Argentina work, but leans Argentina advancing behind Messi and their ability to survive difficult knockout games.
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