Welcome to the thirteenth update of the World Cup 2022 ONS Superbru competition and the start of the knockout!!

Netherlands 3 United States 1

A game that looked comfortable for the Netherlands for most of the game. USA brought the game back to 2-1 to give the Dutch a scare with fifteen minutes to go, but sealed the progression to the quarter-finals with another goal. After the shocks of the group stages, looks like we are reverting to form.

In our pool we only had one person calling the 3-1 – Craig Taylor – and he is back in the game.

Argentina 2 Australia 1

A dull opening half was lit up briefly by some Messi magic playing his 1000th game. In the end Australia rarely threatened, but an amazing performance given the players they have – a real case of a group of players functioning as a team.

We had three people picking the 2-1, Pete Reynolds, Jason Stokes and me.

France 3 Poland 1

Poland certainly had their chances in this game and managed to click better as a team, but if Lewandoski isn’t on the end of the chance, then they seem unlikely to score. Ultimately, this came down to the pure talent of Mbappe. But, the way in which Poland took the game to France will give England hope. France, like England, look threatening going forward but always vulnerable.

In our pool we had six people getting the 3-1; Andrew Tucker, Lee Malpas, Pete Reynolds, John Hughes, Stuart Luckwell and Keith Williams.

England 3 Senegal 0

In the first 35 minutes, this was a game where England were under pressure and Senegal had chance. But, the class of Foden and Bellingham was a thing of beauty and England scored three fab goals.

It is looking good for England – clinical in front of goal (they scored three from their four shots on goal) and a clean sheet. They have also scored an average 3 goals per game and only conceded two. However, that is all going to change at the weekend – and they really need to keep Mbappe quite – something English club teams have managed previously.

In our competition, Mark Taylor and Gavin Edwards were the only two to pick the 3-0.

Pool Results

Our Last 16 leader is Pete Reynolds on 8.5 points out of the possible 12, fabulous predicting. This golden run of form has taken him to the top of the overall leaderboard: