World Cup Update - Quarterfinals Day 2

Underdogs keep having their day at the World Cup!  And we are getting treated to maybe the best underdog story in World Cup history as Morocco can't keep from winning!

Today's early match pitted surprise quarterfinalists Morocco against Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal.  Before the match, the model favored Portugal to win by about 70/30 odds, and Vegas had Morocco as heavy underdogs to advance.  Both teams struggled to break through early, until Youssef en-Nesyri's skying header in the 42' took the lead for the Indomitable Lions.  Morocco then held on to survive Portugal's 2nd half onslaught to continue their clean-sheet streak, and win 1-0.  This is the 5th game (out of 5) that Morocco has had less xG than their opponent this cup - showing that defensive prowess can truly lead a team to World Cup glory (or at least the semis).

The afternoon match pitched storied European rivals France and England against one another.  The model had this game as a tossup, with a slight 52/48 edge to France, but all to be fought for.  a 17' Aurélien Tchouaméni goal gave France the early lead and had England chasing the game into the 2nd half.  A 54' Harry Kane penalty goal evened the game back up, but France clawed the lead back in the 78' off the golden foot of Giroud to retake the lead.  France again conceded a penalty that Kane is going to remember the rest of his life, as he skied it over the goal of Spurs teammate Hugo Lloris to miss a chance to tie the match.  France went on to hang on to the 2-1 victory, and is one game away from an opportunity to defend their title.

Model Summary

Odds Changes in Round

Knockout Stage Current State / Projection

Semis predictions coming tomorrow!!