World Cup preview – Day 14: Tips and prediction for Messi’s Argentina and USA, plus free bets and bonus sign-up offers

LIONEL MESSI and Argentina continue their quest for World Cup glory against Australia. The Netherlands and USA also clash in their last 16 showdown.

And SunSport are on-hand to preview Day 14 of the competition while bringing you our carefully selected best bets, sign-up offers and exclusive bonuses from our partners.

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Playtime is over and the knockout phase of the World Cup begins.

It’s all or nothing from here on in with extra-time and penalties now a factor for both nations as they seek safe passage to the quarter finals.

Louis van Gaal’s Holland take on the United States, while Argentina play Australia with the winners scheduled to meet in the final eight.

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Netherlands vs USA

On paper, this would look like a routine win for Holland — but the Dutch simply haven’t been convincing.

It took a late winner from attacking sensation Cody Gakpo to beat Senegal before an underwhelming 1-1 draw with Ecuador, in which they mustered a single effort on target.

Managed by Louis van Gaal, it was always unlikely Holland were going to be over-expansive at the tournament.

And goals could be an issue against an eye-catching USA side, whose high-energy, high-pressing style should should cause more than a few problems.

• Our pick: USA to qualify for the next round at 13/8 with Sky Bet. New Sky Bet customers can claim £40 in free bets. CLAIM HERE*

Argentina vs Australia

This will NOT be Lionel Messi’s last dance.

Not the most outrageous prediction but Argentina should sail into the quarter-finals against this spirited but limited Australian side.

Lionel Scaloni’s side bounced back from their shock defeat to Saudi Arabia by seeing off Mexico and Poland in simple enough fashion.

And Australia will be unable to handle the the creativity and trickery Argentina have at their disposal.

Only three teams have scored against the South American side in their last 18 matches in all competitions, and at least two would be required to make things interesting.

• Our pick: Argentina to waltz through with a 2-0 win at odds of 4/1. New Betfair customers will receive £30 in free bets when they stake £10 on football. CLAIM HERE*

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