The race to become Dan’s Just Arsenal World Cup Predictions League champion is now down to just four competitors after another entertaining round of quarter-final action.
With tie-breaks, convincing victories and another set of excellent predictions, the tournament has certainly lived up to expectations. Congratulations to everyone who has taken part so far, but now the focus turns to the semi-finals, where a place in the final is at stake.
Quarter-final results confirm the final four
The quarter-finals produced the following results:
NT Gunnerz 4-2 Mrs BFG
Achizzy 2-6 J Knights
Kia 0-7 GB
Stephanie 5-5 Ackshay (Stephanie progresses on the second tie-break.)
That leaves the semi-final line-up as follows:
- NT Gunnerz vs J Knights
- GB vs Stephanie
Semi-final prediction deadline
Can we have all predictions submitted before kick-off in the first semi-final fixture.
Some players have raised concerns that they are posting all of their predictions early, only for their opponents to wait until the following day before making tactical selections based on those predictions.
That’s not in the spirit of the competition, so any predictions submitted after kick-off in France vs Spain will not be accepted.
If you would prefer your opponent not to see your predictions before kick-off, please email Dan directly.
Remember: Predictions are for 90 minutes only. If you believe a match will go to extra time or penalties, predict a draw.
Dan’s semi-final predictions
France 0-0 Spain
Spain might have the only system capable of stopping France’s attack.
The Spanish have only conceded one goal at the World Cup, and that’s not because their back four or goalkeeper have had to produce miracles.
Their defence is protected by the amount of possession they enjoy. Logically, your opponents can’t hurt you if they don’t have the ball.
By the law of averages, France possess so much attacking talent that they’ll eventually produce a moment of magic. It simply comes down to how much possession they can get.
England 1-0 Argentina
I think it’s fair to say that, on this side of the draw, these two teams haven’t received the same praise as the other semi-finalists, which is strange considering one of them are the reigning world champions.
Unfortunately, we live in a society where people want to tear you down, and if that’s their agenda, they’ll always find something.
In reality, if you’re finding fault with how your country has reached a World Cup semi-final, why are you even watching the sport?
No one can question either team’s character or spirit. Both have consistently found a way to survive and win.
I do think, though, that on paper England have more individuals capable of producing a decisive moment, and they certainly have greater strength from the bench.
If the Three Lions play what’s in front of them rather than the occasion, they should have enough.
Dan Smith
With just four players remaining, the pressure is well and truly on as the race for World Cup Predictions League glory enters its final stages.
Who do you think will book their place in the final? And do you agree with Dan’s predictions? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
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FIFA said it implemented a tennis championship like format to ensure these top ranked 4 teams don’t play each other in previous rounds. Now in the semis 1 v 3; 2 v 4.
Food for thought to conspiracy theorists?
Seeding is a normal thing for many sports
Very selective
As in you didn’t complain when Arsenal were seeded in CL and then each 2nd leg of knockout rounds was at the Emirates?
By your logic was that UEFA helping Arsenal ?
That’s a governing body also wanting to keep teams apart till later stages but you don’t mind that because……you support them
Arsenal got what they deserved after winning 8 out of 8. They even deserve a bye in the knock out for that awesome 100% unprecedented record.
Did t England win 8 out of 8 in the group stage aswell ,do England deserve a bye also 😂
DK, we all know what we know. Rules are rules. Need to be agreed before tournament kicks off. Arsenal can’t have that bye privilege. Just saying. The bottom line is the strength of the opposition differs in the case of Arsenal and England though both won 100%. Beating Bayern 3-1 and Atletico 4-0 is Unbelievable! England against some minnows so they can’t have that illusionary ‘bye’ privilege.
no it’s exactly the same
both are seeded based on historic results
then if you top your group you on paper get an easier run
yeah you contradicted yourself again lol
Wait you may contradict yourself after seeing tomorrow’s SF. The Mail today reported Messi got his favourite ref v England. Ref Elfath officiated many many Inter Miami matches when Messi won the league.
I can’t contradict myself mate because I haven’t said anything then the opposite
lets see if the official does nothing controversial if you point it out ?
I never heard you talking bad about refs. Is it normal? But they are fallibles and humans. They mostly unintentionally or sometimes with intent may make incorrect decisions.
it’s called being humble and accepting the other team are better
no one has proved to me with intent they do it
and you made that up , I was very critical regarding their performance in the Paraguay France game
you though are biased and only bring it up as an excuse when a team you like fail.
Egypt for example were knocked out because they were not good enough but it’d easier to blame
It is not my idea alone. Shearer has just voiced his concerns about the Argentina game refereeing together with the VARs. “VARgentina”
I will be pleasantly surprised if FIFA allow England to win, even if they end up being the better team on the day.
Congrats Stephanie and good luck. Every time i see that Gabriel face in the homepage i am reminded how I stupidly changed my France prediction from 2-0 to 2-1 last sec just before posting.
Thanks Ackshay
Not biased in any way but come on Stephanie
Thanks SueP
Hi Stephanie and best of luck to you in our encounter. Looking forward to a couple of good games😊.
Thanks. Good Luck GB
France 2-1 Spain
England 1-1 Argentina
Party Spoiler No 369. Am more concerned about Arsenal’s lack of any meaningful transfer action to be honest. Not so much the established stars who probably won’t deliver but more the next generation such as the 17 year old from Leicester making his way to Man. City. This window should have been relatively simple. We have three young players to develop. All that’s needed are two impact players preferably an all purpose modifier and a striker. My preference would also be to replace the useless likes of Timber and Mosquero when it comes to attack. That’s never going to happen while this manager rides the wave of being a “tactical genius” after winning the title. By the way I believe France and England will play out the final, although both games are a toss up and you wouldn’t want to gamble away your sheep station.
Wrong, wrong wrong. Kudos to Spain for their cast iron midfield taking a grip on the game.Brickbats to France’s coach for lack of tactical nous as well as the French players choking on the day. I thought Yamal should have had a red card for two extremely dangerous tackles. Will he be the player of the match in the decider. Cuccarella so far the player of the tournament. No fake inverted wannabe but a real wingback.
France 2 – 1 Spain
England 2 – 2 Argentina
The Concacaf refs will officiate the semis. El Salvadoran for France v Spain; American-Moroccan for England v Argentina.
Today is Bastille Day, public holiday in France.
France 2 – 1 Spain
England 1 – 1 Argentina
Dan,
As much as I hope you’re 1-0 to England prediction is right, I just can’t see Argentina not scoring.
Our defense apart from the Mexico game are to easy to get at.
DEREK don’t you know (as a veteran JA) Dan may not like when his predictions are contested? Just to
Dan,
I’m going to say it, I told you so. 🤦♂️
Yeah mate
Think England will have allot of regret how they approached that
When AG was taken off and the defender put on, it handed Argentina the invitation to attack as we were without our speedster trumpcard. They should have brought on MR or BS just to present a threat on the break.
The mentality after going a goal up was wrong.
Totally gutted last night.
Hope Spain win the final.
nothing worse when you lose with regret
I think for a while players and managers will know that was a mistake
almost like scoring was the worst thing that could have happened
The WC is returning to normal Champions League broadcast times. I think hereafter the timings are suitable for many countries bar far eastern and Australia.
There goes Saliba injured
So far the two French are not good: Rabiot and Digne!! They need to be subbed.
Rodri is back to being world class, oh boy. What a game from Spain. Controlled every aspect of that match.
Yes, and all those silly rumours of Ribiot being on Arsenal’s radar. Would have been the last thing we needed besides another centre half.
Saliba out….ouch! Our season starting to look very difficult already. Rice and Saka knackered and Saliba facing back surgery. John Stones anyone?
Not interested. We have enough centre halves to cover for Saliba. There are more urgent positions to focus on strengthening.
I hope I’m wrong, but with a at least three of our players carrying injury’s all through the World Cup, this is not good news regarding our first three months of next season.
What with the staggered returning of players, and those carrying their respective injury’s. I wonder what sort of start we’ll have to the season.