As the competition edges closer to a conclusion, the margins are getting finer and the spotlight even brighter – setting the stage for a gripping end to one of world soccer’s greatest showcases.
The Round of 16 stage at the Club World Cup has provided no shortage of drama, surprises, and high stakes soccer.
This round has already witnessed giants pushed to their highest limits and underdogs defying all odds.
Here, Sport Preview’s Ethan Pitts tips up some selections for the final Round of 16 fixtures, as we take a step closer to seeing who lifts the illustrious Club World Cup trophy.
Kenan Yildiz to have over 1.5 shots outside the box – 10/3 (PaddyPower)
Under new coach Igor Tudor, Kenan Yildiz has become the driving force in Juventus’ attack, notably scoring twice so far in the Club World Cup to secure The Old Lady’s place in the Round of 16.
The Turkish international combines youthful exuberance and dynamic ability with elite-level accomplishments so early into his young career.
Yildiz hasn’t only made a name for himself through his flair and creativity, but also with a roaring reputation as a long-range threat.
Whether cutting inside onto his stronger right foot or picking up spaces centrally to shoot, he is not shy when it comes to unleashing shots from outside the box.
Juventus’ number 10 has had at least one shot from outside the box in eight out of his last nine starts for club and country.
Most recently, he came off the bench against Manchester City and very quickly had two efforts from long-range.
Both of his two goals in the Club World Cup came from outside the box and he will be looking to showcase his ability in a huge match against one of soccer’s biggest franchises, Real Madrid.
The left-winger’s efforts from long-range aren’t just speculative however – there’s total precision behind them.
This is anchored by the fact that both of his two goals in the Club World Cup came from outside the box.
For that reason, either selection of Yildiz to have over 0.5 shots-on-target from outside of the box at 11/4 (SkyBet) and Yildiz to score from outside of the box at 16/1 (WilliamHill) are both reasonable options if you’re willing to take a punt.
If Juventus are to upset Madrid, they will need their talisman to create as many opportunities as possible for himself – something I very much see happening in a clash of two heavyweight sides.
Therefore, I will be taking Yildiz to have over 1.5 shots outside the box at 10/3 when you bet on PaddyPower.
READ MORE: FIFA Club World Cup 2025 betting guide: Full fixture list, venues and kick-off times
Wednesday morning sees the Mercedes-Benz Stadium play host to a clash between the 2024 Champions League finalists and a side who have epitomised a true underdog story at the Club World Cup so far.
Finishing first in Group F, Borussia Dortmund have enjoyed a very successful campaign at the competition so far.
Despite a toothless showing in their opener against Fluminense, the German giants have bounced back with two impressive victories against Mamelodi Sundowns and Ulsan HD to secure their spot at the top.
One of Mexico’s most eminent football institutions, Monterrey also come into this game with form – recently defeating Urawa Reds 4-0 to secure their spot in the Round of 16.
Led by veterans such as Sergio Ramos and Jesús Corona, ‘Rayados’ come into this clash against Dortmund as underdogs.
However, Dortmund will need to be defensively strong if they are to withstand spells of a relentless Monterrey attack.
I expect this game to be quite high scoring, as both sides withhold incredible attacking statistics.
The Mexican side have scored in 21 out of their last 23 games in all competitions, and have scored five goals throughout the Club World Cup so far.
On the other hand, Dortmund have 25 goals in their last nine games in all competitions – proving to be one of Europe’s most potent sides in front of goal.
As shown against Mamelodi Sundowns, this Dortmund defence does seem to have a lot of frailties, something the Mexican giants can target over the course of a 90-minute showdown.
Despite this, there is a huge juxtaposition between the riches of both clubs – heavily favouring that of the German side.
It is to be expected that this Dortmund side in a rich vein of form have too much attacking dynamism for Monterrey to handle, and I would be inclined to agree.
For these reasons, the selection will be Dortmund to win and both teams to score – best priced at 12/5 with Bet365.
