We’ve made it into the first round of knockouts of the 2023 World Cup and there are some absolute bangers to watch! Our staff and friends give us their must-watch games and tell us why they’re watching.

Dan Creel Picks…
- Japan vs Norway
  - Saturday, August 5th - Complete
    from Wellington Regional Stadium
  - Japan had an all-but perfect Group C stage with three clean sheets and three multi-goal games. Japan’s stifling defense and potent attack will be a problem for a Norway team that only scored in their final match to make it out of the weird Group A.
    - Result - Japan took the lead off an own goal by Norway then Norway drew even in the first half. Shimizu and Miyazawa scored for Japan in the second half to advance to the

Dennis Pope Picks…
- Netherlands vs South Africa
  - Saturday, August 5th - 7:00p PST / 10:00p EST
    from Allianz Stadium
  - One of the ‘Colonizer Cup’ finals, this match has intrigue on the field and off. Netherlands won Group E with a dominant 7-0 win over Vietnam in the group stage final and are among the favorites to reach the semifinals. Dutch midfielder Danielle van de Donk is one of the stars of the tournament after clashes with USA captain Lindsey Horan. South Africa were the surprise escapee from a very tough Group G after drawing against Argentina and defeating Italy.

Danielle Gawronski Picks…
- Sweden vs United States
  - Sunday, August 6th - 2:00a PST / 5:00a EST
    from Melbourne Rectangular Stadium
  - everyone else can watch but I will be in a plane over the ocean on my way to the Women’s World Cup semi finals and final. It will certainly be a nailbiter to see if Vlatko got his head out of his bum and is starting the experienced players and using substitutes. With Rose Lavelle out I am lacking any confidence and I am in a pit of despair.

MaryBeth Zmuda Picks…
- England vs Nigeria
  - Monday, August 7th - 12:30a PST / 3:30a EST
    from Suncorp Stadium
  - England finally hit their stride versus China in their 3rd match of the group stage after an average start. The world is predicting a solid win over Nigeria but their defense and a hunch say that England won't have the landslide victory they expect.

John Howard-Fusco Picks…
- Colombia vs Jamaica
  - Tuesday, August 8th - 1:00a PST / 4:00a EST
    from Melbourne Rectangular Stadium
  - Columbia vs Jamaica. Tuesday,August 8th: The team that had to crowdsource just to get to the tournament (Jamaica) has given up zero goals and took out Brazil in the group stage. This matchup may be the most surprising out of all of them.

Danielle Gawronski Picks…
- Australia vs Denmark
  - Monday, August 7th - 3:30a PST / 6:30a EST
    from Stadium Australia
  - The host nation is on fire. Sam Kerr THE best forward in the world is back from injury and itching to play. The host country winning is such a wonderful storyline and great for soccer, especially in Oceana. Their coach Tony Gustavsson, assistant under Jill Ellis when they won the World Cup in 2015 and 2019, is often credited as being the tactical mastermind behind much of those winning teams.

Dan Vaughn Picks…
- France vs Morocco
  - Tuesday, August 8th - 3:00a PST / 6:00a EST
    from Suncorp Stadium
  - Everything to love about a long-shot colony vs the super-power colonizer. France should be expected to win this easily, but I will definitely be rooting for Morocco.

by the Protagonist Staff