So, your team of choice has been knocked out of the World Cup. You want to keep watching, but you need a rooting interest to stay invested. The idea of supporting any team but your own may be unfathomable to some, but we’re not going to call you a fair-weather fan. In fact, we’re here to help, with a handy guide to the quarterfinalists.We’ve included the odds of each team winning the final, based on the consensus of various U.S. sportsbooks as of Wednesday, and even thrown in the chants you need to fit right in. Here are your eight options, in alphabetical order.ArgentinaODDS OF LIFTING THE TROPHY: +400 (bet $10, win $40)STAR PLAYER: Have you heard of this man called Lionel Messi?WHAT TO KNOW: The Argentines are looking to become the first nation to retain the men’s World Cup title since Brazil in 1962. Messi — yes, him — is the World Cup’s all-time leading scorer with 21 goals and has a tournament-topping eight goals this year.CHANT OF CHOICE: “Vamos, vamos Argentina” (“Let’s go, Argentina”)CHOOSE THIS TEAM IF YOU LIKE: Safe bets, flavorful steak, supremely talented No. 10s.
BelgiumODDS OF LIFTING THE TROPHY: 30-1 (bet $10, win $300)STAR PLAYERS: Kevin De Bruyne, Thibaut CourtoisWHAT TO KNOW: The Belgians eliminated the United States in the round of 16 — and many around the world felt justice was served following President Donald Trump’s intervention to get Folarin Balogun back in the U.S. team lineup for the match. There were low pre-tournament expectations around Belgium, with so few of its longtime stalwarts remaining in the squad. CHANT OF CHOICE: “Waar is dat feestje” (Where is the party”) or “Tous ensemble” (“All together”)CHOOSE THIS TEAM IF YOU LIKE: Waffles, chocolate, topical dance celebrations, long-lasting yet underperforming golden generations.
