Quarterfinal recap
The World Cup Qatar round of 8 provided plenty of parody and surprise for soccer fans globally. After two massive upsets, the final 4 teams remaining are for the majority far from what a pundit would have predicted a couple of weeks ago.
Croatia scrape past Brazil
After a gruelling first 90 minutes, Croatia and Brazil remained knotted 0-0. Just before the extra time halftime whistle Neymar changed that, netting a beauty (105+1′) to give the South Americans a 1-0 lead.
Shortly after, the Croats responded. Bruno Petković redirected a pass into the box towards the net, it was then deflected by Brazilian defender Marquinhos and into the back of the net (117′) to once again equalize the score.
Croatia have not only continuously taken high-quality team’s to penalties over the last two World Cups, they refuse to lose them. After defeating Japan in the round of 16 on penalties 3-1 and then Brazil 4-2 on penalties the Croats have officially won their last two round of 16 matches and round of 8 matches by penalty shootout.
In Russia in 2018, Croatia defeated Denmark in a shootout in the round of 16. Then went on to beat hosts Russia, also on penalties to advance from the Quarterfinals.
Late drama vs. Netherlands almost cost Messi final shot at hoisting World Cup
In the 34th minute, Lionel Messi threaded a no-look through ball, through the legs and by the feet of five dutch backtrackers. The pass landed directly on the foot of the in-stride Nahuel Molina who eloquently slid it past the keeper to make it 1-0 Argentina. A 70th minute penalty from Messi gave the Argentine’s a comfortable 2-0 lead with only 10 to play.
That’s when tragedy struck in the form of Wout Weghorst. The 30-year old Dutch striker scored a timely header in the 80th minute to breathe life into the Dutch squad. Then as if fictionally written, with 90+10′ on the referees’ watch, Weghorst received a pass from a free-kick, promptly turned and slotted it into the net to tie the match and force extra time with the last touch of regular time.
Luckily for Argentina faithful, they managed to hold on until penalties and win 4-3, keeping the dream alive for Messi to win a World Cup.
Morocco defeat Portugal and continue their surprise path of demolition, leaving giants of world soccer in their wake
Morocco continue to prove they deserve to be in this position. Not only winnings difficult matches against quality sides consistently throughout this World Cup. Though Morocco won this match with only 22% of possession, which is incredibly hard to wrap your head around.
Youssef En Nesyri’s 42nd minute goal was the sole tally of the contest, as Morocco’s back-line shut down Portugal’s fearsome attack.
It’s unfortunate knowing this will be Cristiano Ronaldo’s final World Cup contest, but exciting to say the least for Moroccans, and much of the Middle East and Africa who have adopted Morocco as their tournament favourites.
Heavyweight clash with a storied history, France ensure it’s not coming home
The match everyone had their eye’s on in the Quarterfinals, France vs. England. France entered the match slightly favoured to advance, yet Three Lions supporters scoffed at the idea that they weren’t considered at the level of the French.
From the get go the French controlled the pace of the match, creating chance after chance by exposing the lack of pace in the English centre backs. French defensive midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni gave Les Bleus an early lead with a 18th minute strike from outside the box.
Harry Kane managed to score a penalty to tie the match before Olivier Giroud headed one home to ensure France keep their lead.
The stage was set, Harry Kane was back at the penalty strike down 2-1 with a chance to tie the match and send it to extra time. Kane sent the ball over the bar with such ferocity I’m not convinced it’s landed, and France continue on their pursuit of their second straight World Cup title.
Semifinal preview
Argentina vs. Croatia
Tomorrow, December 13th Messi and Argentina have an opportunity to return to the World Cup final. In 2014 they lost the final to Germany after a hard-fought, emotional battle that needed extra time to be decided.
Standing in their way are an undefeated Croatian team, who have continued to shock the world match after match. To make a reasonable prediction in this match would be to say Argentina will see their way through the round. Though Croatia have proven that they are more than capable of shutting down an attack for the entirety of the match, and suffocating you with their confidence in penalties.
No team should trust the longevity in winning in penalties, but Croatia have successfully used it as a crutch to dig them out of games where they are seemingly entirely overrun. Argentina have also been guilty of overlooking their opposition as recently as their 2-1 group stage loss to Saudi Arabia.
I consider this a trap game for Argentina, they really should win confidently and the glory that awaits on the other side is immeasurable for their captain. With that being said, Croatian skipper Luka Modric is in the exact same boat and his squad have far less to lose.
France vs Morocco
After knocking out England and Brazil falling to Croatia, the French are left as +110 favourites to win the tournament.
I’m afraid France could completely expose Morocco in this Semifinal. The pace and quality up front between Kylian Mbappé, Olivier Giroud and Ousmane Dembélé should more than overwhelm the African side.
With that being said, Morocco have proven analytical sports theorists such as myself wrong on repeat in Qatar. The only logical next step in Morocco’s miracle journey is to defeat the best team the world has to offer.