Qatar World Cup: Quarter-Final Review
Croatia 1-1 Brazil (Croatia win 4-2 on penalties)
From the start of the match, many would have believed this was Brazil’s World Cup to lose. Having played great attacking football in earlier rounds, they were the favourites to progress and one of the most likely to win the tournament. Standing in their way were 2018 finalists Croatia, who were not a team that would be beaten easily. Brazil largely dominated the game, however, resilient defending from the Croats and a lack of creativity in the final third from the Brazilians meant the 90 minutes would end level. After seeing the match into extra time, Croatia were the first to drop their guard with PSG striker Neymar breaking the deadlock with a neat goal, which would make him Brazil’s joint top scorer. It was looking likely to be an extra-time win for Brazil, until a swift Croatia counterattack forced the game to penalties. Croatia booked their place in the semi-finals after a nervy shootout, where Rodrygo and Marquinhos missed their spot kicks to send Brazil crashing out.
Netherlands 2-2 Argentina (Argentina win 4-3 on penalties)
After a great start to the game, it looked like Argentina would cruise into the semi-finals. Minola’s opener put the Argentines on the course for progression, while a penalty from Lionel Messi with less than 20 minutes remaining made it an almost impossible task for Holland. However, the introduction of Wout Weghorst gave the Netherlands some inspiration as he pulled a goal back in the 83rd minute. The game moved into added time and a stunning free-kick set up Weghorst to force the match into extra time. The match would have to be settled through penalties as no team could find that elusive goal. Emi Martinez was the hero for Argentina with the ‘keeper saving two penalties. Their progression to the last four against Croatia, now sees them as favourites to reach the final for the first time since 2014.
Morocco 1-0 Portugal
Five-time Ballon d’Or winner and Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo was once again left on the bench for this clash with Goncalo Ramos leading the line after his stunning display against Switzerland. A win looked likely for the Europeans after their previous displays in the tournament, but with the weight of Africa on their shoulders, Morocco had a look about them. The Africans played very well in the first half with quick counter-attacking football and solidity at the back making them dangerous. They took the lead through a fabulous leap and header by Youssef En-Neysri, who out jumped the Portuguese ‘keeper to open the scoring. The introduction of Ronaldo around the 50th minute mark did little to inspire a comeback with brilliant teamwork and defending as a unit ultimately ensuring that the Moroccans would hold onto their slim lead. This result makes them the first African side ever to reach a semi-final of a World Cup, an achievement that will go a long way in gaining respect for the continent and their footballing efforts in recent times. They are the underdogs in the tournament and many neutrals would like to see them go all the way.
England 1-2 France
France took on England in what looked to be the match of the round. A close encounter saw the Blues take the lead with a stunning 25-yard strike from Real Madrid youngster Aurelien Tchouameni flying past Jordan Pickford into the England goal. A cagey affair saw France go into the break one goal to the good, but England were not short of chances and it was still all to play for. After the break, England looked like the better team, creating more chances and defending well against the dangerous Kylian Mbappe. They were rewarded for their efforts with a penalty, dispatched with ease by captain Harry Kane. However, France striker Oliver Giroud would be the hero as he bundled himself onto Antoine Griezman’s cross to power a header into the back of the net via. a deflection by Harry Maguire. The Three Lions continued to probe and were offered a lifeline when Mason Mount looked to have been fouled in the box. After a visit to the VAR screen the referee gave Harry Kane a chance to pull his nation level in the 83rd minute of the match with another penalty. However, he blazed the ball over in a devastating miss, meaning England will have to wait another four years to try and ‘bring it home’.