-Ed-Mulholland-USA-TODAY-Sports-9
Eight teams remain in the quarterfinals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. After an exciting Round of 16 that saw upsets, goals galore, and the exit of a promising US side, fans around the globe are poised to enjoy just 8 more matches until a World Cup champion is crowned. Argentina, Netherlands, Brazil, Croatia, France, England, Portugal, and Morocco are the countries left with a chance to win it all.
The action starts on Friday with 2018’s runner ups Croatia facing tournament heavyweights Brazil at 10 AM EST. After a 4-1 win against South Korea, Brazil look to be one of the favorites to win the whole thing. They played well on attack and on defense with goalkeeper Allison having big saves to deny South Korea. But, Croatia have experienced players and can control the ball in the midfield, so it should be an exciting first match.
The second match on Friday features Netherlands and Argentina. Argentina lost their first match against Saudi Arabia, but have since looked in control. Messi has provided assists and goals throughout the tournament so far, scoring the first in the 2-1 win against Australia in the Round of 16. But the Netherlands are undefeated through 4 games at the tournament with defender Virgil Van Dijk and the tallest goalkeeper at the tournament, Andries Noppert, keeping it strong in the back.
On Saturday, the final two matches of the quarterfinals will be played starting with Portugal and Morocco. Morocco have shocked the world and silenced all doubters by advancing to the final eight. They beat 2010 champions Spain on penalty kicks after a scoreless 120 minutes. Morocco goalie Yassine Bounou came up big, saving three penalty kicks. Though, portugal are coming off a 6-1 victory against Switzerland with a dominant performance without international star Cristiano Ronaldo starting the game. Does Portugal have the momentum to carry them through to the semis or do Morocco have more dreams to crush?
The final matchup between the rivals across the English channel will feature 2018 winners France vs England. While England have won the only two matchups between the two countries in World Cup history, France came up victorious in the latest match in 2017 3-2. England came up short both in the 2020 Euros and the 2018 World Cup and are determined to bring the trophy home against a France side that have nine goals and the quick Kylian Mbappe on the left side that has given defenders a tough time.
After the final whistle on Saturday, we will be one step closer to the final match of the 2022 World Cup. Fans could be treated to a rematch of the 2018 World Cup final between Croatia and France that saw the star-studded French side grab their second World Cup. Or more tantalizing is the chance to settle the GOAT debate of soccer with Lionel Messi or Argentina and Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal both seeking their first World Cup trophy to add to their illustrious cabinet of career achievements. Either way, fans are eager to watch the next games as the World Cup takes its first break in action on Wednesday and Thursday ahead of the Quarterfinals.
You can catch all the action on Fox and the Fox Sports app.
