The preliminary round of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar is over and now the knockout phase begins with the round of 16. There could be numerous classic duels on the way to the title. The tournament tree has separated South America’s favorites and the really big European teams. These are possible constellations and the most explosive duels on the way to the world title.
Highlights World Cup Round of 16
France vs Poland: The top strikers duel in the round of 16. Robert Lewandowski scored his first World Cup goal in the group stage and wants more. This is now routine for Kylian Mbappé. The 23-year-old has already scored seven times in a World Cup, scoring three of those goals in Qatar alone. He thus played a large part in the convincing group stage of the French.
Spain vs Morocco: In the round of 16, the two neighboring countries Spain and Morocco, separated only by the Strait of Gibraltar, meet. With Achraf Hakimi (ex-Real Madrid), goalkeeper Bono and striker Youssef En-Nesyri (both FC Sevilla), three important pillars of the team are very familiar with Spanish football. Morocco’s passionate performances in the group stage earned them a place in the round of 16, and now they want to use that attitude to hold their own against top favorites Spain.
Possible highlights World Cup quarterfinals
Netherlands vs Argentina: The quarter-finals could see a repeat of the 1978 World Cup final. Back then, Argentina prevailed in extra time with goals from Mario Kempes and Daniel Bertoni. This time around, all eyes will once again be on Lionel Messi as he seeks what may be his last chance at the World Cup. Louis van Gaal would like to prevent him from doing that. The coach of the Netherlands was one of the most confident teams in the group phase, without arousing any great enthusiasm. A controlled offensive should carry his team to the World Cup final.
England vs France: On the other side of the tournament tree, there could be two duels between top European sides in the World Cup quarter-finals. At the latest in the duel between England and France, one of the big favorites for the title would be knocked out of the tournament.
Spain vs Portugal: Spain’s nearest neighbor could be waiting for them in the quarter-finals with Portugal. The two national teams know no opponent better: the two countries have met a total of 40 times – a record for both teams. If you go by history, Spain is the clear favorite in the 41st duel. Portugal has only won six times against Spain.
Possible highlights World Cup semi-finals
Argentina vs Brazil: The eternal rivals from South America played against each other much more often. Brazil and Argentina, there have been 107 times in history – with slight advantages for the Brazilians (44 wins, 23 draws, 40 defeats).
That Europe duel: If you assume the aforementioned quarter-final matches, then in the other branch of the tournament tree there can only be a top-class semi-final with two of the following teams: Spain, France, England, Portugal – if you want to become world champion, you have to be in the last step before the Overcome a big hurdle in the final.