The round of 16 of the 2022 World Cup is over, the eight quarter-finalists have been determined. 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.
Argentina against the Netherlands, Croatia against Brazil, England against France, Morocco against Portugal – these are the games in the quarter-finals of the 2022 World Cup. Who stands in the way of winning the title? We present the highlights of the knockout round.
World Cup Quarterfinals Netherlands vs Argentina
The quarter-finals 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. Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal wants to prevent him from doing that. His team was one of the most sovereign teams in the group phase, without arousing any great enthusiasm. A controlled offensive should carry the Netherlands to the World Cup final.
World Cup Quarterfinals England vs France
On the other side of the tournament tree, two top European teams are dueling. When comparing England and France, one of the big favorites for the title will be knocked out of the tournament. The statistics speak against the world champion: The English have won twice in two World Cup games so far (2-0 in the group stage in 1966, 3-1 in the first round in 1982).
World Cup Quarterfinals Morocco vs Portugal
Morocco is the surprise team of the tournament so far. The Africans, bottom of the tournament, are in the last eight of a World Cup for the first time in their history. Logically, the 1976 African champion now wants even more. With Spain, Morocco has already eliminated the first team from the Iberian Peninsula, now comes the next with Portugal. But Portugal presented themselves in the round of 16 against Switzerland without a great start Cristian Ronaldo in top form. There is no favorite in this comparison, football fans are looking forward to a duel on an equal footing.
Possible highlights World Cup semi-finals
Argentina vs Brazil: The South American classic has already occurred 107 times in history – with slight advantages for the Brazilians (44 wins, 23 draws, 40 defeats). But both teams first have to solve their quarter-final tasks: Argentina meets the Netherlands in the already mentioned 1978 World Cup final “reloaded”, Brazil plays against the current runner-up Croatia.