‘Argentina were comfortable against Australia until the own goal and then the South Americans looked shaken if not stirred, stirred up for another date with destiny’
Qatar 2022
By Gerald Lutchman
THE quarterfinals are here!
Only the best eight teams are remaining and then there will be four by Saturday afternoon.
The quarterfinals are here in all their glory with some mouthwatering matches that will include a fairytale team. Morocco is the team with all to play for and nothing to lose. Can they topple a rampant Portugal?
Morocco have conceded only one goal so far – an own goal. So, this defence has stood the test and may do it again.
Brazil looked exceptional but Portugal were the most effective team in the Round of 16. Holland were super against the USA, the weakest team in the Round of 16.
Argentina were comfortable against Australia until the own goal and then the South Americans looked shaken if not stirred, stirred up for another date with destiny.
England were dominant against Senegal and France were untested by Poland.
Matches in the quarterfinals:
Friday
Brazil vs Croatia 11 am
Argentina vs Holland 3 pm
Saturday:
Portugal vs Morocco 11 am
England vs France 3 pm
Quarterfinals match 1
Brazil vs Croatia December 9, 2022, 11 am
These two sides enjoyed contrasting fortunes in the Round of 16. Brazil were dominant over South Korea and full of flair while Croatia were forced to the brink and came out on top of a penalty shootout over Japan.
Five-time champions Brazil are firm favourites but do not count out the Croatian resilience. This game is at 11 am in the Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan.
Head-to-head:
June 3rd 2018 (friendly) Brazil 2 – 0 Croatia
June 12 2014 (world cup) Brazil 3 -1 Croatia
June 13 2006 (world cup ) Brazil 1 -0 Croatia
Croatia have never beaten Brazil , but this has been a World Cup of upsets.
It seems an easy game for Brazil, but do not forget that Croatia did not look good in 2018 and still reached the finals.
Croatia have the class and history of beating top teams regularly. They have the know-how to stifle the opposition and then strike. If they score on Brazil first, it will be difficult for the Seleção Canarinho to come back into the game. Croatia have shown Italian -ype defence in the past and can do so when needed. If it goes to penalties I will support Croatia- they have won so many of them.
Match 2
Argentina vs Holland
Friday, December 9, 2022, 3 pm at Lusail Stadium.
Lionel Messi’s bid to World Cup glory remains intact as Argentina face Holland on Friday. The Albiceleste have recovered wonderfully from their opening game defeat to Saudi Arabia. Holland are one of the last unbeaten sides in Qatar as they aim for a finals match.
These rivals have had five meetings since 1974. World Cup clashes are even with two wins for each side and a draw.
Head-to-head
June 26th 1974 Holland 4 – 0 Argentina;
June 25th 1978 Holland 1 – 3 Argentina;
July 4th 1998 Holland 2 – 1 Argentina;
June 21st 2006 Holland 0 – 0 Argentina.
July 9th 2014 (2) 0 0 (4) Argentina (penalties)
This is a tough clash for both sides and I predict that the winner of this game will win the World Cup. It is a meeting of two great sides – one that has improved tremendously from their opening loss and the other unbeaten.
Argentina faced a stiffer opposition in the last round and will want to put that to use over Holland. Apart form Messi, Argentina will hope their young guns fire. I do not see Laturo Martinez getting a start. Denzel Dumfries will be key to Holland as his assists have been crucial to their success. Argentina will need to contain him in this game.
Give me your feedback in the comments section below. I may reply to you.
A Fairytale Team in Qatar WC Quarterfinals
‘Argentina were comfortable against Australia until the own goal and then the South Americans looked shaken if not stirred, stirred up for another date with destiny’
Qatar 2022
By Gerald Lutchman
THE quarterfinals are here!
Only the best eight teams are remaining and then there will be four by Saturday afternoon.
The quarterfinals are here in all their glory with some mouthwatering matches that will include a fairytale team. Morocco is the team with all to play for and nothing to lose. Can they topple a rampant Portugal?
Morocco have conceded only one goal so far – an own goal. So, this defence has stood the test and may do it again.
Brazil looked exceptional but Portugal were the most effective team in the Round of 16. Holland were super against the USA, the weakest team in the Round of 16.
Argentina were comfortable against Australia until the own goal and then the South Americans looked shaken if not stirred, stirred up for another date with destiny.
England were dominant against Senegal and France were untested by Poland.
Matches in the quarterfinals:
Friday
Saturday:
Quarterfinals match 1
Brazil vs Croatia December 9, 2022, 11 am
These two sides enjoyed contrasting fortunes in the Round of 16. Brazil were dominant over South Korea and full of flair while Croatia were forced to the brink and came out on top of a penalty shootout over Japan.
Five-time champions Brazil are firm favourites but do not count out the Croatian resilience. This game is at 11 am in the Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan.
Head-to-head:
Croatia have never beaten Brazil , but this has been a World Cup of upsets.
It seems an easy game for Brazil, but do not forget that Croatia did not look good in 2018 and still reached the finals.
Croatia have the class and history of beating top teams regularly. They have the know-how to stifle the opposition and then strike. If they score on Brazil first, it will be difficult for the Seleção Canarinho to come back into the game. Croatia have shown Italian -ype defence in the past and can do so when needed. If it goes to penalties I will support Croatia- they have won so many of them.
Match 2
Argentina vs Holland
Friday, December 9, 2022, 3 pm at Lusail Stadium.
Lionel Messi’s bid to World Cup glory remains intact as Argentina face Holland on Friday. The Albiceleste have recovered wonderfully from their opening game defeat to Saudi Arabia. Holland are one of the last unbeaten sides in Qatar as they aim for a finals match.
These rivals have had five meetings since 1974. World Cup clashes are even with two wins for each side and a draw.
Head-to-head
This is a tough clash for both sides and I predict that the winner of this game will win the World Cup. It is a meeting of two great sides – one that has improved tremendously from their opening loss and the other unbeaten.
Argentina faced a stiffer opposition in the last round and will want to put that to use over Holland. Apart form Messi, Argentina will hope their young guns fire. I do not see Laturo Martinez getting a start. Denzel Dumfries will be key to Holland as his assists have been crucial to their success. Argentina will need to contain him in this game.
Give me your feedback in the comments section below. I may reply to you.