There are 8 teams still alive in the 2022 World Cup. Let’s look back at the Round of 16 action to see how we got here.
After a couple missed chances and faulty defending the United States were once again eliminated from the world in the round of 16 by the Netherlands with a 3-1 score. After an own goal and a couple close calls, Messi’s and Alvarez’s goals were enough for Argentia to eliminate Australia and advance to the quarter finals. Kylian Mbappe’s two goals secured France’s win against Poland and their advancement in the tournament. England’s three goals against Senegal gained them a spot in the quarter finals and eliminated the Senegalese team. Croatia and Japan had a mostly even game that went into extra time and penalties but in the end Japan’s poor penalties cost them their place in the World Cup, meaning Croatia advanced to the quarter finals. Brazil dominated in their match against South Korea and secured their spot in the quarter finals with a 4-1 win. After claiming that the Spaniard team took 1000 penalties in training, they were beaten in penalties by Morocco after missing 3 of them. Portugal dominated over Switzerland, scoring 6 goals and only conceding one. Portugal will be advancing to the quarter finals after eliminating Switzerland.
After an even match between Croatia and Brazil, a goal from both sides in extra time pushed the game into penalties. With a score of 4-2 on penalties it was up to Marquinhos to keep Brazil alive, he sent the keeper the wrong way but the ball hit the post. His missed penalty ended Brazil’s World Cup run and Croatia advanced to the semi finals. After 17 yellow cards, the heated match between Argentina and the Netherlands also went into penalties after a late equalizer from the Netherlands. After teasing from both sides Argentina came out victorious in penalties and will face Croatia in the semi finals. Cristiano Ronaldo was seen exiting the field in tears after what seems to be his last chance at winning the World Cup was ended by Morocco’s surprising win against Portugal. Morocco is the first African nation to make it to the semi finals in a World Cup. The highly anticipated match up between England and France did not disappoint as neither of the teams were able to fully dominate the other team. In the 84th minute with a score of 2-1 Harry Kane had the chance to tie up with a penalty, but he put too much power on the ball and shot it over the crossbar. After defeating England, France will go against Morocco in the semi finals.
Play resumes tomorrow, December 13. After keeping up with the tournament, I personally believe Argentina will beat Croatia and France will beat Morocco. The 2022 World Cup Final will be Argentina vs France, with Argentina winning. Lionel Messi will finally be able to lift the World Cup Trophy on December 18th.