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The 22nd FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 has reached its final stages. Just three matches away from the 18th December 2022. From amongst the Top four teams, the day when World Champions of 2022 shall be declared. These are the teams, that have qualified for the Semi Finals. France & Croatia have qualified again after Russia 2018. Thanks to some brilliance from the two teams & a consistent performance from Mbappe from France. Also, the most valuable player to play Qatar 2022. Someone who has scored consistently all throughout the World Cup 2022.
The other two teams are Argentina & Morocco. The North African country Morocco being the first country from the African continent. Eventually, making it to the final four. Also, for the first time, its Europe, Africa & South America. That is, in the final four of the World Cup. Obviously, which are highly interesting stats. Especially, as compared to the last world cup. That is, Russia 2018 which proved to be a Europe-only affair. Ironically, as the four qualifying teams for the finals were France & Croatia. Also, Belgium & England. All four from the continent Europe.
A Tale of Two Countries- ‘France Vs England’:
England, the host of the UEFA Euro 2020 finals. A European event which was held in Wembley (London). Furthermore, also the finalist of UEFA Euro Cup 2020 were simply outclassed by the French. Although, after a score in the first 17th minute of the game from France. The English were able to bounce back with the penalty of Captain Harry Kane in the 54th minute. A goal that made Harry Kane the highest all-time scorer for England. Along, with Wayne Rooney, i.e. 53 Int. goals. It was in the 78th minute, when the second goal was scored by Oliver Giroud. A penalty just minutes away from the close of play meant England could make it 2-2. However, Captain Harry Kane this time couldn’t score & England were unable to make it level for extra time. Obviously, meant that France qualifies for the Semi Finals against the most unexpected Morocco.
The First Team From Africa Qualifies For The Final Four:
Something that happened for the first time ever. Thus, as this World Cup is yet another one with a bunch of upsets. Yes, similar to Saudi Arabia defeating the giants of Football Argentina 1-2. The team that qualified for the Semis this time around. Ironically, is the first African team to qualify for the Semi Finals. It’s Morocco who surprised the UEFA Euro 2016 Champions Portugal. A sad exit for Ronaldo and team. Obviously, as Ronaldo a veteran who played his 5th World Cup. Unfortunately, had to exit the ground with tears in his eyes. His team qualified for the top four in his debut World Cup, i.e. Germany 2006. Since than he has played in all World Cups, i.e. 2010, 2014, 2018 & lastly Qatar 2022.
All accredited to a great header goal by Youssef En-Nesyri in the 42nd minute. A goal that was able to bring Morocco in front. Since than some great defending by team Morocco was enough to take them to the final four. Even though Walid Cheddira was given the red card. Precisely, in the third minute of the extra time. That is, just before the close-of-play. All was well that ended well for the African team who were just overwhelmed at the end of the play.
Brazil Were Surprisingly Outclassed By Team Croatia:
Brazil, the FIFA number one team entered the Quarter Finals. Significantly, as the favourites to enter the Semis. Both the teams were unable to score until the first team to score was Brazil. That is, in the 106th minute by Neymar. A great goal by Neymar for Brazil meant they could easily make it to the Top four. They just had to control & defend the Croatians until the end-of-play. That is, the second half of extra time for an easy walk to the Semis.
Surprisingly, just three minutes before the close of play it was Croatia who scored & the goal was scored by Petkovic. Much to the delight & the happiness of the Croatian fans. Apart from this, the many people in the Education City Stadium which gave Croatia a glimpse of hope to the penalties. Croatia was the most dominant country in the penalties with two massive saves. Obviously, which meant that Croatia are cruising to the Top four of the Qatar 2022. That is, with a penalty shootout score-line being 4-2.
This is after France 1998 & Russia 2018 that Croatia has made it to the Top four. They defeated The English in the previous world cup in Russia to enter the Finals. Played in France on the 8th July 1998. 2-1 was the scoreline of the Semi Finals as France defeated Croatia. Will they be encountering France again in the Finals after 15th July, i.e. Russia 2018 is a big question just ahead of the start of the Semi Finals?
Argentina Vs Netherlands – ‘The Clash of Titans’:
It was the clash of the titans as Argentina met Netherlands. Especially, after a history of previous clashes in World Cups. Obviously, it was Argentina who defeated the Dutch in the 11th World Cup played in Argentina & was won by them as well. The final took place between the two teams & was a very captivating clash. The finals of 1978 were their second consecutive Final loss. A loss after the German World Cup of 1974 in which the Dutch lost to West Germany 2-1.
The Quarter Final of Qatar 2022 was an interesting one between the Dutch & Argentina. Hence, as Argentina were 2-0 after a fabulous goal from Lionel Messi in the 73rd minute. The two goals, i.e. the equalisers. In the 83rd minute as the goal was scored. Very importantly, by Wout Weghorst. Furthermore, later in the 11th minute of the extra play. The match than went into extra 30 minutes of play before the penalty shootouts. Argentina later were far more brilliant. In addition to this, far more energetic as they won 3-4 in the penalty shootouts.
Favourite to Lift the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022:
All the four team that have qualified for the Semis. That is, Argentina, France, Croatia & Morocco are ones who have played well all throughout the World Cup. The French team obviously has played three finals previously, i.e. 1998, 2006 & 2018. Croatia has played the final of 2018 world cup losing to France. Argentina is a team who has won two times the FIFA world Cup, i.e. 1978 and 1986. They have also played finals five times, i.e. 1930, 1978, 1986, 1990 & 2014 in Brazil. Team Argentina obviously are the finalist of the first ever World Cup that took place in Uruguay in 1930. A historical encounter which they lost 4-2 to Uruguay, also the hosts. The history seems to rate Argentina & France being the two best teams to win the World Cup. Also, both are ones that are heavy contestants to be World Champions for the third time.
Croatia is the third most favourite team to lift the title as they were the proud finalist of Russia 2018. From the look of things it seems highly unlikely that Morocco would make it to the finals. Thus, by defeating the World Champions France. However, if they do, they might be facing the challenge of lifetime. Very surprisingly, before they might lift their first ever FIFA title. No wonder anything can happen. Obviously, as the World Cup has been a bunch of upsets & highly unexpected results.
Also Read: MOST VALUABLE PLAYER OF TEAMS WHO WON FIFA ATLEAST ONCE
A pretty well organized tournament it was at the end of the day. A prestigious event taking place for first time in Middle East. Also, a memorable one as for the first time ever its Africa, Europe & South America in the final four. Arabian dessert was a feast for all nations taking part in the tournament. Whether, it’s Saudi Arabia, South Korea or Japan.