2022 World Cup – Monday 19 December 2022

2022 WORLD CUP FINAL: Argentina 3 (2) – (0) 3 France AET [Argentina won 4-2 on penalties] (Lusail Iconic Stadium, Lusail)

Argentina scorers: Messi (23′ pen, 108′), Di María (36′). France scorers: Mbappé (80’pen, 81′, 118′ pen)

A quite incredible final, that will go down as one of the greatest of all time. Drama, controversy, gamesmanship, it was all there.

After sixty four minutes and with Argentina 2-0 they took off Angel Di Maria who had scored his countries second goal in a clinical team move and had tortured France all game. The French had offered nothing up to that point and reports of a virus that had gone through the squad seemed accurate in a lacklustre and jaded performance that had seen Dembele, and Giroud substituted before half-time. But with Di Maria withdrawn, Argentina began to sit back and with ten minutes to go, gave away a penalty which Mbappe gratefully put away to make it 2-1. Within a minute the game had turned on its head as a superb strike from the French number nine levelled the game and suddenly Les Bleus were in the ascendancy. Into extra time in which both sides looked for the winner. Within three minutes of the second period Argentina went ahead again as Messi tapped-in only for Mbappe to score his second penalty two minutes from time to secure a hat-trick. The drama wasn’t over yet as France had a great chance to win it with the clock running down, with Kolo Muani finding himself free only for Emiliano Martinez to make a vital save. Argentina broke up field and nearly snatched a winner themselves as their final chance feel to Lautaro Martinez who headed wide. And so to penalties where Argentina’s ‘keeper Martinez was once more the hero so setting the motion the Messi love-in that so much of the media and no doubt FIFA wanted.

A breathless and memorable final no doubt.

But…once again the refereeing and VAR were poor. Was the first Argentina penalty and France’s second really penalties? Both were extremely harsh in my opinion. In this case and others the match referees were far too lenient with persistent fouls and seemed loathe to book anybody at times, providing no deterrent for those engaged in a string of niggly fouls. Was that really a top quality playing surface for a final? Certain areas had been sprayed/painted to hide the wear and tear, with one goal area looking like it had a huge section replaced – hardly fitting for the World’s biggest game. And what were FIFA thinking of allowing Messi to be drabbed in that cape? It should have been an iconic image, instead of one of comic proportions.

And finally, it’s hard to congratulate Argentina who have showed themselves to be a graceless and unsporting mob. Their behaviour after their spot-kick win over the Dutch was deplorable as were the antics of ‘keeper Martinez during that penalty shoot-out and in the final. He should not been allowed to get in the faces of those taking the penalties and in throwing the ball away before one of the French kicks in the final was inexcusable. He then compounded his graceless actions by making a needless and crude gesture with his Golden Glove award. Classless all round.

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2022 World Cup – Sunday 18 December 2022

Croatia 2 (2) – (1) 1 Morocco (Khalifa International Stadium, Al Rayyan)

Croatia scorers: Gvardiol (7′), Orsic (42′). Morocco scorer: Dari (9′)

 

A mad opening ten minutes with both teams getting on the scoresheet and both headed free kicks. Croatia’s after seven minutes was one of the goals of the tournament – from the ball into the box Ivan Perisic headed it towards the penalty spot where a diving Gvardiol stunningly headed home. The lead though last just two minutes when a Moroccan free kick was deflected into the box where an unmarked Dari had the easiest task of nodding home. In what was a decent first period, Croatia took the lead once more three minutes before the break with an exquisite finish from Orsic. The second half didn’t produce any goals but had it moments. Once again VAR was shown at its very best (!) when Gvardiol was clearly tripped in the box, yet no penalty was awarded – what is the point. Morocco’s best chance feel to En-Nesyri but was denied at point blank range by one of the ‘keepers of the tournament, Livakovic. Morocco became increasingly frustrated as they searched for an equaliser and their behaviour in the closing stages and at full-time was deplorable as they manhandled the referee. Why were none of the players cautioned and where was the protection for the match officials at the final whistle?

Croatia deserved the win and their celebrations at the end showed that the game did in fact have meaning, with their second third place finish at a World Cup (1998) to go with being runners-up in 2018. Quite an achievement.

 

2022 WORLD CUP FINAL: Argentina v France (Lusail Iconic Stadium, Lusail)

The World Cup tournament and the final down the years will mean different things to different people.

I was born in a World Cup year (1962) but that was two months after Brazil completed a 3-1 victory over Czechoslovakia. 1966, despite my dad’s insistence that I watched the final, holds no memories at all. It wasn’t until 1970 that I have any vague recollection and that was on holiday in Torquay when the whole hotel, staff and guests, gathered to see England lose 3-2 and give up their title as World Champions. Four years later (given World Cups were held in summer prior to 2022), the heavy rain that affected the tournament in West Germany stands out and whilst the hosts won 2-1 in the final I was carrying out my cricket scoring duties for my dad’s team away at Chipstead & Coulsdon so seeing very little of the action. 1978 was O-level year and I readily admit I had more interest in the events in Argentina than my text books. I remember watching the final mesmerised by the tickertape that showered down from the stands, willing the Netherlands to win – alas it was not to be as Argentina won 3-1 in extra time.

With England having failed to qualify for the finals in both ’74 and ’78, 1982 in Spain was probably the first time I really followed the Three Lions having attended qualifiers at Wembley against Switzerland and Romania. Memorable for not losing a game and the injuries to Kevin Keegan and Trevor Brooking which limited their participation, the 0-0 against the hosts and the missed chances, are still etched into my head. 1986 is vivid of course for England’s exit at the hands of Argentina and I remember watching the drama at my local cricket club, confused by what Peter Shilton was protesting about. The final was a see-saw occasion and glimpses were only snatched whilst playing cricket, as Argentina lifted the title once more.

1990 saw me in my own place with my then wife and as an England fan their progress was keenly followed, World in Motion et al. The final was watched at home but was an incredibly drab affair, the only consolation being that West Germany beat the dreaded Argentinians. England failed to make it to the USA in ’94 and I failed to watch the final, a tournament I just couldn’t get into.

Four years later France were hosts and memories of watching the England v Tunisia game in a local bar in darkness and then emerging into bright late afternoon sunlight, blinking and a little worse for a couple of beers. Of course the Three Lions then went out to Argentina in the last sixteen on penalties with St David of Beckham vilified for his sending-off in the game. The final was a curious watch with the saga around Ronaldo’s health and subsequent appearance a major distraction as Brazil lost 3-0.

2002 saw a joint hosting of the tournament by Japan and South Korea. The time difference meant that I remember watching the England v Nigeria game at work, with the company allowing us to come in early and watch it before working. They shouldn’t have bothered as it was a shocking 0-0 draw. Of course Beckham’s redemption with his penalty against Argentina (how many times have they been mentioned today?!) was something to recall as was the defeat to Brazil in the last eight which I imagine David Seaman still has nightmares about. The final was also redemption for Ronaldo as his two goals (and one of the strangest haircuts) saw off the Germans.

Talking of Germany they were host four years later in what was a crazy old tournament, memorable for the flash points. England undone by the Portuguese version of Ronaldo as Rooney was sent off and penalties did for the Three Lions in the Quarter Finals. And then of course the most famous headbutt in World Cup history as Zinedine Zidane tangled with Italy’s Marco Materazzi in the final, as the Italians took the title on penalties.

The 2010 tournament saw it hosted by South Africa, where England managed to limp through to the last sixteen only to be dumped out 4-1 by Germany, with us all screaming at our tv’s as Frank Lampard’s ‘ghost’ goal vanished into the ether. Notable for Luis Suarez unsporting celebration of the missed Ghana penalty and Netherlands physical approach in the final, it was another final watched sat at home, with my playing days long behind me.

2014 in Brazil highlighted again the strain hosting the event can have on a country, with politics and demonstrations very much at the fore. Whilst England were simply unwatchable and finished bottom of their group, Luis Suarez confirmed his status as a panto villain scoring twice against the Three Lions. Of course seeing Brazil dumped 7-1 in the Semi Final was an unbelievable nights watching and with Germany completing the job over Argentina in the final it made for an pleasant conclusion to the tournament.

Of course like for all England fans, 2018 was some occasion. The highs of reaching a Semi Final but the abject misery of then not making it all the way. As it was I wouldn’t have been able to watch the final, because as France were lifting their second World Cup, I was somewhere over the Bay of Biscay on the way to Lanzarote! Today another landmark as I’ll be watching in our new house, surrounded by Christmas decorations and not sat in shorts and t-shirt as in previous years. All a bit strange.

As you’ll gather from this piece and the diary this time round, I’m no fan of Argentina and have no desire to see Lionel Messi lift the trophy in his final World Cup game. Slightly concerning to read of the French squad being impacted by a ‘cold’ – anyone for a conspiracy theory as FIFA try to ensure Argentina win a third title?

There is a bit of World Cup history between these two countries, with them meeting in the very first tournament in 1930 at the group stage. Argentina won 1-0 going onto reach the final but losing 4-2 to hosts Uruguay. It was another 48 years until they met again, once again in the group stages, winning 2-1 on their way to lifting the trophy as hosts. The last World Cup encounter was at the previous event in Russia, in a last sixteen game which saw France emerge winners 4-3 with Griezmann, Pavard and Mbappe (2) the scorers. It would be a huge surprise if we get anything like that today. Not long now…

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2022 World Cup – Saturday 17 December 2022

Third/Fourth Place Play-off: Croatia v Morocco (Khalifa International Stadium, Al Rayyan)

Every time the World Cup comes round since starting this site and writing a diary, I seem to end up saying the same thing about this particular fixture and it’ll never change – it’s the game nobody wants to play in. Does it really matter to a player, manager/coach or fan if they finish third or fourth? The fact is reaching the final and winning it is all that matters with even the runners-up in the final mere footnotes in the pages of football history.

Want proof? Well, Morocco head coach Walid Regragui, said the following ahead of the game:

“It is a little bit difficult. It is very complicated for both teams. You are so disappointed, you have just lost a semi-final and then two days later you have to go back out there.

“I’m sorry, I don’t know. It is like the booby-prize. I’m sorry for speaking like this. I understand it should be important, I understand it is better to finish third than fourth, but, for me, my takeaway is just that we didn’t get to the final.

“Even if we did get to the final, and I finished second, I would be saying the same thing to you.

“We want to be as positive as possible, especially for our fans. Finishing third would be great for our image.”

These two played out a very cautious 0-0 draw in a game that was part of the opening round of games in Group F. It will be interesting to see if this is a ‘throw caution to the wind’ type of game and how the teams line-up. This will undoubtedly be a last World Cup for a number of the Croatian squad notably their talented skipper Luka Modric and presumably and hopefully he will start. For Morocco they have injuries but as they showed against France they coped admirably. Fingers crossed for an open and entertaining fixture. Please not a 0-0 and decided on penalties!

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2022 World Cup – Thursday 15 December 2022

France 2 (1) – (0) 0 Morocco (Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor)

France scorers: Hernandez (5′), Kolo Muani (79′)

 

France and their fans will be on a high this morning after reaching their second successive World Cup final, the first team to achieve this since Brazil who appeared in three finals on the bounce, 1994, 1998 and 2002. However, they will also be letting out a major sigh of relief as they were pushed all the way by a tenacious and skillful Morocco team.

Despite going a goal down after just five minutes through an acrobatic finish from Theo Hernandez and the early loss of skipper Romain Saiss, who was clearly not fit, and backed by their incredible support, the Atlas Lions gave it their all. They dominated possession and matched the French in terms of attempts on goal yet couldn’t find a way past Lloris and a French defence that remained calm despite the pressure and who sealed their place in the final with a tap-in from Kolo Muani with eleven minutes remaining.

The talk ahead of Sunday’s final will be about Messi and Mbappe, but the star last night was Antoine Griezmann who playing now in a deeper role for his country, was simply outstanding, popping up at the back, winning balls in midfield and getting Les Bleus attacks going. He yet could be the key in the final.

For Morocco this tournament has seen them truly arrive on the World stage, and they will face Croatia in the 3rd/4th place play-off game on Saturday. Ironically the opening game for these two at the group stage, in a game that ended 0-0. They will want to finish on a high and it could mean that its more of a game than the often training ground approach that some teams have adopted down the years.

Finally a note on the referee who I thought let far too much go and should have produced more yellow cards. His approach left players with the ability to commit fouls without fear of a card and disrupted the flow of the game. As much as I enjoyed watching it last night, it brought home how easily players go down these days, looking to win fouls and getting the opposition booked. Who’d be a ref?

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2022 World Cup – Wednesday 14 December 2022

Argentina 3 (2) – (0) 0 Croatia (Lusail Iconic Stadium, Lusail)

Argentina scorers: Messi (34′ pen), Alvarez (39′, 69′)

 

Well there won’t be a repeat of the 2018 World Cup final as Croatia bowed out to two-time winners Argentina. The more you watch the tournament the more you wonder if this is some sort of conspiracy against the European nations. The award of the penalty on thirty four minutes to give Argentina the lead through Messi looked nothing more than a collision between Alvarez and the Croatian ‘keeper and changed the course of the game, given that if the teams had gone in at the break level, Argentina would no doubt have become frustrated. Still reeling from the penalty award the error was compounded by poor defending from the Croats five minutes later allowing Alvarez to double the South Americans advantage. With the game over the victory was secured by the best goal of the three from Manchester City’s Alvarez on sixty-nine minutes. Fans at the Etihad will be heartened by the showing of the young forward who has now scored four goals in the tournament. However, for Croatia they bowed out with a whimper and not a bang, with the talent that Luka Modric probably never to grace a World Cup finals again. He’ll be missed.

It’s a bit of a rant on my part, but the media love-in with Messi is simply draining. The claim that he is the GOAT is flawed in my opinion. He’s never tested himself, residing in two of the world’s weakest leagues La Liga and Lique 1 surrounded by quality players at both Barcelona and PSG. It’ll be a blessed relief when he retires.

The European nations have been the loudest voice against Qatar, and one wonders what may occur later today in the France v Morocco game to ensure Africa’s first ever finalist or is all about ensuring Messi goes out with a World Cup winners medal? The whole tournament has a bad smell since the award in 2010 and feels like it will linger until the final.

 

France v Morocco (Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor)

 France topped Group D at this winter’s World Cup and had already qualified for the last sixteen with wins over Australia (4-1) and Denmark (2-1) before a much changed Les Bleus lost to Tunisia (1-0). They French then eased pass Poland 3-1 before eliminating England 2-1 in the Quarter Finals. France have been great in patches and very ordinary in others and will be very wary of a Morocco side who have already created history. It will feel like a home game for the Ousud Al-atlas (Atlas Lions), who supporters have attended in large numbers and created an incredible atmosphere.

Will my conspiracy theory come to pass and see Morocco through, or will the current World Champions get the chance to defend their crown?

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2022 World Cup – Tuesday 13 December 2022

Argentina v Croatia (Lusail Iconic Stadium, Lusail)

 Billed as the World Cup last chance saloon for Messi and Modric, the 13th will be unlucky for one of them later today.

With what we consider to be the modern day country of Croatia coming into existence in the early nineties after the breakup and war in Yugoslavia, the team’s history is a relatively short one. In the case of games against Croatia, the Semi Final encounter in Lusail will only be the fifth occasion they have met Argentina.

The first was a friendly played in Zagreb in 1994 which ended 0-0, with the first competitive meeting coming four year later at the World Cup in France. This group stage game was settled in the first half by a goal from Mauricio Pineda as Argentina claimed the win 1-0. Croatia recorded their first win over the South American team in a friendly in 2006 played in Switzerland. The opening to the game was frantic as Argentina led 2-1 after just six minutes, with goals from Carlos Tevez and Lionel Messi. However, second half goals from Darijo Srna and Dario Simic saw Croatia home to a 3-2 victory. The next time they met in 2014 was also a friendly and was played at West Ham United’s former ground at Upton Park, where a crowd of 19,834 witnessed a 2-1 win for Argentina. Croatia went in at the break ahead 1-0 thanks to an eleventh minute goal from Anas Sharbini but were undone by goals from Cristian Ansaldi (49’) and a Messi penalty (57’). The last meeting for these teams was in the group stages of the World Cup with Croatia blowing away Argentina with three second half goals from Ante Rebic (53’), Luka Modric (80’) and Ivan Rakitic (90’).

In getting to this point in the 2022 competition, Argentina started with a 2-1 loss to Saudi Arabia, but recovered with two 2-0 wins over Mexico and Poland to take top spot in Group C. They then overcame Australia 2-1 in the last sixteen before a penalty shoot-out victory against the Dutch in the last eight.

For Croatia, it was a second place finish in Group F after a 0-0 with Morocco, a 4-1 demolition of Canada and a hard-fought 0-0 with Belgium which saw the low countries side eliminated. It was then a win on penalties over Japan in the last sixteen and then again in knocking out Brazil in the Quarter Finals.

Argentina’s antics at the whistle against the Dutch has set me against the South Americans and I’ve no wish for the romantic vision of Messi winning the competition as his international swansong. However, as much as I’d like to see Croatia go through to a second successive final, I fear that Messi will inspire his side to make it through leaving the other LM with the joys of a third/fourth place game.

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2022 World Cup – Sunday 11 December 2022

Morocco 1 (1) – (0) 0 Portugal (Al Thumama Stadium, Doha)

Morocco scorer: En-Nesyri (42′)

 

History was made in another Quarter Final of high drama. Morocco became the first African side to reach a World Cup Semi Final. As in their previous fixtures they have been tenacious in defence and quick on the counterattack. This is no fluke, they topped their group, beating Canada, Belgium and drawing with Croatia, seeing off Spain on penalties and now ending Ronaldo’s last shot at World Cup glory. It will have been even more galling for him given Argentina’s and Messi’s progress to another Semi Final.

The winning goal came just before the break with Youssef En-Nesyr heading home a cross that Portugal’s ‘keeper Diogo Costa was never likely to get to. Talking of goalkeepers, Morocco’s No:1 Yassine Bounou yet again made some vital saves to keep Portugal at bay, including a late effort from Ronaldo who come on as a substitute. The noise at the whistle was unbelievable even for those of us watching from home.

Pele once famously said that an African side would win the World Cup before 2000. That didn’t come to pass, but could Morocco be about to deliver a first African World Cup win? Morocco march on to meet France. This will no doubt be an interesting clash, given that Morocco was a French Protectorate from 1912, until gaining independence from France in 1956.

 

England 1 (0) – (1) 2 France (Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor)

England scorer: Kane (54′ pen). France scorers: Tchouameni (17′), Giroud (78′)

 

It’s always difficult to be objective about your club or country when they lose. Much was said last  night about the refereeing and certain incidents, and it will rumble on for a few days yet.

Today in the cold light of day, I still believe the referee had a poor game and at this level and stage of the biggest competition that is plainly unacceptable. However, despite all that, had Harry Kane converted his second penalty, England would still have had a chance to go on and win. I hope there isn’t a backlash against the Three Lions skipper who has served his country well down the years.

Going into this tournament I had called for Gareth Southgate to be replaced despite his record and how he turned around the fortunes of the England team. His tenure can only be seen as a success, but one that has been unable to take any of the big prizes. It will be interesting to see whether he stays on.

Congrats to France. Good sides win even when not performing at their best and it maybe we have a repeat of the 2018 Final yet against Croatia.

 

And so we are down to the final four teams with the line-up as follows:

Tuesday 13 December – Argentina v Croatia (Lusail Iconic Stadium, Lusail)

Wednesday 14 December – France v Morocco (Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor)

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2022 World Cup – Saturday 10 December 2022

Croatia 1 (0) – (0) 1 Brazil AET. Croatia won 4-2 on penalties (Education City Stadium, Al Rayyan)

Croatia scorer: Petkovic (117′). Brazil scorer: Neymar (105’+1’)

 

Well, well, well. Europe 1, South America 0. So Brazil might have been favourites and five-time World Champions but the Croats care little for reputation and just went about their business to dump out Neymar and his samba dancing pals.

After a quiet first-half, Brazil totally dominated the second forty-five and but for numerous saves from Dominik Livakovic they would have cruised through. However, there was no panic from Croatia even when Neymar scored an excellent goal in extra time. He started the move, played two one-two’s, riding a challenge before rounding the ‘keeper to fire home – a special goal indeed. Croatia though just kept going and with three minutes left, broke down the pitch where Petkovic swept home with a slight deflection taking it beyond Alisson.

And so to penalties. Livakovic having starred again Japan in the shoot-out in the last sixteen, once again was the hero, saving Rodrygo’s first spot kick. Croatia were perfect with all of their first four which put the pressure on Marquinhos. However, when he struck the post, it was adeus Brazil with Croatia into a second successive World Cup Semi-Final.

 

Netherlands 2 (0) – (1) 2 Argentina AET. Argentina won 4-3 on penalties. (Lusail Iconic Stadium, Lusail)

Netherlands scorers: Weghorst (83’minutes, 90’+11minutes). Argentina scorers: Molina (35’minutes), Messi (73’minutes pen)

 

Europe 1, South America 1…another drama filled game, dominated by an over officious referee with 17 yellow cards and one 1 red issued, with ugly confrontational scenes between the teams and their benches at the end of extra time and penalties.

When Messi stroked home a penalty with seventeen minutes remaining the game looked done and dusted at 2-0 to Argentina. The Dutch had nothing to lose and went more direct, and even though they got one back with seven minutes reaming through a lovely Weghorst header it seemed as if it was just a consolation. Then deep into time added on, a quite brilliantly worked free-kick move saw Netherlands draw level through Weghorst’ s second goal. Extra time was dominated by Argentina in the second fifteen, but it was penalties once more.

Aston Villa’s ‘keeper Emi Martinez has a great record saving penalties and proved it once again, making saves from the first two Dutch spot-kicks which was enough to see Argentina through 4-3. The celebrations were all the greater knowing that their South American rivals Brazil has exited earlier.

 

Morocco v Portugal (Al Thumama Stadium, Doha)

The third World Cup meeting between these sides, with the first at the finals in Mexico. It was a group stage game with Morocco winning 3-1. Portugal gained some revenge with a 1-0 win in 2018 with Ronaldo getting the vital goal.

After the drama of the opening two Quarter Finals, who knows what this one will bring. Will Ronaldo be back in the starting line up or do they stick to the side that demolished South Korea? Morocco should not be taken lightly as they have shown resilience and no little skill to make it this far. They will be hoping it’s not a game too far.

 

England v France (Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor)

For me this tie will take me back to Spain 1982. The glorious sunshine, the weird echoey commentary and crowd noise, a squad number system based on surname (Trevor Brooking wore No:3, Tony Woodcock No: 21) and no makers logo on the Three Lions legendary Admiral kits.

Against the French in the group stages Bryan Robson scored after 27 seconds, only for France to level, but a second goal from Robson and a volley from the late great Paul Mariner sealed a 3-1 win. Oh that today will be as comfortable! Les Bleus are a team of many talents – from Lloris in goal through to Mbappe up front. This is a real tester for England and go into the game as underdogs.

But as this tournament has shown anything can happen.

PS. Did anyone mention England beat France 2-0 with a Roger Hunt brace on the way to winning the 1966 World Cup?

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2022 World Cup – Wednesday 07 December 2022

Yesterday I reflected that there hadn’t been a shock in the last sixteen fixtures to date and then it was delivered in the first game of the day.

 

Morocco 0 (0) – (0) 0 Spain AET. Morocco win 3-0 on penalties (Stadium 974, Doha)

 

Many teams find the weight of expectation or the ghosts of winning teams of the past too much to handle. Look at Brazil in 2014 when hosting the World Cup. They were trying to put to bed the loss in 1950 to Uruguay but instead were humiliated by Germany 7-1 in the 2014 Semi-Final. For Spain, La Roja, any side now has to deal with the team that swept all before them between 2008 and 2012 when they won two European titles (2002 and 2012) and the World Cup (2010). Like that great squad back then, Spain would dominate possession but had the finish to go with it. In the Morocco game, Spain had 77% of the ball (1.109 passes) but only one shot on target and that was what cost them dear the good old fashioned ability to ensure possession is converted into goals. Credit to Morocco who defended superbly but still managed two shots on target. Overall it wasn’t a great watch even into extra-time when so much was at stake. The drama inevitability came with penalties, when heroes were made, and villains marked for life. Goalkeeper Bounou proved to be the Moroccan hero as Spain couldn’t find what they were looking for – a converted penalty. And so it proved to be a beautiful day for Morocco as Madrid born Hakimi stepped up and scored with a ‘Panenka’ to send the African side through.

 

Portugal 6 (2) – (0) 1 Switzerland (Lusail Iconic Stadium, Lusail)

Portugal scorers: Goncalo Ramos (17′, 51′, 67′), Pepe (33′), Guerreiro (55′), Rafael Leao (90’+2’). Switzerland scorer: Akanji (58′)

 

The trouble with anything Portugal related is that it always seems to come back to one man – Cristiano Ronaldo. For this game following his tantrums after being subbed in Portugal’s last outing he was dropped to the bench which became the story along with the continuing saga of where his next club will be. Thankfully there was a bigger story to be had that, being the destruction by Portugal of a strangely out of sorts Swiss team. Ronaldo’s replacement, Benfica youngster Goncalo Ramos scored a well taken hat-trick with the best of the goals for Portugal saved to last from Rafael Leao. Portugal a better side without Ronaldo? One thing though Portugal showed their Iberian cousins Spain how to do it – 48% possession, 9 shots on target.

 

That game in Lusail concluded the last sixteen ties and leaves us with the following Quarter Final games which begin on Friday, as the action takes a couple of days rest.

Croatia v Brazil (Education City Stadium, Al Rayyan)

Netherlands v Argentina (Lusail Iconic Stadium, Lusail)

Morocco v Portugal (Al Thumama Stadium, Doha)

England v France (Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor)

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2022 World Cup – Tuesday 06 December 2022

The first four last sixteen had all gone pretty much to form, so were there to be any shocks from the remaining four fixtures? There hadn’t even been any games going to extra-time or penalties, so was this about to change?

 

Japan 1 (1) – (0) 1 Croatia AET. Croatia won 3-1 on penalties. (Al Janoub Stadium, Al Wakrah)

Japan scorer: Maeda (43′). Croatia scorer: Perisic (55′)

 

Indeed it was.

This was the third World Cup meeting between the teams. The first encounter was in 1998, when a Davor Suker goal was enough to see Croatia win 1-0 in a group game. They met again in 2006 again at the group stages with a penalty save from Japan’s Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi denying Croatia victory as the game ended 0-0.

In what was a pretty open and entertaining game, Japan were the more lively of the two sides and deserved their lead just before the break when Celtic’s Daizen Maeda was quickest to react and fire home. Croatia though were level within ten minutes of the restart when Spurs’ Ivan Perisic powered in a header. Thereafter both ‘keepers, Dominik Livakovic for Croatia and Shuichi Gonda made decent saves to maintain the 1-1 score and send the game into extra-time.

As so often little was created in terms of chances and there was inevitability that penalties were needed to separate the sides. The record books will show that Croatian goalkeeper Livakovic was the hero saving three penalties as his side progressed 3-1, but if truth be told, the quality of those from the Japanese players was poor. Croatia runners-up in 2018 through to the Quarter Finals.

 

Brazil 4 (4) – (0) 1 South Korea (Stadium 974, Doha)

Brazil scorers: Vinicius Júnior (7′), Neymar (13’ pen), Richarlison (29′), Lucas Paqueta (36′). South Korea scorer: Paik Seung-ho (76′)

 

No competitive fixtures between these two sides but met as recently as June this year when Brazil ran out 5-1 winners in Seoul, with goals from Richarlison, two penalties from Neymar, Philippe Coutinho and Gabriel Jesus.

When Lucas Paqueta scored Brazil’s fourth after thirty-six minutes, that score line six months earlier looked in danger of being surpassed. The five-times champions simply blew South Korea away will skill and pace with the pick of the goals the third scored by Richarlison who started and finished a very slick Brazilian move. Second-half the onslaught continued but Korean ‘keeper Kim Seung-gyu made a number of saves to ensure the defeat wasn’t even greater. South Korea did manage a consolation through Paik Seung-ho and would have had a couple more but for some excellent work by Alisson in the Brazilian goal. Brazil on a roll, and on this display you’d be nuts to bet against them winning a sixth World Cup.

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