This World Cup, I must say has been the most entertaining I have ever encountered, even more than the one I actually went to in Brazil 2014. I thought THAT would have been the best World Cup of my life but 2022 World Cup has put a whole new stamp on the amount of talent and HEART players bring as a country.
Let's start with Brazil vs Croatia. This being possibly the last game for Neymar, who levels up with Pele with goals scored for their Country. This in itself is a major achievement, however, it was cut short by a resilient and disciplined team of Croatia. There has been a lot of attention given to Neymar, Messi and Ronaldo for this possibly being their last appearance but not a lot of attention given to Modric. He is also quite motivated to win this World Cup. Croatia wanted this to go to shootout and they achieved it with their incredible goalie. Brazil fell into their trap and were not able to outskill them. A huge upset by Croatia. Then came the Dutch with a repeat of semifinal in 2014 that I watched live in Brazil. To think that this time it went to a shootout this time as well was insane. There was no need for this game to go to a shootout. Argentina got a bit lucky here and there was a lot of controversy on the calls. I have never seen Messi angry and vocal as he was in this game. England comes up very close against France where Kane's penalty miss will go down in the history books. Rashford also comes close to converting a free kick. The young players in England are going to be a bright future but Southgate will need to retire and a new voice will need to be in the locker room. Then comes the biggest upset of the tournament with Morocco beating Portugal. The first African country to make it in the semifinal. A proud moment for all those who have lived and understand how amazing this is for the whole continent. The discipline and the heart the team plays with is just amazing and contagious.
On to the semifinals. Croatia will be tough for Argentina and they can do the same thing they did with Brazil. Argentina needs to attack and attack skillfully to break down their defensive trap system and not get frustrated with their physical play. Otamendi was a high liability against the Dutch and need to calm himself. France and Morocco will be very interesting for sure.... has Morocco reached their peak or they still have more left in their gas tank. France has a lot of firepower and a very deep bench. I have no idea who will win. Any possible combination is possible in this world cup. It's just been that kind of world cup.
Buckle up everyone, this going to get very bumpy.
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