And then there were eight. This wild and wacky World Cup that has seen 96 matches played during the course of 27 days has been drama-filled and full of surprises. And now we are at the pivotal time of the tournament when the biggest contenders remain and the stakes are the highest.
Among the four matches in the next three days, there's a rematch from Qatar, two meetings between European rivals with one making its first quarterfinal appearance and the defending champion looking to avoid a third nail-biter in the knockout round.
Which game will be the best? We ranked the quartet of showdowns and broke down the matchups that will determine the teams that will reach the semifinals and those that will go home.
Less than four years ago, these teams met in the World Cup semifinals with France taking a 2-0 victory in a tight match. A few of the stars remain but these two teams are mostly different setups. Kylian Mbappe continues to lead the French attack with Ousmane Dembele. But Michael Olise, Desire Doue and Bradley Barcola are getting their first taste of this rarified air. Morocco returns right back Ashraf Hakimi, goalkeeper Yassine Bounou and midfielder Azzedine Ounahi. It has been bolstered by the additions of Brahim Diaz and 18-year-old midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi. Even with France seen as the tournament favorite, this should again be another close contest with both teams capable of scoring multiple goals. Morocco might be without striker Ismael Saibari, who left their round of 16 win against Canada. His absence could be the difference.
Erling Haaland and Norway are having the time of their lives in the United States with their first quarterfinal appearance in the tournament coming after a 28-year absence from the World Cup. The goal-scoring machine will meet some familiar Premier League colleagues and foes in Miami. It's possible England will start three of Haaland's Manchester City teammates from last season - Marc Guehi, John Stones and Nico O'Reilly - in its defense. Perhaps, their knowledge will help the Three Lions. But Norway just isn't all Haaland. Several Norway players have Premier League ties notably midfielder Martin Odegaard of ***** nal, midfielder Sander Berge of Fulham and former Manchester City and current Fulham winger Oscar Bobb. England showed its quality and, most importantly, its heart in stirring defeat of Mexico. The challenge will be different here. They should have more of the ball and will need creativity to break down the Norwegian defense. And they'll have to be wary of the counter attacks led by Haaland that can be devastating. This could be a cagey affair with one or two key plays deciding the victor.
Among the four matches in the next three days, there's a rematch from Qatar, two meetings between European rivals with one making its first quarterfinal appearance and the defending champion looking to avoid a third nail-biter in the knockout round.
Which game will be the best? We ranked the quartet of showdowns and broke down the matchups that will determine the teams that will reach the semifinals and those that will go home.
Less than four years ago, these teams met in the World Cup semifinals with France taking a 2-0 victory in a tight match. A few of the stars remain but these two teams are mostly different setups. Kylian Mbappe continues to lead the French attack with Ousmane Dembele. But Michael Olise, Desire Doue and Bradley Barcola are getting their first taste of this rarified air. Morocco returns right back Ashraf Hakimi, goalkeeper Yassine Bounou and midfielder Azzedine Ounahi. It has been bolstered by the additions of Brahim Diaz and 18-year-old midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi. Even with France seen as the tournament favorite, this should again be another close contest with both teams capable of scoring multiple goals. Morocco might be without striker Ismael Saibari, who left their round of 16 win against Canada. His absence could be the difference.
Erling Haaland and Norway are having the time of their lives in the United States with their first quarterfinal appearance in the tournament coming after a 28-year absence from the World Cup. The goal-scoring machine will meet some familiar Premier League colleagues and foes in Miami. It's possible England will start three of Haaland's Manchester City teammates from last season - Marc Guehi, John Stones and Nico O'Reilly - in its defense. Perhaps, their knowledge will help the Three Lions. But Norway just isn't all Haaland. Several Norway players have Premier League ties notably midfielder Martin Odegaard of ***** nal, midfielder Sander Berge of Fulham and former Manchester City and current Fulham winger Oscar Bobb. England showed its quality and, most importantly, its heart in stirring defeat of Mexico. The challenge will be different here. They should have more of the ball and will need creativity to break down the Norwegian defense. And they'll have to be wary of the counter attacks led by Haaland that can be devastating. This could be a cagey affair with one or two key plays deciding the victor.
4 months ago
