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Argentina and France are on course to contest the 2022 Fifa World Cup final with each nation having won the title twice. But, there are two dark horses standing in their way in the form of Croatia and Morocco – the first African nation to reach the World Cup semi finals.
Croatia, losing finalists four years ago, stunned five-time winners Brazil 4-2 on penalties on Friday. The Croats accounted for Belgium in the group stages, Japan in the Round of 16 and then sublimely outfoxed the Brazilians in the quarter finals.
They take on Argentina tomorrow, who reach the last four through a feisty quarter final clash with the Netherlands. The Argentines lead 2-0 with 17 minutes left on the clock after Lionel Messi slotted home a penalty, but the Dutch raised their hopes when Wout Weghorst scored with seven minutes left.
Shortly before the final whistle, a nasty tackle from Argentina’s Paredes sparked some ugly scenes with Virgil van Dijk charging in and flattening Paredes which had both benches on the field during the ruckus.
After things calmed down, a clever move from a free-kick in the 11th minute of extra time, saw the Weghorst slot home from close range to level matters and send the game into extra time. Argentina though would secure victory, sealing the match 4-3 on penalties.
On Wednesday, Morocco take on defending champions France, who are looking to replicate Italy (1934 & 1938) and Brazil (1958 & 1962) in winning back-to-back World Cup titles.
The North-African nation, who beat Belgium and Canada to top Group E, beat Spain on penalties and then produced a workman-like defensive effort as they snatched a 1-0 victory over Portugal in the quarter finals.
Youssef En-Nesyri’s goal shortly before halftime was enough to seal Cristiano Ronaldo’s fate despite Walid Cheddira’s late double-yellow which reduced the Moroccans to 10 men.
Even Morocco come unstuck against the French on Wednesday, they can feel supremely proud of their achievements in this tournament.
However, there was late drama on Saturday evening when England’s Harry Kane missed the chance to send their match into extra time when he blasted a penalty clear over the crossbar.
France had taken the lead through Aurelien Tchouameni but the English felt aggrieved that Bukayo Saka was fouled by Tchouameni in the lead-up to the goal. Later in the first half, Tchouameni brought Kane down inside the box. but the ref waved play on after a VAR check to the astonishment of the players and fans alike.
However, England were back in the game when Saka was brought down inside the box after a clever run with Kane outfoxing his Spurs teammate, Hugo Lloris to level matters.
But Olivier Giroud handed the lead back to France with 12 minutes left on the clock. However, just three minutes later and England were awarded their second spot-kick of the night when Mason Mount was barged in the back by Hernandez.
This time, Kane looked for more power in his shot with Lloris guessing the right way but Kane’s spot kick flew over the bar and effectively ended England’s participation in Qatar.
France, who have reached the finals of the World Cup three times in the last six tournaments, will be heavily favoured to oust Morocco but Africa, Asia, the Middle East and all of Europe – barring France – will be routing for the North-East African nation.
On the predictions front, Woody looks like he will take the title, having a 10-point advantage going into the last four games of the tournament. Chippy is 16 points behind me, but that means nothing considering you can scoop 14 points in one game. Paddy is a further 14-points adrift of Chippy and will be hoping for a strong finish before joining the One Ball Premier League Prediction ranks.
