World Cup 2022: Round of 8 Preview
Quarterfinals!
Amazingly, we’ve reached the close of the group stage already, which means half our teams are heading home and another half are heading into the bracketed phase of the tournament. We’ll continue to bring you coverage of the tournament until the close, kicking things off with our Round of 16 preview before games kick off tomorrow.
World Cup posting schedule:
November 15: Group A + B Preview
November 16: Group C + D Preview
November 17: Group E + F Preview
November 18: Group G + H Preview
November 20: World Cup Pick ‘em Contest
November 26: Group Stage Halfway
December 2: Round of 16 Preview
December 8: Round of 8 Preview
December 12: Semifinals Preview
December 16: Final/Third Place Preview
The Bracket
Netherlands-Argentina
The Dutch dispatched the Americans by a 3-1 scoreline, looking comfortably the better team throughout. Two-nil at half, with a quick response to America’s one goal, and with that, the last of CONCACAF has been dispatched from this Cup. Meanwhile, a Dutch team that some suspected might be hampered by illness looked anything but, with a consistent performance that has them looking mighty.
Argentina managed to dispatch underdogs Australia, sending the Socceroos home - and with it, one of the three remaining AFC teams in the tournament. It was a 2-1 game, with Messi providing the first, Julian Alvarez the second, and the third coming in the form of a Fernandez own goal - but it wouldn’t matter in the end.
In this one, I think I’ve gotta give the advantage to the Dutch - though they haven’t really played anyone of significant substance, they also haven’t looked outwardly weak for significant periods of time. Pick: Netherlands
Croatia-Brazil
Croatia squeaked by Japan on penalties, a margin of 3-1 proving the end difference in a game that was 1-1 through extra time. Two incredibly impressive efforts from underdogs, but only one could go to the next round, and that was the European team.
Brazil dominated South Korea en route to a 4-1 victory, joint second-largest margin of the Round of 16. Four first-half goals ensured that the game was well and truly out of hand before teams hit the tunnel for the first time, and a consolation goal wasn’t enough to see the Koreans head to the next round.
Brazil is the favorite here, and deservedly so - but Croatia has shown a tenacity that might be able to carry them to a shock victory. Pick: Brazil
England-France
These are two countries that have never fought before, so this should be a very pleasant rivalry with no historical or political connotations, and certainly nothing in the world of sport.
England moved past African underdogs Senegal by a 3-0 scoreline to take their place in the Round of 8. The Brits looks as good as they have since the opening match against Iran, a 6-2 win, and have made their statement clear in this one.
France, on the other hand, took on a scrappy Poland team and stepped them aside to the tune of a 3-1 final, behind a Kylian Mbappe double - which moved him past Cristiano Ronaldo and Diego Maradona on the World Cup scorer’s list, and a goal from Olivier Giroud, while Robert Lewandoski got another for himself.
The French really look to be motoring here, but they’ve got to make sure they have enough gas in the tank. Pick: England
Morocco-Portugal
Morocco continues their delightful upset - and with it, are just one of three non-European teams remaining and the only one outside of Europe and South America. A non-traditional power doing great things, which we love to see, as they get past local rival Spain 3-0 on penalties following 120 minutes of scoreless soccer. Seems like they have a claim to Ceuta and Melilla now.
They get Portugal, who posted the highest margin of victory in the Round of 16 and the second-highest of the tournament (SPA 7-0 CRC, Group Play) by dismantling Switzerland 6-1 - with Ronaldo on the bench. It’s a tremendous reminder of the strength of this squad after what many deemed an uninspiring group performance. It raises the question of what comes next for one of the world’s greatest footballers, but more importantly - can they keep this going?
I think, as much as I love the underdog story here, the joyride ends here. Pick: Portugal.
Here’s hoping I can go 4/4 this time. Coming up on the end of things!