FIFA World Cup Quarter-Finals Preview

After 55 games of high drama and unmissable action, we are down to our last eight teams at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. There are some tantalizing ties and incredible matchups in the second round of the knockout stages, and here is our preview of the World Cup quarter-finals.

Brazil vs Croatia

Brazil will be playing in their eighth consecutive World Cup quarter-final at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, and the Selecao should be the favourites to head into the final four as they take on Croatia at the Education City stadium. The South American side showcased their class in the round of 16 with their 4-1 win over South Korea, while the 2018 finalists laboured to a victory on penalties over Japan on their path to the quarters.

Winners: Brazil

Argentina vs Netherlands

After an indifferent start to their tournament against Saudi Arabia, Argentina have begun to show some form in Qatar as they enter the business stage of the tournament. Lionel Messi has already blessed this World Cup with his brilliance, and the 35-year-old has been well-complemented by Julian Alvarez, Enzo Fernandez, and Alexis Mac Allister in attack.

However, the South Americans will face their toughest test of the tournament so far against the Netherlands, who have yet to lose a World Cup match in 11 outings under Louis van Gaal.

Winners: Argentina

Morocco vs Portugal

Morocco upset Spain on penalties to reach their first-ever quarter-finals at a World Cup, and the Atlas Lions will be looking to shock another Iberian nation when they take on Portugal at the Al Thumama Stadium.

Morocco are just the fourth African side to make the final eight of the World Cup and have progressed far in the competition largely due to their resolute defence, conceding just one goal in four games in the tournament. However, Portugal will be a stern test for the African outfit. Fernandos Santos’ side hit their stride in their last 16 clash against Switzerland, hitting six goals following the controversial benching of Cristiano Ronaldo, which seems to have unleashed a new gear in the 2016 European Champions.

Winners: Portugal

France vs England

The most anticipated tie of the quarter-finals is France’s meeting with England at the Al Bayt stadium on Saturday night. This will be the first time the two nations will face each other in the knockout stages of a major tournament, and the winner of this clash could be considered the favourite to go all the way and lift the trophy. The defining battle in this quarter-final will be Kylian Mbappe versus the English defence, with Kyle Walker and John Stones needing to be at their best against the mercurial Frenchman to give the Three Lions a chance of progressing to another World Cup semi-final.

Winners: France