Quarter-final Preview
England vs France Quarter-final Preview: FIFA World Cup 2022
France has never beaten England in a head-to-head match in the history of the World Cup. The English are far ahead in the overall fight between the two teams in the World Cup. But as of recent years, French has been ruling the football world. With such an atmosphere and context, the current world champion France will face England, who played in the last season’s semi-finals in the high-voltage quarter-finals of the ongoing FIFA Qatar World Cup 2022. Let’s take a look at the England vs France match preview to get to know more.
England vs France: Head-to-Head records so far
A total of 31 fights took place between England and France’s 100+ years old rivalry, of which England led with 17 wins, while France won nine. Five matches have been drawn. The two teams have met 11 times in the last three decades, with the French leading the way.
However, England has won twice in the World Cup. England defeated France 2-0 on the way to the World Cup title in 1966 and 3-1 in the group stage of the 1982 World Cup. France won three in the last five matches, England won one, and the remaining match was drawn. The French are hot favorites in this World Cup and will start today’s match as a favorite.
England’s performance so far in the 2022 World Cup
England has scored 12 goals in 4 matches so far in this World Cup. Which is their joint highest in any major tournament. In 2018, they scored 12 goals on their way to the semi-finals of the Russia tournament. England is advancing with power; in the round of 16, they beat Senegal by 3-0 goals.
However, history tells us that England’s departure from the quarter-finals has become a rule. Previously, the English had to leave the last eight in the World Cup in 1954, 1962, 1970, 2002, and 2006. They left the tournament after losing to a European team in six of the last eight World Cups.
Nevertheless, it is certainly admirable for England to go through three World Cup matches without conceding a goal. Coach Gareth Southgate now has another chance. As the first coach of the Three Lions, he can be the pioneer of England reaching more than one semi-final.
Among the English players, Harry Kane is now the highest goal scorer for England in a major tournament. The English captain surpassed Gary Lineker when he scored a goal against Senegal. Kane has 7 goals in total, compiling the 2018 and 2022 World Cup. He also assisted 3 goals in this tournament. So, all eyes will be on him.
There is no potential injury update for the England team. Hence, England will start the match with all the major players.
England’s players to watch:
Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, Marcus Rashford.
England’s players carrying yellow cards:
None.
Read More: Morocco vs Portugal Quarter-final Preview: FIFA World Cup 2022
France’s performance so far in the 2022 World Cup
On the other hand, France has played in the quarter-finals in five of the last seven seasons, including the last three World Cups. Coach Didier Deschamps’ side has won eight of their last ten knockout rounds against European teams.
Despite such success, they have some aspects of criticism. Because France has conceded goals in all four matches played so far in this World Cup. The champions will have to think more about this matter. Before this, France played twice against England in the 1966 and 1982 World Cup and lost each time. But they are ahead in recent performance.
Kylian Mbappe will be France’s trump card. He has scored five goals in 4 matches so far. The forward surpassed his 4 goals scored in the last World Cup. Mbappe showed his class at the World Cup in Russia. Statistics show that France has won all nine World Cup matches where Mbappe played in the starting XI.
France is playing in the quarter-finals as the first title defender after Brazil in 2006. As the defending champion, Italy went into the 2010 tournament and left on the group stage. Spain, the champion of the tournament, was eliminated from the group stage in 2014. Germany, which won the title in 2014, had a similar situation in the last edition.
Like England, France does not have any injury report. However, there were rumors that Mbappe did not come to the last training of the French because he felt some discomfort in his ankle. However, the matter was later denied.
France’s players to watch:
Kylian Mbappe, Olivier Giroud, and Hugo Lloris.
France’s players carrying yellow cards:
Jules Kounde, Aurelien Tchouameni.
Probable squad in the England vs France Quarter-final match
England's probable starting squad
Pickford, Walker, Stones, Maguire, Shaw, Henderson, Rice, Bellingham, Saka, Kane, Foden.
Probable starting squad of France
Lloris, Kounde, Varane, Upamecano, T. Hernandez, Tchouameni, Rabiot, Dembele, Greizmann, Mbappe, Giroud.
Quarter-final's England vs France Match Result Prediction
England has won just one of their last eight matches against the reigning champions. According to The Analyst’s supercomputer’s prediction, France has a 40.3% chance to win the game in 90 minutes, while England has 32.4%. However, there is a 27.3% of chance that the game will proceed to a penalty shootout.
Venue of World Cup 2022 Quarter-final England vs France match?
France and England will fight on the field next Saturday (local time) to get a place in the semi-finals. The matchup between the title holders and former champions will start at 1 am Bangladesh time at Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor.
Read More: FIFA World Cup 2022: Quarter Final Overview
Final Words
The England vs France Quarter-final match is sure to be a thrilling one, with both teams having strong players and impressive recent performances. Ultimately, the result of this match is unpredictable and could go either way, but no matter who reaches the semi-final of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, the fans of both teams can expect an entertaining match.
1 year ago
Morocco vs Portugal Quarter-final Preview: FIFA World Cup 2022
Morocco is spending the World Cup like a dream. For the first time, the African team is playing in the quarterfinals at the World Cup stage. Portugal, who have never been able to play a final in a global tournament, are also in great form. These two teams are going to meet in the last eight of FIFA Qatar World Cup 2022. The whole world is waiting for a very enjoyable match between Portugal and Morocco in the quarter-finals. Let’s take a look at the Morocco vs Portugal Quarter-final match preview and where they are standing.
Morocco vs Portugal: Head-to-Head Record So Far
Before this, Morocco and Portugal met twice in the World Cup. The country of Arab heritage beat Portugal 3-1 in the 1986 World Cup. And in the last 2018 Russia World Cup, Portugal defeated Morocco by 1-0. Cristiano Ronaldo's only goal gave Portugal a win in that match. This time Portugal and Morocco are meeting in the quarterfinal!
Where is the Venue of Morocco vs Portugal Match?
Portugal and Morocco will meet in the fight to reach the semi-finals. The match starts at 9 pm Bangladesh time at Al Thumama Stadium in Doha.
Read More: FIFA World Cup 2022: Quarter Final Overview
Morocco's performance So Far in the 2022 World Cup
Morocco debuted in the 1970 World Cup. In 1986, they became the first African country to pass the group stage of the World Cup. Morocco's last win in the World Cup was in 1998 against Scotland, and after that, they got their win in this World Cup against Belgium in the group stage.
In the round of sixteen, Morocco defeated the former world champion Spain in a tiebreaker and made it to the quarter-finals. They are the first Arab country to reach the last eight of the World Cup.
Walid Regragui is the first Arab coach to take a team to the knockout stages. He took charge of Morocco last September. The undefeated African team has played seven matches so far under his coaching. After drawing with Croatia in the group stage, they defeated Belgium and Canada, who were among the favorites of the tournament. That is why they are also called the dark horse of this World Cup.
They have only conceded one goal so far, which was against Canada in the last match of the World Cup group stage.
So far, the opposition has not been able to send the ball into the Moroccan net. Their only goal in four matches was a 2–1 loss against Canada in the group stage. The own goal was scored by defender Nayef Aguerd.
Morocco's players to watch:
Yassine Bounou, Achraf Hakimi, Sofyan Amrabat.
Morocco's players carrying yellow cards:
Abdelhamid Sabiri, Romain Saiss, Sofyan Amrabat.
Read More: England vs France Quarter-final Preview: FIFA World Cup 2022
Portugal's Performance So Far in the 2022 World Cup
2016 Euro champions Portugal have never reached a World Cup final so far. Their debut on the world stage was in 1966. The team gave a great performance in the first season itself. They beat champions Brazil 3-1 and eliminated them from the group stage. They won all three matches and qualified for the next round. Portugal played in the semi-final in the same event.
However, their journey ended with a 2-1 loss against England. After defeating the Soviet Union 2-1, the Portuguese finished third in the tournament. Which is their best success in the World Cup so far. They played in the semi-final in 2006 as well.
On the other hand, Portugal started their World Cup journey by defeating Ghana 3-2 in the first match of the group stage. Then they beat the former world champion Uruguay 2-0. However, despite losing 2-1 to South Korea in the last match, the Portuguese reached the knockout stage as group champions.
And Portugal showed world-class football in the round of 16 games against Switzerland. Portugal's 21-year-old forward Gonzalo Ramos scored the first hat-trick in the current season. He achieved this in a knockout stage match, in which Portugal beat Switzerland by 6-1. The Benfica forward became the first player since Germany's Miroslav Klose in 2002 to score a hat-trick in the starting XI for the first time in the World Cup.
Scoring a goal will make Cristiano Ronaldo the all-time leading scorer for Portugal on the world stage. Currently, this record is held by Eusebio, he scored 9 goals in the World Cup, and he scored all in the 1966 tournament. It was his only World Cup appearance.
Pepe scored a goal in an easy win over Switzerland. This Portuguese defender made history by scoring the goal at the age of 39 years and 283 days. He now holds the record for the oldest goal scorer in the knockout stages of the World Cup.
Portugal has no injury report for the quarter-final game. It means the Portuguese will begin the game with full force.
Portugal's players to watch:
Gonzalo Ramos, Cristiano Ronaldo, Ruben Dias.
Portugal's players carrying yellow cards:
Danilo Pereira, Bruno Fernandes, Ruben Neves, Joao Felix, Ruben Dias.
Read More: Ronaldo did not threaten to leave World Cup: Portugal coach
Squad of Morocco and Portugal in the Quarter-final Match
Probable starting squad of Morocco
Bounou, Hakimi, Aguerd, Saiss, Mazraoui, Amrabat, Amallah, Ounahi, Ziyech, En-Nesyri, Boufal
Probable starting squad of Portugal
Costa, Dalot, Pepe, Dias, Guerreiro, Neves, Otavio, Silva, Fernandes, Felix, Ramos
Quarterfinal Morocco vs Portugal match Result Prediction
Although Portugal is the favorite in this match, Morocco's goalkeeper Yassine Bounou will be an obstacle to them. According to Opta Analyst's data, Portugal has a 55.8% chance to win in the 90 minutes, while Morocco has an 18.8% chance. If the game reaches a penalty shootout, Morocco has a 25.4% chance of winning.
Final Words
Both sides have the technical ability and quality to make it an exciting and unpredictable game. Morocco has a consistent recent record in this World Cup. However, with Ramos on the side, Portugal will be tough to beat. Hence, FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 quarterfinal’s Morocco vs Portugal match will be a close game.
1 year ago
Argentina vs Netherlands Quarter-final Preview: FIFA World Cup 2022
The Netherlands and Argentina are two of the top soccer teams in the world and have a long history of rivalry on the pitch. This time, they will face off in a FIFA World Cup 2022 quarterfinal match that is sure to be entertaining. Both teams boast an array of talented players, with the Netherlands having Virgil van Dijk, Denzel Dumfries, and Cody Gakpo, while Argentina has Lionel Messi, Rodrigo de Paul, and Angel Di Maria in their ranks. Let’s take a look at the Argentina vs Netherlands quarterfinal match preview focusing on both teams, their strengths and weaknesses, and what to expect when they meet on the field.
Where is Argentina vs Netherlands match?
Argentina vs Netherlands match will take place at Lusail Stadium in Lusail on Friday, December 9, with kickoff at 10 pm local time, 1 am (December 10) Bangladeshi time.
Argentina’s performance so far in the 2022 World Cup
Argentina’s starting in the World Cup was a mess. They lost 2-1 to Saudi Arabia in the first match and put themselves in uncertainty. They had to win the next two matches against Mexico and Poland to progress to the last sixteen. They turned around from the second match by winning 2-0 against both Mexico and Poland to secure the second round as a topper of the group.
Read More: Brazil vs Croatia Quarter-final Preview: FIFA World Cup 2022
Australia could not stop Messi in the last sixteen, and they lost 2-1. Meeting Netherlands in the quarterfinal is going to be Argentina’s toughest match of the World Cup in Qatar so far.
The interesting thing is that in the last nine meetings between the two teams, including World Cup and friendly matches, Argentina has never defeated the Netherlands within the stipulated 90 minutes. In 2014, Argentina beat the Dutch in a tiebreaker in the semis of the World Cup in Sao Paulo. At that time, the coach of the Netherlands was Louis van Gaal who still has that moment of defeat etched in his heart.
Messi is in good form in this World Cup, and his performance will determine Argentina’s fate. However, the Argentina team has some injury issues. Di Maria missed round of 16 matches, and it is not confirmed yet if he can make it to the quarterfinal. And the latest was midfielder Rodrigo de Paul.
Although Argentine coach Lionel Scaloni is confident that De Paul will be okay. However, the decision regarding Di Maria and De Paul will come after talking to the medical team. Lautaro Martínez has been playing with an injury and taking pain-killing injections to play for his country. And he might face trouble anytime.
Read More: FIFA World Cup 2022 Argentina vs Netherlands LIVE Streaming: Where and How to watch online and TV Channel, Predicted XI
Argentina’s players to watch: Lionel Messi, Emiliano Martinez, and Rodrigo de Paul.
Argentina’s players carrying yellow cards: Gonzalo Montiel, Marcos, and Acuna.
Netherlands’ performance so far in the 2022 World Cup
Among the top teams, the Netherlands is the first to never win the World Cup title. The Dutch had to be satisfied with being runners-up in 1974 and 1978. In the 1978 final, they lost 3-1 to the hosts, Argentina.
The Netherlands has been passed the group stage quite silently. After defeating Senegal 2-0 in the first match, they drew 1-1 with Ecuador in the second match. The Dutch played in a light mood in the last match with a 2-0 win against Qatar and reached the last sixteen. The three-time World Cup runners-up are now preparing to face Lionel Messi’s Argentina in the quarterfinals after beating the USA 3-1 in the last 16. There is no reason to doubt that this is going to be the toughest match for the Dutch at the World Cup in Qatar so far.
The Netherlands does not have any significant injury reports. Memphis Depay has improved his fitness, and he should be comfortable playing a full 90 minutes in the quarterfinal.
Netherlands’s players to watch: Virgil van Dijk, Denzel Dumfries, and Cody Gakpo.
Netherlands’ players carrying yellow cards: Matthijs de Ligt, Nathan Ake, Teun Koopmeiners, Frenkie de Jong.
Read More: FIFA World Cup 2022 Brazil vs Croatia LIVE Streaming: Where and How to watch online and TV Channel, Predicted XI
Probable starting squad of Argentina vs Netherlands Quarterfinal Match
Argentina
Emiliano Martinez, Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Acuna, De Paul, Fernandez, Mac Allister, Messi, Di Maria, Alvarez.
Netherlands
Noppert, Timber, Van Dijk, Ake, Dumfries, De Roon, De Jong, Blind, Klaassen, Gakpo, Depay
Argentina vs Netherlands Match Prediction
The past history of the fight between these two teams, however, is in favor of the Netherlands. So far, the Netherlands has played five times in the World Cup with Argentina and won twice. Argentina won once. Two matches have been drawn. One of the two matches that were drawn was the 2014 World Cup semi-final. Argentina defeated the Netherlands in a tiebreaker to reach the final.
As per this World Cup performance, Argentina’s defense is shaky, and the Netherlands can find the gap anytime. According to Opta Analyst’s match prediction model, Argentina has a 44.2% chance to win the game in 90 minutes, while the Netherlands has 27.1%. However, there is a 28.7% chance of a draw and proceeding to the tiebreaker.
Final Words
Overall, Argentina and Netherlands have met nine times so far. Among them, the margin of victory is heavy for the Europeans. Against their four-match winning streak, Argentina has won three times. In this game, both teams will surely try to secure a win. So, the FIFA Qatar World Cup 2022 quarterfinal Argentina vs Netherlands match will be an exciting battle between two of the rivals, and it will be interesting to see who comes out on top.
Read More: FIFA World Cup 2022: Quarter Final Overview
1 year ago
Brazil vs Croatia Quarter-final Preview: FIFA World Cup 2022
The 2022 FIFA World Cup quarterfinal matchup between Brazil and Croatia promises to be an exciting affair for soccer fans around the world. Two of the world’s most exciting and talented teams will go head-to-head in the first quarterfinal match of the tournament, and it promises to be an epic battle. Brazil is undoubtedly the favorite to advance, but Croatia has the talent and determination to pull off the upset. Let’s take a look at Brazil and Croatia match preview focusing on both teams, their strengths and weaknesses, and what to expect when they meet on the field.
Where is Brazil vs Croatia match?
Brazil and Croatia will face each other in the first match of the World Cup quarterfinals on Friday, December 9, at 6 pm local time and 9 pm Bangladesh time at Education City Stadium.
Brazil’s performance so far in the 2022 World Cup
Brazil had a great start in the World Cup 2022, except for an upset caused by Cameroon. However, they have shown excellency against South Korea in the round of 16 with a 4-1 victory. Vinicius Jr., Neymar, Richarlison, and Lucas Paqueta helped the team with one goal each. And with that smooth win, they have sailed to the quarterfinals, which will be played against Croatia.
Read More: Can Brazil Win the FIFA World Cup for the 6th Time?
So far, Brazil has lost only one game in this World Cup, and it was against Cameroon. In fact, it was Selecao’s first loss in 19 International games.
This will be Brazil’s 17th quarterfinal appearance in the World Cup tournament. However, Brazil’s recent quarterfinal outcomes are not satisfactory. They lost three of the last four competitions in 2006, 2010, and 2018 against France, Netherlands, and Belgium, respectively.
In other group stage matches, Brazil pulled victory over Serbia by 2-0 and Switzerland by 1-0. Richarlison and Casemiro scored in those matches.
While Brazil has a few injured players, fortunately, Neymar is back after missing the last two group-stage matches. And Danilo was also back from injury. However, Alex Relles and Gabriel Jesus will not appear in the rest of the World Cup as they suffered an injury in the last group stage match against Cameroon. Alex Sandro could potentially return after he missed the round of 16 game.
Brazil’s players to watch: Neymar, Richarlison, Vinicius Jr
Brazil’s players carrying yellow cards: Fred, Eder Militao, Bruno Guimaraes.
Read More: FIFA World Cup 2022 Brazil vs Croatia LIVE Streaming: Where and How to watch online and TV Channel, Predicted XI
Croatia’s performance so far in the 2022 World Cup
Although Croatia was the 2018 World Cup runner-up, this season, their journey is not that smooth so far. They won only one group stage match, which was against Canada by a 4-1 goal. The other two matches were a draw. Also, their round of 16 matches against Japan was also a draw, but they pulled to victory by penalty.
However, captain Luka Modric and the Croatia team have been very consistent in this tournament. And Brazil may find it tough to beat them. In all their games in this World Cup, Croatia kept around 55% possession on average. So, if they can keep this with Brazil, they might get chances to keep pressure on Brazil.
Currently, Croatia is dealing with one injury issue. Josip Stanisic missed the last game against Japan due to a muscle injury, and he could miss the quarterfinals as well. Although Borna Sosa missed the game, too, he will be available against Brazil.
Croatia’s players to watch: Luka Modric, Ivan Perisic, Bruno Petković
Croatia’s players carrying yellow cards: Dejan Lovren, Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic, Borna Barisic.
Read More: FIFA World Cup 2022 Argentina vs Netherlands LIVE Streaming: Where and How to watch online and TV Channel, Predicted XI
Probable starting squad of Brazil vs Croatia Quarter-final Match
Brazil: Alisson Becker, Eder Militao, Thiago Silva, Marquinhos, Danilo, Casemiro, Lucas Paqueta, Raphinha, Neymar, Vinicius Jr., Richarlison.
Croatia: Livakovic, Juranovic, Lovren, Gvardiol, Sosa, Kovacic, Brozovic, Modric, Kramaric, Petkovic, Perisic
Brazil vs Croatia Match Result Prediction
World Cup 2022 performance as well as the past meeting suggest that Brazil will win the game. Also, different experts picked Brazil. According to Opta Analyst’s match prediction model, Brazil has 68.2%. Chance to win the game, while Croatia has only 11.5%. However, 20.3% chance of a draw, and the result is to decide by a penalty shootout.
Final Words
Brazil is the favorite to win, but Croatia is more than capable of upsetting the odds. The key will be which team can take advantage of their opportunities and which team can prevent the other from doing so. No matter the outcome, the 2022 FIFA Qatar World Cup Quarter-final Brazil vs Croatia match should be a great display of football.
Read More: FIFA World Cup 2022: Quarter Final Overview
1 year ago