The FIFA World Cup 2022 has come to its knockout stage. The tournament has had 44 games in the past 14 days and has now been narrowed down to only the top 8 teams. The quarterfinals begin today. Argentina, the Netherlands, and who else? Who are the star players who will be seen playing in the knockout rounds? And lastly, who are the key players for each team? Here is an in-depth look:
1) Netherlands VS Argentina Quarter-Final at the FIFA World Cup 2022:
Venue: Lusail Stadium
Timings: 10th December, 12:30 am Indian Standard Time.
Netherlands Squad (First XI):
Noppert, Timber, Virgil Van Dijk, Ake, Denzel Dumfries, Frenkie De Jong, De Roon, Blind, Davy Klaassen, Gakpo, Memphis Depay
Argentina Squad (First XI):
Martinez, Molina, Romero, Nicholas Otamendi, Acuna, Fernandez, Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister, Angel Di Maria, Lionel Messi, Julian Alvarez
A 3-1, Argentina win is most likely. Alexis Mac Allister and Acuna will be the scorers. The Netherlands also has a chance of making a mockery of the Latin American side. The key players for Argentina include Rodrigo De Paul and Nicholas Otamendi. If both of them have a good game, the Argentinian defense looks solid and hence they are even more crucial than Lionel Messi. For Netherlands, it has to be Denzel Dumfries and Davy Klaassen.
2) France VS England Quarter-Final at the FIFA World Cup 2022:
Venue: Al Bayt Stadium
Timings: 11 December, 12:30 am Indian Standard Time.
France Squad (First XI):
Lloris, Kounde, Raphael Varane, Upamecano, T. Hernandez, Tchouameni, Rabiot, Ousaman Dembele, Antoine Griezmann, Kylian Mbappe, Olivier Giroud
England Squad (First XI):
Jordan Pickford, Kyle Walker, John Stones, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, Jude Bellingham, Declan Rice, Jordan Henderson, Bukayo Saka, Harry Kane, Phil Foden
Prediction:
A 4-1 France win is most likely. France has previously dealt with tough opposition in the quarter-finals. Last time in the “Round of 16” itself, the french met the Argentines and knocked them out. Olivier Giroud will be France’s, main man. And Dembele will make the England defense’s life hell.
3) Brazil VS Croatia:
Venue: Education City Stadium, Qatar
Timings: 9th December, 8:30 pm
Brazil Squad (First XI):
Alisson, Militao, Marquinhos, Thiago Silva, Casemiro, Danilo, Raphinha ,Paqueta, Neymar Jr, Vinicius Jr, Richarlison
Croatia Squad (First XI):
Livakovic, Juranovic, Dejan Lovren, Gvardiol, Sosa, Mateo Kovacic, Brozovic, Luka Modric, Kramaric, Petkovic, Ivan Perisic.
Prediction:
A 3-1, Brazil win is predicted according to our analysis. Neymar Jr is expected to have a very good game. Mateo Kovacic will be the key player for Croatia. While Dejan Lovren will also have a great game.
4) Morocco VS Portugal:
Venue: Al Thumana Stadium
Timings: 10th December, 8:30 pm
Morocco Squad (First XI):
Bounou, Achraf Hakimi, Saiss, Aguerd, Ounahi, Mazraoui, Amrabat, Amallah, Hakim Ziyech, En-Nesyri, Boufal
Portugal Squad (First XI):
Costa, Diago Dalot, Pepe, Dias, Guerreiro, Bernado Silva, Carvalho, Otavio, Bruno Fernandes, Ramos, Joao Felix
Prediction:
A 1-0, Portugal win is on the cards. Bernardo Silva will have a terrific game. He will make the Moroccon defenders dance to his tunes. His skill will be on display. Bruno Fernandes will be another key player for the men in red. The African side will rely on Hakimi and Ziyech.
To know more go to FIFA World Cup 2022: Brazil Set to Play Croatia in Quarter Finals.
Read more such articles at FIFA World Cup 2022: Top Goal Scorers List. Best Goal Scorers and Most Assists.
To know more go to the official website of FIFA.