The Final Countdown

A review of World Cup Quarter-Final Action & My Predictions for the Final 4 Games of the Tournament

Published in

JJ Blogs — Sport

5 min readDec 13, 2022

As the referee blew his whistle to signal the end of the final Quarter-Final clash between England and France, I couldn’t help but feel excited.

I am excited about what’s to come! Excited to see if Lionel Messi can realize his International Dream. Or if perennial underdogs Morocco can write African and Arab history.

As the World Cup enters its final week, the hopes and dreams of 4 nations rest largely on 44 players' shoulders. That is not without forgetting the importance of substitutes and managers. But the Starting XI for each of these nations will largely dictate the results of the next 5 days. Seasoned veterans, Luka Modric, Lionel Messi and more youthful superstars, Kylian Mbappe and Achraf Hakimi all connected by one dream…

…to win the World Cup.

Remarkably, 3 of these nation's brightest superstars play for 1 Club. A club owned by Qatar Sports Investment. A state-owned investment group, organized on behalf of the Emir of Qatar. And if Brazil had made it through, Neymar would’ve made it 4 from 4.

But I digress.

Let’s review the Matchweek that was. A Matchweek that began in crazy circumstances. With back-to-back penalty shootouts

Quarter-Final Review

Eager to get into my Predictions, I’ll keep my wrap-up of the week that was short and simple. Here goes…

Croatia v Brazil

Scoreline: 1–1 [4–2]

In a match that was dominated by the South Americans, Croatia managed to force penalties with a dramatic late goal with their only shot on target. Although Neymar managed to squeeze one past Dominik Livakovic, the Croatian Goalkeeper was again outstanding, with his goal-stopping heroics almost single-handedly carrying the “Vatreni” through.

Croatian Goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic was awarded MOTM honours in his nation's Quarter-Final win against Brazil for his goal-stopping heroics.

Netherlands v Argentina

Scoreline: 2–2 [3–4]

In what could quite possibly go down as the greatest match of the tournament, the “Albiceleste” edged out “Oranje” in a tight affair. Leading 2–0 after 73 minutes, the Argentinians looked set for victory, before late Wout Weghorst's heroics pushed the game to Extra Time. In a bruising encounter where tensions boiled over, 15 cards were shown on a night when emotions were high.

Leading his team from the front, Lionel Messi has been exceptional throughout the tournament.

Morocco v Portugal

Scoreline: 1–0

In the most surprising scoreline of the Quarterfinals, high-flying Portugal failed to trouble the scoresheet, just days after booting 6 past Switzerland. In a game characterized by half-chances, Portugal’s inability to make the most of their opportunities, following a 42nd-minute Youssef En-Nesyri header ensured the Moroccan dream lived on. Unfortunately for Portuguese fans, Ronaldo’s international career will not receive the crowning glory it deserves.

Inspirational Moroccan Goalkeeper, Yassine Bounou has been an immovable object throughout the World Cup.

England v France

Scoreline: 1–2

In what shaped as the most intriguing match-up of the Quarter-Finals, fans were not disappointed (except for fans of the “Three Lions”). In a topsy-turvy encounter, the attacking quality of “Les Bleus” shone through, making the most of their opportunities. Despite some refereeing controversy, France deservedly reigned supreme on a day when their young star, Kylian Mbappe was unable to showcase his full attacking potential.

Defying age and his critics, Olivier Giroud earned MOTM plaudits for his match-winning goal against England.

Semi-Final Predictions

As Semi-Final action creeps closer and closer, I take a look at which teams will end up on top and progress to the Final of the world’s most prestigious football tournament.

Argentina v Croatia

After scraping through game after game, Croatia will be hoping to bring that same tenacity and defensive grit into their Semi-Final showdown with Argentina. Fresh off back-to-back penalty shootout victories, and with just 1 win through 90 minutes in the tournament, the “Vatreni’s” dam wall will surely break. After stunning fellow South Americans and tournament favourites Brazil less than 4 days ago, the Croatians will run out of gas as Lionel Messi edges closer to an elusive World Cup Title and Golden Ball honours.

2 legends of the game will go head-to-head in less than 12 hours.

Prediction: 2–0

MOTM: Lionel Messi

France v Morocco

In what promises to be a tightly-run affair, Morocco will give World Champions, France a run for their money. Allowing just 1 goal through 5 matches, the Moroccans will come up against a leaky French outfit, who are yet to keep a clean sheet. In a game featuring conflicting game styles, the winner of the duel between PSG teammates and close friends Achraf Hakimi and Kylian Mbappe will largely determine the result of the match. In the tighter of the Semi-Final match-ups, it is France for mine, but should Morocco take the game deep, “Les Bleus” bench depth will be exposed.

Best mates Kylian Mbappe and Achraf Hakimi will turn into fierce enemies in less than 48 hours.

Prediction: 1–0

MOTM: Kylian Mbappe

3/4 Playoff Prediction

Croatia v Morocco

With both teams coming off heartbreaking Semi-Final losses, the match will be decided by which team has the most resolve. With a Croatian team boasting experienced heads (including 37-year-old Luka Modric) and regularly featuring deep in major tournaments, they should account for Morocco in what will be a low-scoring affair. The man they call “Croatian Cruyff” will end his phenomenal international career for his overachieving Balkan nation on a high.

Humble, hard-working, and ever-reliable, Luka Modric will go down as one of the greats of the modern generation.

Prediction: 0–0 [4–2]

MOTM: Luka Modric

Final Prediction

Argentina v France

In a match-up between 2 titans of the footballing world, the Copa America Champions, Argentina will come up against the reigning World Champions, France. In the 13th match between the nations (and the 4th at a World Cup), the “Albiceleste” will be eager to reverse their 4–3 Round of 16 loss in 2018.

With both teams boasting quality across the pitch, the match should be a mouth-watering affair. But the game will be dictated by the superstar battle between young and old. With the sun setting on one of the great footballing careers, Lionel Messi will bow out as a Champion, outshining club teammate Kylian Mbappe. Whilst both teams will do their best to subdue their opponents' superstars, big-time matches call for big-time players.

In scenes eerily similar to the 2014 World Cup, the game will tick into Extra Time. But unlike their 2014 Extra Time loss to Germany, this match will go the full distance, with Argentina holding their nerve for the most famous of penalty shoot-out victories.

Lionel Messi has experienced his fair share of heartbreak throughout his International Career. But could this year be the moment that fortune changes?

Prediction: 2–2 [4–3]