The quarter finals were the best FIFA games anyone’s watched. There was almost a fight, a lot of overtime, penalty shots, and upsets. It will be difficult for the semi-finals to live up to the same expectations. The four teams remaining are the best and most competitive ones we’ve watched this fall. As mentioned in the last FIFA article, there are no draws nor points given from ties. Every round is elimination, meaning overtime and shootouts/penalty shots will decide winners. Before picks are made, the numbers are for who finished at the top two in each group, and the letters are from the group each team was in. Here are the predictions for which two teams advance to the title game.
2F Croatia v. 1C Argentina
Many futbol fans are on the Lionel Messi hype train and want to see Argentina play France in the final. Audiences have to keep in mind La Albiceleste blew a two goal lead to Netherlands and might have lost in penalty shots had Dutch coach Louis van Gaal not gloated after overtime.
Despite Messi’s great tournament, Argentina’s defense is questionable on containing veterans Andrej Kramaric, Ivan Perisic and Luka Modric. Croatia has a better roster, coach and goalkeeper compared to Argentina. If this game goes to penalty shots it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Dominik Livakovic dominate and push the Balkan nation back to the final.
Upset Prediction of the semi-finals: Croatia advances to the championship 2-1 in overtime
1C France v. 1F Morocco
Morocco has home field advantage the remaining week. The first African team to reach the semi-finals, no opposing player has yet to score against Yassine Bounou. Morocco knows the blueprint England executed to slow down current MVP Kylian Mbappe in France’s last game. There’s no doubt the Atlas Lions use the same tactic Wednesday.
France has an advantage playing a Moroccan team that might not have their captain Romain Saiss. While Saiss said he’ll do whatever possible to support the team and play, he could be subbed out early if the injury persists. A factor that leans in France’s favor is the opportunities forward Olivier Giroud will have when Mbappe is double-teamed. Giroud’s shot selection and passing could give France the needed win to make a back-to-back Finals appearance.
Prediction: France advances to the championship 2-1
2022 Quarter Finals Predictions Record: 1-3
JD's Sportscorner 