A look back at the previous 21 winners of the FIFA World Cup dating back to 1930. Who will add their name to the list in 2022? Photo: MIGUEL MEDINA / AFP.

World Cup 2022: Full quarterfinal preview

FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar has reached the quarterfinal stage. Our football expert has previewed all four ties that look very tasty indeed.

by James Freemantle

08-12-2022 08:26

in Soccer World Cup 2022

A look back at the previous 21 winners of the FIFA World Cup dating back to 1930. Who will add their name to the list in 2022? Photo: MIGUEL MEDINA / AFP.

There are just eight teams left standing at FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar.

Football expert James Freemantle has taken a look at all four tasty quarterfinal ties and previewed them in all their glory.

FIFA World Cup 2022 full quarterfinal preview

Croatia vs Brazil

Seven of Croatia’s last eight knockout games at major tournaments have gone to extra time. This team doesn’t do it the easy way, but they do tend to thrive in pressure situations. They’ll need to produce all of their battling qualities against a Brazil side that was, at times, playing carnival football against South Korea in a match that was effectively over at halftime.

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Luka Modrić and Casemiro know each other so well after their glorious spell together at Real Madrid, but on Friday they’ll be adversaries. Croatia will want to turn this into a battle, because if it becomes a pure footballing contest, then Brazil will have too much for them.

FIDA world cup 2022 — The majestic midfield maestro Modric. Photo by Alfredo ESTRELLA / AFP)

Netherlands vs Argentina

Lionel Messi has now played 1000 matches in his senior career for club and country. His goal against Poland was his 789th overall and, amazingly, it was the first he’s ever struck in a World Cup knockout match. Argentina haven’t been at their brilliant best for the entire tournament, but they have produced moments of quality. The same can be sad about the Netherlands, although their opening goal against USA involved all 11 players and a 20-pass move, eventually finished off by Memphis Depay. It was a thing of beauty.

FIFA world cup 2022 Messi — There is a thread that connects the three leading favourites to win the World Cup starting in Qatar on Sunday. Photo: Andres Kudacki / AFP.

Young Benfica midfielder Enzo Fernández has been superb for La Albiceleste as a deep-lying playmaker, and he’ll have plenty of work to do to contain Depay and Cody Gakpo’s running power. These two sides last met at a World Cup in 2014, when Argentina won on penalties following a 0-0 draw after 120 minutes. This one is could go to the wire again.

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Morocco vs Portugal

Walid Regragui’s Atlas Lions have won many fans around the world en route to the quarterfinals. Their brand of football might not be the most expansive, but my word is it effective. They’ve kept six clean sheets in seven matches under their new boss, and that defensive solidity makes them an awful side to play against. They will be desperate for Nayef Aguerd and Romain Saïss and to shrug off injuries to take part here although West Ham man Aguerd looks almost certain to miss out.

Cristiano Ronaldo was left out of Portugal’s starting XI against Switzerland but stand-in striker Gonçalo Ramos hit a hat-trick and João Felix dazzled throughout. Morocco will have to be at their best to contain an attack that looked super slick against the Swiss, but they’re not afraid of getting their hands dirty. Watch out for Fiorentina midfield maestro Sofyan Amrabat, who was absolutely immense for the Atlas Lions against Spain.

England vs France

Arguably the standout quarterfinal fixture, England’s title credentials will be put to the ultimate test here. Kylian Mbappé is in frightening form and his pace, power and clinical finishing already make him the complete striker at age 23. Defending champions Les Bleus will need to have a plan to deal with Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham, who has been one of the tournament’s standout performers. Frighteningly, he is still just 19. He’s supported by 21-year-old Bukayo Saka and 22-year-old Foden. This should be an absolute cracker.

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