The final four nations standing at the 2022 Men’s World Cup are Argentina, Croatia, France, and Morocco! Will we see a rematch of the 2018 final of France vs Croatia, can Messi lead Argentina back to a World Cup final, or will underdogs Morocco continue their cinderella run?
The 2022 World Cup Semi-finals
Argentina vs Croatia
The first semi-final matchup showcases mighty Argentina led by Lionel Messi, and the often-forgotten European powerhouse Croatia. This matchup could be one of contrasting styles. Argentina loves to play with the ball and throttle their opposition with lateral movement and then darting, penetrating runs, and passes to get in on goal. Croatia are as defensively sound as any team, and their collective grit and a never-say-die attitude keep them in games; their quality helps them win them.
Argentina survived an opening game shock defeat to Saudi Arabia and went on to beat Mexico and Poland to win Group C. In the knockout rounds, they beat a solid Australia side in the Round of 16, and played a thrilling match against the Netherlands in the quarterfinals that saw them through on penalty kicks. Now they’re hoping their attacking spirit, and the wonders that Lionel Messi can produce will help them past yet another hurdle which is a strong Croatian team.
Croatia is showing that they are a powerhouse in World Football. They made it out of the group of death by drawing Morocco and Belgium and beating Canada. In the Round of 16, they took a strong Japan to penalties and beat them; in the quarter-finals, they played masterfully to stifle Brazil and beat them in penalties. Could we see this Croatia side do the same to Argentina paving the way to make their second straight World Cup Final where they could meet the team that crushed their hopes in 2018, France?
- Kickoff Time: Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2 pm ET
France vs Morocco
The second semi-final gives us a modern-day David vs Goliath story in World Football. Will Goliath’s, and reigning World Cup champions France be able to make another final, or will David’s, and the last remaining underdog Morocco shock the World once more? It will be an interesting match as both play very different styles of play. France will be on the front foot for most of the match, while Morocco will be compact, and look for chances to hit on the counterattack, exploiting the space that France leaves open while attacking. It should be a real battle of styles!
France has been ever-impressive at this World Cup. Their play in Group D saw them get two wins in their first two games, besting Australia and Denmark. They then rested some players on the final matchday of group play losing 1-0 to Tunisia. In the Round of 16, they dominated Poland in a 3-1 win and played a back-and-forth quarter-final against rivals England that will have them as confident as ever going into the semifinals. The only way this French team won’t make the final will be if they are thrown off their game by the Moroccans.
Morocco is an underdog, but they have played mightily all throughout this World Cup. They won Group F thanks to a draw against Croatia and wins against Belgium and Canada. Heading into the knockout rounds they drew Spain in the Round of 16. They held them off for 120 minutes and bested them in penalty kicks. In the quarter-finals, they played an organized game and stopped high-flying Portugal beating them 1-0. The Moroccans will hope their organization is enough to repel reigning champions France, if it is we could see another penalty shootout with everything at stake!
- Kickoff Time: Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2 pm ET
Who will make the 2022 World Cup Final?
The two teams who played in the 2018 final are still in as reigning champions France and runners-up Croatia could meet again in the 2022 final!
The ever-hyped-up Lionel Messi is leading his last hoorah at the World Cup for Argentina, and has a chance to go out a champion!
The first African nation has made the semi-finals in Morocco. Their Cinderella story and a collective fight could see them become the first African nation in a World Cup final as well!
These matches will be incredible to watch. The stakes are at their highest, and we see four nations who are on the precipice of playing for eternal glory!
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