Many of us are facing the frightening prospect of having to get a life for the next two days with no World Cup action.
When the football resumes on Friday, we have four tasty quarter final ties to get our teeth into. Brazil are the narrow favourites to win the World Cup at 7/1, but neither they or any other team has a lock on it.
Below we preview the World Cup 2022 quarter finals, with some difficult-to-call matches coming up.
Read: Morocco Become First Arab Nation To Reach Quarter Finals
Croatia VS Brazil
Croatia needed penalties to dispatch a spirited Japan in the Round of 16, but they won’t be worried about that. This is a team more than happy to grind their opponents down and win on spot kicks. However, that may not be enough against Brazil. The reason Croatia are so experienced and streetwise is because they are old. Their lack of pace will be exposed against Brazil’s bombastic forwards.
Netherlands VS Argentina
The Netherlands have been better than anticipated so far, but they haven’t faced anyone that intimidating. Qatar, Ecuador, Senegal and the U.S are nothing compared to Argentina. Coach Louis van Gaal said the U.S played into their hands in the round of 16. Argentina won’t do that, they will be the protagonists, and the Dutch defence will need to show what it’s made of. Expect Argentina’s superior attackers to make the difference.
Read: France Looking Dangerous Ahead Of Quarter Final With England
Morocco VS Portugal
Morocco are the first Arab nation in history to qualify for the quarter finals. They did so by frustrating a Spain team who lack cutting edge up front. Unfortunately their opponents, Portugal, found their cutting edge in spades with a 6-1 round of 16 win over Switzerland. Switzerland were one of the better defensive teams in the tournament, which could spell trouble for Morocco who also play defensively. The fact Portugal clicked as a result of benching Cristiano Ronaldo could foster a confidence and spirit that will serve them well in the games ahead.
France VS England
Only Portugal (12) and Spain (9) have scored as many goals as England (12) and France (9) so far. Typically this matchup is likely to produce a tight game between France and England. France have the edge offensively by dint of having Kylian Mbappe, although England have plenty of firepower as well. England have the superior players in the center due to injuries to key french midfielders. You could make an argument that either team has the better defence, but neither has been truly tested yet. France are the slight favourites, but this feels like penalties.
