We’re approaching the business end of the 2022 World Cup and there are some really mouthwatering quarter-finals to enjoy.
Favourites Brazil take on Croatia on Friday afternoon for a place in the last four with many expecting the samba stars to emerge victorious and set up a potential all-South American semi with bitter rivals Argentina, who take on the Netherlands later on. It’s a World Cup fixture steeped in history, from the Alboceleste’s 1978 final triumph on home turf to Dennis Bergkamp’s magical goal that won it for the Dutch in France 20 years later.
The big one on Saturday is England vs France. With no Scotland to cheer on, it’s time to big up the Auld Alliance again for many on these shores, who will be hoping Kylian Mbappe and co. are too much for Gareth Southgate’s men. Before then however, shock jocks Morocco take on Portugal after stunning Spain, and there’s every likelihood that Ronaldo will moodily watch from the bench again whilst remembering to smile when the cameras are trained on him should things be going well for the Portuguese.
There are many issues surrounding the tournament in Qatar which are rightly remaining in focus, such as deaths of migrant workers and the Gulf state’s shameful attitude towards the LBGQ+ community. But there have been plenty of on-pitch highlights so far. Record Sport’s top team pick their magic moments, who has impressed them and their team of the tournament so far, as well as a look at how the Scottish Premiership contingent have fared.
Magic moments
Keith Jackson: Hands up. This may be a somewhat biased view made through the eyes of a self confessed fan boy. And, let’s be honest, if the football Gods have any sense of soul then the very best of Qatar 2022 is unquestionably yet to come.
But when Lionel Messi slipped up through the gears against Australia in the last 16 - scoring a stunning opening goal in his 1000th senior game - it did feel as if this World Cup’s much needed fairytale ending was finally getting started. A dip of the right shoulder, a silky caress with the wand in his left boot and BANG! He was on his way, carrying a nation, into a quarter final showdown with the Netherlands.
In the same match, the little magic man went on one mazy second half run which took the breath away, starting on the half way line, zig-zagging across the pitch and then ending up inside the Aussie six yard box. Had he conjured a finishing touch then it would have gone down as one of the greatest individual goals scored this competition has seen since Maradona was weaving his magnificence all over Mexico 86.
It should have ended with Argentina’s third goal of the night but perhaps, like all great showmen, he was merely keeping the best till last. Even so, after a slow start to the tournament this did feel like the moment Messi grabbed centre stage all for himself.
While his nemesis Ronaldo has been embarrassing himself in the Gulf, it’s all perfectly set up now for the most fitting crowning moment in the game’s recent history. Argentina’s high voltage fans have been busy lighting this competition up off the pitch from the start. Now it’s Messi’s turn to give the world what it wants.
Andy Newport: FIFA are big on snazzy slogans and virtue signalling. Take a look at their website and among the many worthy causes they support is the World Health Organisation’s #NoDiscrimination campaign: “Our goal is to rid the football world of discrimination,” they insist. “We all have a part to play.”
And yet when the game’s governing body had the chance to lead, they chose to look the other way. The decision to block the captains of competing nations from wearing the OneLove armband was the latest in a long line of grubby episodes to shame FIFA and their Qatari cronies.
Staging the tournament in this tiny Gulf kingdom, we were promised, would help bring on reforms and modernise a nation were homosexuality is outlawed. So when nine teams, including England, announced their skippers would walk out wearing the rainbow symbol round their biceps in a bid to hasten the pace of change, FIFA had a choice to make. Stand on the right side of history or back their partners, an oppressive regime with an appalling record on human rights.
Of course, no-one should have been surprised by their decision to announce anyone pulling on the OneLove armband would be booked - a move which forced those nine nations to back down - having seen Gianni Infantino’s shameless hobnobbing with Vladimir Putin when he took the World Cup to Russia for years ago. Principles go out the window when there’s a buck to be made.
You simply couldn’t mark the FIFA President’s neck with a blowtorch, as demonstrated when he posed for pictures with German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser as she pulled on the strap before her side’s opening game with Japan. The German players made their point too as they lined-up before kick-off, covering their mouths to demonstrate the gag that had been placed on them by the FIFA top-brass.
Of course, a more striking gesture would have been to damn Infantino’s armband ruling and wear it anyway. But it’s not the players who should be attacked for FIFA’s grubby, hypocritical stance.
Gordon Parks: The scene had been set for a Lionel Messi led Argentina to launch their World Cup campaign with a routine win over the lowest ranked side in the tournament but Saudi Arabia were having none of it. Not only did they beat one of the favourites to lift the trophy, they did it by giving them a goal of a start.
On the back of a 36 game unbeaten run and inspired by a Messi on a mission to deliver what has been a elusive crowning glory to his career, it had all been going according to plan for Argentina. The great man had played his part and fired his side into a lead after only ten minutes after casually stroking home a penalty.
Like any great shock, there has to be an element of riding your luck and the Saudis survived no less than three 'goals' by Argentina which were ruled out for offside. That was the cue for the 51st placed FIFA ranked Green Falcons flipped the game on its head in a stunning 10-minute period after half-time, Saleh Al Shehri levelling with a low effort and Salem Al Dawsari firing them ahead to spark pandemonium in the stands.
It was a remarkable recovery but the sight of their captain Salman Al Faraj on crutches joining in with the celebrations inside the Lusail Stadium in joyful disbelief after producing one of the greatest upsets in the competition’s history was a sight to behold. Despite knowing his tournament was all but over, this was a World Cup moment in time, another reminder of how a collective spirit can fuel the underdog towards achieving greatness.
It was also a result which could well prove to be the shock to the Argentine system which has allowed them to get back on track and on course to achieve their ultimate goal.
Best team so far
Keith: There’s a strong argument to be made here that our noisy neighbours have been the best team on show since the group stages got up and running. Free scoring and brimming with youthful enthusiasm and sparkling attacking talent, England can have seldom provided such a difficult watch for any self respecting, small minded Scot with a patriotic chip on his shoulder.
But, mercifully, Brazil came rushing to the rescue the other night when they dismantled South Korea with the performance of the tournament so far. Richarlison might be an expensive bench warmer for Harry Kane at Spurs but his goal against the Koreans was probably the most wonderfully impudent piece of football since this whole thing got up and started.
Three headed keepie-uppies and a sixth sense stepover sandwiched between two perfect passes and all capped off by a clinical, composed finish. It’s little wonder he even got Tite doing a dad dance on the sidelines as the boss joined in Brazil’s celebrations to the beat of the samba drums.
With Neymar back to full fitness and Vinicius Jr and Raphinha making up an irresistible four pronged attack, they do look like the best of the bunch so far. Add to that the safest hands in the world in the world in Liverpool keeper Alisson Becker, the midfield mastery of Casemiro and the stylish defensive attributes of Thiago Silva and it does begin to look very much like the bookies may have called it right from the start.
But with the one man mission that is Lionel Messi on a potential collision course in the semi finals, the hard work might only just be getting started.
Andy: France. There’s been no shortage of sulking stars at this World Cup.
Cristiano Ronaldo threw his latest strop after being subbed against South Korea and was made to pay for his temper tantrum as Portugal boss Fernando Santos handed his slot to Benfica wonderkid Goncalo Ramos, who promptly proved there’s a new kid on the block with his sensational hat-trick against Switzerland.
Cameroon keeper Andre Onana saw his tournament cut short after just one game after a fall-out with boss Rigobert Song while Uruguay defender is reportedly facing a massive 15-game international ban following allegations he assaulted a FIFA official after his side crashed out of the group stage.
But one place the red-mist has yet to descend over is the Les Bleus camp. Eighteen months ago, Didier Deschamps’s French side were bounced out of Euro 2021 by Switzerland on penalties amid rumours of a debilitating split in the camp.
There were whispers that Kylian Mbappe was “jealous” of strike partner Antoine Griezmann, with his moping around their base in Bucharest causing friction among the squad. There were even reports of a bust-up involving the PSG superstar’s mother and relatives of Paul Pogba and Adrien Rabiot in the stands as they were dumped out by the Swiss.
But so far in Qatar it’s all been happy families for the French as they stormed their way to the last eight. England now stand in their way but they face a France outfit displaying a new sense of unity. Mbappe has looked unhappy sharing the limelight with Neymar in Paris this season but he was happy for Olivier Giroud to take centre stage the other night as he broke Thierry Henry’s French scoring record in their last 16 win over Poland.
It’s all smiles for now and if they can keep it up they might just have the last laugh on December 18.
Gordon: France A French squad which was denied the talents through injury of Ballon d'Or winner Karim Benzema, Paul Pogba and N'Golo Kante was always going to find a way to overcome adversity and they've achieved that in typical swaggering style.
It's not just the fact they bring the most stirring national anthem to the party which gets them the nod. No other side had been ravaged by injuries than the reigning world champions, that list was added to with Lucas Hernandez lasting just 13 minutes of their opening game against Australia.
Didier Deschamps’ side dispatched the Aussies 4-1 , edged out Denmark courtesy of a brace from Kylian Mbappe, but went down to Tunisia on matchday three with a second string side before pulverising Poland in the round of 16 to line up a quarter-final against England this weekend.
Kylian Mbappe continues to terrorise defences with his pace and five goals so far have him odds on to claim the Golden Boot but there's also been something of a Renaissance for Olivier Giroud's who has become France's all-time top goal scorer with 52, surpassing Thierry Henry with his three strikes so far at Qatar 2022.
There is an impressive unity being displayed by this French squad with an array of huge talents such as Raphael Varane, Adrien Rabiot and Antoine Griezmann but it's been Real Madrid's Aurelien Tchouameni who's become a major cog in their free-flowing system. Alongside Rabiot, he's the driving force, a dynamic interceptor who allows the more technically gifted talents to flourish.
If Les Bleus are to become only the third side to claim back-to-back World Cup triumphs then it'll be the likes of Mbappe and Giroud who will provide the goals but Tchouameni is the man who provides the glue.
World Cup XI
Keith: I’m going with a 4-3-3. Alisson (BRA), Denzel Dumfries (NED), Thiago Silva (BRA) Virgil van Dijk (NED), Marcos Ancuna (ARG), Carlos Casemiro (BRA), Jude Bellingham (ENG), Antoine Griezmann (FRA), Vinicius Jr (BRA), Lionel Messi (ARG) Kylian Mbappe (FRA).
Andy: Allison (BRA); Timber (NED), van Dijk (NED), Souttar (AUS), Cancelo (POR); Bellingham (ENG), Casemiro (BRA), Valverde (URG); Mbappe (FRA), Giroud (FRA), Messi (ARG).
Gordon: Formation 4-3-3: Szczęsny (Poland), Itakura (Japan) , Yoshida (Japan), Saiss (Morocco); Fernandes (Portugal), Bellingham (England), Casemiro (Brazil); Felix (Portugal), Messi (Argentina), Giroud (France), Mbappe (France).
Scotland's representatives
Keith: The McAussies have been a stunning success. The outstanding Harry Souttar was the best of the lot and if he’s still a Stoke player by the end of January then he’s with the wrong agent.
But St Mirren’s Keanu Baccus was having the night of his life in that first half against Argentina, Aziz Behich of Dundee United very nearly netted the goal of the tournament late on and Aaron Mooy kept his team ticking all the way through the group stages and into the last 16. An honourable mention too must go to Kye Rowles as the Hearts man hardly put a foot wrong in the centre of defence next as big Souttar’s wingman.
Celtic new boy Alistair Johnston also caught the eye with his performances in a highly impressive Canadian side which was unlucky to go out in the groups. But Old Firm rivals Borna Barisic and Josip Juranovic have topped the lot by helping perennial overachievers Croatia defy all the odds once again in reaching the last eight.
Ever present Juranovic may have added a few quid to his January price tag and even though latecomer Barisic had a tough time against Japan, he too can be proud of his contribution to another stunning Croatian success story.
Andy: Scotland may have missed out again on reaching the biggest show on earth but there’s been plenty of reasons for the Tartan Army to tune in. Graham Arnold’s Socceroos were just one player away from being able to name an entire line-up of players past or present who have sampled SPFL action.
Among them are cap converts Jason Cummings and Harry Souttar but it was the giant Stoke defender who made the most striking impression with his towering displays at the back as the Aussies made a shock charge to the last 16.
Cheeky Hearts ace Cammy Devlin nicked Leo Messi’s shirt after their second-round defeat to Argentina despite failing to make a tournament appearance but it was Souttar who really deserved that cherished memento having put the shackles on group rivals Tunisia and Denmark.
Croatia’s Old Firm pair Josip Juranovic and Borna Barisic now face a date with destiny against competition favourites Brazil but only having edged past Daizen Maeda and his Japan side. Juranovic made sure to console his Parkhead team-mates after his side snuck past the Samurai Blues on penalties, a cruel ending for a side that have lit up this World Cup with their shock wins over Germany and Spain in the groups.
Back in Glasgow, most Celtic fans would probably rank Maeda third in their list of Japanese stars behind Kyogo and Reo Hatate but for the national team, the frontman’s relentless running was a crucial component of their energetic style that came so close to securing a place in the last eight.
Gordon: Australia's Jockeroos have allowed Scotland fans to adopt a team to rally behind and former Dundee United defender Harry Souttar has been their star turn. There was a stand-out performance against Argentina which had a host of pundits purring and Gary Lineker wholesome in his praise of a player who had had his recent career decimated by a cruciate injury.
Souttar's last ditch interceptions and superb appreciation of the danger around him now has him on the radar of big clubs as he looks to revive his fortunes at Stoke City. Former Hibs striker Jason Cummings struggled to get a touch of the ball after being given just over half an hour against France but it's been an extraordinary transformation of fortunes for a player who appeared to be heading towards unfulfilled obscurity before a move to Central Coast Mariners.
World Cup appearances should be about the realisation of a dream and David Wotherspoon's brief cameo for Canada against Morocco is a bucket list box ticker that very few will achieve in their careers. The sight of the St Johnstone midfielder's family watching Wotherspoon strut his stuff on the biggest stage provided one of the feelgood moments of the tournament so far and he can provide an inspiration for others to follow. All of the above have represented Scotland at some level and swapping national allegiances doesn't sit well but they are all proof that impossible is nothing.
Quarter-final predictions
Keith: Lionel Messi will take down a dreary Dutch side on his own to keep the fairytale alive and set up a South American blockbuster with Brazil, who will have too much class for Croatia in the semis.
France might just have too much talent and experience for England’s rampant youngsters although that tie could be a nerve wrecking flick-of-the-coin job. And now that Portugal are no longer hostage to Ronaldo’s raging ego, they look like a safe bet against a limited but impressively resilient Moroccan outfit.
Andy: The Three Lions have roared their way into the quarters but a France side possessing plenty of joie de vivre should have enough to tame Gareth Southgate’s team and set up a clash with a Portugal side that look all the better for dropping Ronaldo. Holland are up against a Messi on a mission and I can’t see how they stop the wee man teeing up a semi-final showdown against a Brazil side now hitting top form.
Gordon: It's going to be the big hitters who claim a last four berth with an impressive Brazil side having too much for Croatia to cope with on Friday and the Dutch will also befall the same fate against Messi-inspired Argentina. Portugal will ease past Morocco, with or without Cristiano Ronaldo and the French will bring England crashing back down to earth.
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