And Then There Were 4

12/12/2022 And Then There Were 4

By: Jeff Yoder

Two Penalty Kick Shockers, Harry Kane’s Blunder & Morocco’s Dream Run Highlight World Cup Quarterfinals

If you weren’t entertained by the World Cup quarterfinals this weekend, check your pulse. All four matches were decided by just two regulation goals. A pair of matches were won on penalty kicks while Morocco and France earned one-goal wins over Portugal and England, respectively. And then there were four — Croatia, Argentina, Morocco, and France.

 

Croatia def. Brazil (1-1, 4-2 PKs)

A shocker on Friday saw Croatia knock off Brazil with a frantic finish. Brazil dominated in regulation — outshooting Croatia 21-11 and 11-1 in shots on the frame — but the match went into extra time tied at 0-0. Neymar scored for Brazil in the 105th minute, but Bruno Petkovic saved Croatia in the 117th before Croatia earned the win in PKs (4-2). The runner-ups from 2018 are back in the semifinals.

 

Argentina def. Netherlands (2-2, 4-3 PKs)

Lionel Messi and Argentina are still kicking despite blowing a 2-0 lead late against the Netherlands. Wout Weghorst scored two goals in the waning minutes, including the equalizer at the buzzer (90+11’). In penalties, Argentina held on (4-3). In Messi’s last World Cup, Argentina holds all the cards.

 

Morocco def. Portugal (1-0)

One more for Morocco! The dream run for the only remaining African squad continues after knocking off Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal in another stunning upset. Portugal out-possessed Morocco a whopping 74% to 26%, but it was a first-half goal from Youssef En-Nesyri was the difference-maker. The 22nd-ranked club in the World Cup is in the final four.

 

France def. England (2-1)

France and England may have been the most intriguing matchup of the quarterfinals, and both teams went back and forth toward a thrilling finish. After trading goals, Olivier Giroud tallied the go-ahead goal for France in the 78th minute. Harry Kane got a look at a PK for England in the final minutes but sailed it over the bar. The French prevailed.

 

Semifinals Schedule

Argentina vs. Croatia (Tues. 2:00 pm ET)

France vs. Morocco (Wed. 2:00 pm ET)

 

Additional Storylines

ESPN: World Cup Semifinals: Key Team Factors, Predictions, Schedule & More

The Guardian: Morocco’s World Cup Oddysey Has Changed What It Means to be The Underdog

 

Photo: Picture Alliance / Getty Images