HITC Football tracks every side out of the 2022 World Cup including England, Brazil, Spain and Germany. Qatar also became the worst host nation to date after an early elimination.
Qatar won the right to host the first World Cup in the Middle East in 2010 as FIFA took its quadrennial tournament to new countries. Japan and South Korea held the first edition in Asia in 2002. South Africa also later hosted the first World Cup held on African soil in 2010.
South Africa set the record as the worst host nation at the time by exiting after the group stage. But Bafana Bafana took it down to the wire in their third fixture, in which they beat France 2-1. Yet goal difference saw Mexico pip South Africa to finish in second to Uruguay.
The group stage for Qatar 2022 ran from November 20 to December 2 before the first of the Round of 16 ties on December 3. Last 16 games run until December 6 before the quarter-finals (9, 10/12), semi-finals (13, 14/12), third-place play-off (17/12) and the final (18/12).
Sixteen of the 32 sides in Qatar bowed out of the World Cup after the group stage. The number will continue to half until just one team remains holding aloft the golden gong. So, with that in mind, HITC Football keeps track of every team out of the 2022 World Cup…
Group A: Qatar became the worst host nation as they bowed out of the World Cup
Qatar only lasted six days before they crashed out of the 2022 World Cup as the worst host nation yet. Ecuador ran the Maroon ragged in the opening game to kick Group A off with a 2-0 win. The scoreline was far more flattering for Qatar than their disjointed performance.
A 3-1 defeat to Senegal followed for Qatar to leave the host nation unable to overtake the Netherlands or Ecuador, who sat on four points. Qatar offered an improved display against Senegal. But it was too little, too late and irrelevant as the Netherlands claimed a 2-0 win.
Senegal and Ecuador also met on the last day of Group A in a straight duel to finish second to Oranje. The Lions of Teranga had to win while a point was enough for La Tricolor. Yet it would be the 2021 AFCON champions who advanced as Senegal took the needed 2-1 win.
- Q: Netherlands: Points (7) – Wins (2) – Draws (1) – Losses (0) – Goal Difference (+4)
- Q: Senegal: Pts (6) – W (2) – D (0) – L (1) – GD (+1)
- Ecuador: Pts (4) – W (1) – D (1) – L (0) – GD (+1)
- Qatar: Pts (0) – W (0) – D (0) – L (3) – GD (-6)
Group B: Wales crashed out on their World Cup return after 64 years away
Wales returned to a World Cup for the first time since Sweden 1958 after coming through the UEFA play-offs to qualify for Qatar 2022. But Robert Page was unable to inspire his side to replicate the performances that saw Cymru end their 64 years in the global wilderness.
Instead, Wales appeared tired and ended their time in the Middle East with one point from three games. Gareth Bale rescued a draw against the USA in Cymru’s opening match with a late penalty. But he struggled to find any form as Wales lost 2-0 to Iran and 3-0 to England.
Iran’s win over Wales gave Team Melli the chance to join England in the Round of 16, even after losing 6-2 to the Three Lions. But Christian Pulisic secured the USA a 1-0 win over Iran in their final game. The Chelsea winger’s 38th-minute bundled finish proved to be enough.
- Q: England: Pts (7) – W (2) – D (1) – L (0) – GD (+7)
- Q: The USA: Pts (5) – W (1) – D (2) – L (0) – GD (+5)
- Iran: Pts (3) – W (1) – D (0) – L (2) – GD (-3)
- Wales: Pts (1) – W (0) – D (1) – L (2) – GD (-5)
Group C: Mexico pushed Poland to the wire to follow Argentina through
Mexico pushed Poland to the wire to follow Group C winners Argentina through to the last 16. But El Tri failed to get out of their group at a World Cup for the first time since Argentina 1978. The North Americans had made the knockouts during their past eight appearances.
Guillermo Ochoa proved to be Mexico’s hero in their opening tie with Poland as he saved a Robert Lewandowski penalty to draw 0-0. But El Tri then lost 2-0 to Argentina while Poland beat Saudi Arabia 2-0. Saudi Arabia had stunned Argentina in their first tie with a 2-1 win.
Results in Group C meant all four sides could make the knockouts going into their final ties. Argentina would then secure the top spot with a 2-0 win over Poland as Mexico beat Saudi Arabia 2-1. But conceding in the 95th minute gave Poland the goal difference over Mexico.
- Q: Argentina: Pts (6) – W (2) – D (0) – L (1) – GD (+3)
- Q: Poland: Pts (4) – W (1) – D (1) – L (1) – GD (+/-0)
- Mexico: Pts (4) – W (1) – D (1) – L (1) – GD (-1)
- Saudi Arabia: Pts (3) – W (1) – D (0) – L (2) – GD (-2)
Group D: Tunisia missed out on the last 16 despite beating 2018 champions France
France began their World Cup title defence in commanding fashion as the 2018 champions beat Australia 4-1. Denmark and Tunisia could only draw 0-0 in their first fixture to kick off Group D. A 2-1 defeat to Les Bleus then put Denmark on the back foot after two matches.
Australia gave themselves, Denmark and Tunisia the scope to advance still after a 1-0 win over Tunisia. But the Socceroos dashed their rivals’ hopes with a 1-0 win over Denmark. It meant Tunisia were out of the 2022 World Cup, even though they would beat France 1-0.
Didier Deschamps had rung the changes against Tunisia with France resting nine players having already booked a last 16 spot. They also had goal difference over Australia on their side, which ultimately settled who topped the Group C table between those two nations.
- Q: France: Pts (6) – W (2) – D (0) – L (1) – GD (+3)
- Q: Australia: Pts (6) – W (2) – D (0) – L (1) – GD (-1)
- Tunisia: Pts (4) – W (1) – D (1) – L (1) – GD (+/-0)
- Denmark: Pts (1) – W (0) – D (1) – L (2) – GD (-2)
Group E: A controversial Japan win kicks Germany out of the 2022 World Cup
Out of the eight groups for Qatar 2022, FIFA only drew two former World Cup champions in the same one once. Germany, who are the second-most successful nation ever with four titles, and 2010 winners Spain. Yet only La Roja progressed to the Round of 16 in the end.
All four sides in Group E entered the final games in with a chance of making the knockouts. But Germany had to beat Costa Rica after losing 2-1 to Japan in their opening game before a 1-1 draw with Spain. La Roja, meanwhile, kicked off their run by thrashing Costa Rica 7-0.
But the drama was still to unfold as Spain and Germany took a lead in their respective ties with Japan and Costa Rica. The Samurai Blue returned out of the break and drew level with Spain after just three minutes. Then Ao Tanaka turned the ball in and the VAR let it stand.
No broadcasted replays could definitively show whether or not the ball edged out of play before Kaoru Mitoma re-directed it to Tanaka. And for all of Spain’s first-half dominance and their control of the ball thereafter, Luis Enrique’s side could not source an equalising goal.
Japan’s win and Spain’s superior goal difference to Germany meant Die Mannschaft’s 4-2 victory over Costa Rica would not be enough for Hansi Flick’s side. Even after coming from 2-1 down to grab a comfortable result on paper having wasted their 10th-minute opener.
- Q Japan: Pts (6) – W (2) – D (0) – L (1) – GD (+1)
- Q Spain: Pts (4) – W (1) – D (1) – L (1) – GD (+6)
- Germany: Pts (4) – W (1) – D (1) – L (1) – GD (+1)
- Costa Rica: Pts (3) – W (1) – D (0) – L (2) – GD (-8)
Group F: 2018 finalists Croatia kicked Canada out of the 2022 World Cup
Canada returned to the World Cup for the first time since Mexico 1986 after qualifying for Qatar 2022. But like 36 years ago when they lost all three games, the Maple Leafs failed to get out of their group. Croatia, who lost in the final in 2018, kicked Canada out in 2022.
Belgium survived a Canadian storm to edge John Herdman’s side 1-0 in the opening game, despite being the worse team. Alphonso Davies missed a penalty against the Red Devils, as well. But the Bayern Munich star would break the deadlock when Canada faced Croatia.
However, Vatreni responded in commanding fashion to win 4-1 and end Canada’s time in the World Cup. Morocco, meanwhile, deservedly beat Belgium 2-0 in their second game in Qatar. A 2-1 win over the Maple Leafs then saw the Atlas Lions go and snatch the top spot.
Belgium, meanwhile, failed to find a way to beat Croatia as Vatreni’s last-ditch defending continually thwarted Roberto Martinez’s squad. The goalless stalemate was enough for Croatia to get out of Group F. But not finding a winning hit meant they finished in second.
- Q: Morocco: Pts (7) – W (2) – D (1) – L (0) – GD (+3)
- Q: Croatia: Pts (5) – W (1) – D (2) – L (0) – GD (+3)
- Belgium: Pts (4) – W (1) – D (1) – L (1) – GD (-1)
- Canada: Pts (0) – W (0) – D (0) – L (3) – GD (-5)
Group G: Brazil hang on for the top spot despite losing to Cameroon
Brazil were the only Group G team to sort their future out through two fixtures at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. The record five-time champions took a last 16 spot with a 2-0 win over Serbia and 1-0 win over Switzerland. So, Tite rang the changes but lost 1-0 to Cameroon.
Cameroon had to beat Brazil to stand any chance of progressing after Switzerland won 1-0 and Serbia took a 3-3 draw. But Les Lions Indomptables also had to rely on Serbia beating Switzerland. A task which proved to be one step too far as Nati took a 3-2 win over Orlovi.
Serbia gave it their all to try and take at least one win at Qatar 2022 before leaving bottom of Group G. Dragan Stojkovic’s squad responded to a 20th-minute Xherdan Shaqiri goal on 26’ and 35’ through Aleksandar Mitrovic and Dusan Vlahovic. But Nati could also respond.
Breel Embolo ensured Switzerland entered the break level at the very least with a 44th-minute effort. Remo Freuler would then strike what proved to be the winning goal and the hit that sent Nati through to the Round of 16 just three minutes after the game restarted.
- Q: Brazil: Pts (6) – W (2) – D (0) – L (1) – GD (+2)
- Q: Switzerland: Pts (6) – W (2) – D (0) – L (1) – GD (+1)
- Cameroon: Pts (4) – W (1) – D (1) – L (1) – GD (+/-0)
- Serbia: Pts (1) – W (0) – D (1) – L (2) – GD (-3)
Group H: South Korea kick Uruguay out of the World Cup on goals scored
Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes united to fire Portugal into the Round of 16 at the 2022 Qatar World Cup. The Selecao were the only team in their group to sort their future through two fixtures after beating Ghana 3-2 and Uruguay 2-0 before facing South Korea.
Ghana taking a 3-2 win in their game with South Korea put the Black Stars in second before meeting Uruguay. But the West Africans could not beat La Celeste as a brace from Giorgian de Arrascaeta secured his team a 2-0 win. Yet the victory would not be enough for Uruguay.
Uruguay had to beat Ghana by three goals to advance as South Korea came from behind to stun Portugal and win 2-1. It meant the Taegeuk Warriors stole second place off La Celeste on goals scored. A draw with Uruguay would have been enough for Ghana to go through.
- Q: Portugal: Pts (6) – W (2) – D (0) – L (1) – GD (+2)
- Q: South Korea: Pts (4) – W (1) – D (1) – L (1) – GD (+/-0) – Goals scored (4)
- Uruguay: Pts (4) – W (1) – D (1) – L (1) – GD (+/-0) – Goals scored (2)
- Ghana: Pts (3) – W (1) – D (0) – L (2) – GD (-2) – Goals scored (5)
Round of 16 schedule at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar:
Netherlands (Group A winners) vs USA (Group B runners-up) – December 3
Argentina (Group C winners) vs Australia (Group D runners-up) – December 3
France (Group D winners) vs Poland (Group C runners-up) – December 4
England (Group B winners) vs Senegal (Group A runners-up) – December 4
Japan (Group E winners) vs Croatia (Group F runners-up) – December 5
Brazil (Group G winners) vs South Korea (Group H runners-up) – December 5
Morocco (Group F winners) vs Spain (Group E runners-up) – December 6
Portugal (Group H winners) vs Switzerland (Group G runners-up) – December 6
The Netherlands beat the USA as the first side to make the quarter-finals
The Netherlands and the USA emerging from groups A and B respectively saw Oranje and the Stars and Stripes meet in the first Round of 16 tie. Yet it would also be where the USA departed Qatar 2022 as Louis van Gaal’s side beat Gregg Berhalter’s 3-1 win in Al-Rayyan.
Oranje were happy for the USA to spend time in possession confident that they could hit them on the break. Berhalter set his side up to play with a high press but it left too much space for the Netherlands. Oranje’s deep structure also silenced Berhalter’s star players.
Memphis Depay broke the deadlock just 10 minutes into the Khalifa International Stadium encounter. The forward punished the USA from the Netherlands’ first true sight of the net. Denzel Dumfries began Oranje’s break and found Depay on the edge of the box to strike.
Dumfries was again instrumental as the Netherlands hit the USA with the final kick of the first half. The wing-back found a yard of space to get a cross in as Daley Blind got free from Sergino Dest. A huge slice of fortune then gave the Stars and Stripes a 76th-minute lifeline.
Christian Pulisic drilled the ball into the area for Haji Wright to attack. The 24-year-old got a run on Virgil van Dijk at the near post but stumbled as he made contact with the ball. Yet his scuff, whether intentionally or fortunately, flicked into the air and home at the back post.
But it would not keep the USA in the tie as the Netherlands replied just five minutes later through Dumfries. The defender got a deserved goal after his performance as he took full advantage of Antonee Robinson wandering aimlessly defensively to rifle past Matt Turner.
Messi’s magic meant Argentina advanced at Australia’s angst
In the 1,000th game of his career for club and country, Lionel Messi had the magic to send Argentina through to the quarter-finals at Australia’s angst. The Paris Saint-Germain star lit up what was often an otherwise tepid meeting at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium in Al Rayyan.
The 35-year-old celebrated his 169th Albiceleste cap with his 94th goal in all competitions. It was also the first of his nine goals scored at World Cups netted during a knockout round match. Messi had previously scored exclusively during group stages at his five World Cups.
A needless error by Australia goalkeeper Mat Ryan in the 57th minute would put Argentina in even greater control. The FC Copenhagen star tried to dribble the ball out of his six-yard area despite Rodrigo De Paul applying pressure, allowing Julian Alvarez to nip in and score.
Argentina were cruising en route to booking a quarter-final date with the Netherlands for December 9. But Enzo Fernandez inadvertently handed Australia a confidence boost out of nowhere in the 77th minute as Craig Goodwin’s 22-yard hit deflected in off the midfielder.
Goodwin’s effort was never going to trouble Emiliano Martinez with the substitute’s strike sailing miles wide and miles high. Yet it got the Socceroos back in the match for the closing stages. But it did not stop Argentina, at 2-1, from knocking Australia out of the World Cup.
Giroud becomes France’s all-time top-scorer as Poland fall out of the World Cup
Olivier Giroud became France’s all-time top-scorer as the 2018 World Cup winners kicked Poland out of Qatar 2022. The AC Milan striker broke the deadlock in the 44th minute at Al Thumama in Doha. It was his 52nd effort for Les Bleus to overtake Thierry Henry outright.
Kylian Mbappe found Giroud to drill home low past Wojciech Szczesny before lighting up the last 16 encounter. The 2018 Best Young Player award winner provided two exquisite strikes to settle the fixture. His first came on 74 minutes and he hit his second in the 91st.
The Paris Saint-Germain dynamo unleashed a rocket into the near-top corner of the net for his first of the affair. Mbappe would later add to his tally with an even better finish as the 23-year-old found the far corner with a delightfully curled effort for his fifth goal at Qatar 2022.
Lewandowski would offer Poland a consolation effort after an improved display from their group stage performances. After labouring their way through the opening round, Czeslaw Michniewicz’s side finally showed some attacking intent. Yet it still only led to a 3-1 defeat.
Hugo Lloris initially saved Lewandowski’s stoppage-time penalty after a handball by Dayot Upamecano. But referee Jesus Valenzuela allowed the FC Barcelona striker to try again as the Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper came off his line whilst Lewandowski stuttered his run.
Lewandowski again stuttered his run to lower Lloris’ chances of making a second save and found the net on 90+9’. Yet the defending champions continued as Poland returned home.
England set up a quarter-final clash with France at Al Bayt Stadium
England set up a quarter-final clash with France at Al Bayt Stadium on Saturday, December 10 after kicking Senegal out of the 2022 World Cup. The Three Lions took a 3-0 win over the 2021 AFCON champions in the Round of 16. Three different players provided their efforts.
Jordan Henderson broke the deadlock for Gareth Southgate’s squad in the 39th minute as Jude Bellingham cut the ball back to his midfield partner. The goal came slightly against the run of play after Senegal applied the pressure but Jordan Pickford would deny Boulaye Dia.
Pickford was in outstanding form once again to keep his third clean sheet of the World Cup after four games. While Bellingham was the heartbeat of England’s efforts and the second goal scored by Harry Kane. It was only the Tottenham striker’s first goal at the tournament.
Bellingham snatched the ball and ran it out of midfield with great balance to ride Senegal’s challenges. The Borussia Dortmund ace would then pick out Phil Foden in space, who fed Kane to end his Qatar 2022 duct. Foden would also record another assist after the break.
Foden rode Youssouf Sabaly’s challenge perfectly before he picked out Bukayo Saka in the centre. The Manchester City midfield rolled the ball into the six-yard area for the Arsenal star to chip home. But Saka would have been tackled had Foden’s delivery been any slower.
Penalties end Japan’s dream run as Croatia show how a shootout is taken
Penalties would end Japan’s dream run at Qatar 2022 after beating Germany and Spain in the group stage. The Samurai Blue’s reward for topping the only group with two previous champions was a Round of 16 clash with the defeated finalists from Russia 2018, Croatia.
Daizen Maeda broke the deadlock for Japan at Al Janoub Stadium in Al Wakrah in the 43rd minute. The Celtic forward met Maya Yoshida’s knockdown but his nation would only lead until the 55th minute. Ivan Perisic of Spurs delivered a bullet header to draw Vatreni level.
The game had lacked quality before Maeda’s goal and neither nation would find a second after Perisic’s equaliser. Extra time would also not provide the go-ahead goal to send the tie to a shootout. But Hajime Moriyasu’s squad produced a woeful run from 12 yards out.
Substitute Takumi Minamino stepped up to take the first penalty. But his tame attempt let Dominik Livakovic get down to his left and deny the AS Monaco man. He would also deny Kaoru Mitoma from 12 yards out after the Brighton & Hove Albion could not find a corner.
Takuma Asano – the hero against Germany – would give Japan a lifeline after sending the shot-stopper the wrong way. But Yoshida would follow the forward for the Samurai Blue with yet another tame attempt that Livakovic saved to set Mario Pasalic up to win the tie.
Brazil breeze past South Korea to stamp their claim to the crown
Brazil breezed past South Korea at Stadium 974 in Doha to stamp their claim to the crown at Qatar 2022. The record five-time World Cup champions put on a display as Tite’s squad secured a comfortable 4-1 win. But the scoreline was flattering for the Taegeuk Warriors.
It could easily have been six or seven-nil at half-time when the Selecao headed off with a 4-0 advantage. Vinicius Jr (7’), Neymar (13’ penalty), Richarlison (29’), Lucas Paqueta (36’) all put on a clinic. Paik Seung-Ho (76’) would pull a goal back with a thumping 30-yard shot.
South Korea were calamitous before the break as Paulo Bento set his side up to man-mark Brazil defensively. His tactics left goalkeeper Kim Seung-Gyu helpless to prevent the goals flying in as the South Americans attacked and came close to scoring whenever they liked.
Richarlison finished the best of Brazil’s efforts as the forward rolled the ball in after a great bit of play from centre-halves Marquinhos and Thiago Silva on the edge of South Korea’s penalty area. Head coach Tite then took his foot off the gas with the quarter-finals in mind.
Brazil will now meet Croatia on Friday, December 9 in the first of the quarter-final matches at Qatar 2022. The clash is both sides’ first visit to the Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan.
Morocco send Spain packing in a shocking penalty shootout for La Roja
Morocco reached the quarter-finals at a World Cup for the very first time as their stunning Qatar 2022 run continued by eliminating 2010 champions Spain. The Atlas Lions had never advanced beyond the Round of 16 during any of the North African’s past five appearances.
Spain, in traditional Spain fashion, dominated the possession at the Education City Stadium on Tuesday, December 6. But for all of the time the 2010 champions’ spent with the ball, it was actually Morocco who fashioned the best chances during the first period in Al Rayyan.
Yet the Atlas Lions must have wondered how they were not in front as the teams returned to their dressing rooms at the break. Sofiane Boufal, in particular, fashioned a great chance to beat Unai Simon in the 41st minute when the Angers SCO forward missed a free header.
A lot of Spain’s best chances came on the wings with Marcos Llorente attacking from right-back while Gavi and Ferran Torres pushed on. While Sofyan Amrabat was a star option for Morocco throughout alongside Achraf Hakimi as the full-back caused a heap of problems.
Hakimi was just as important for Morocco at the other end, too, as the Paris Saint-Germain star stepped up in defending Dani Olmo, Pedri and Marco Asensio. And it appeared like his work could see Morocco steal it as Simon produced two horrific and dangerous late errors.
But Spain survived their goalkeeper’s blunders to take the tie with the Group F winners to extra time at 0-0. Yet the big chances continued to fall for Morocco in the first period with substitute Walid Cheddira producing their best break with a surging run into Simon’s area.
Cheddira was a huge thorn in Spain’s side after his introduction after 82 minutes for Selim Amallah. But for all of his hard running into the area, the forward for Serie B side SSC Bari struggled to get a clean shot out. Simon also made a good save with his legs in the 104th.
Late indecisiveness from Alvaro Morata at the other end cost Spain a chance to snag their own winner, as well. La Roja would continue to work the ball side-to-side, box-to-box and fashioned a 123rd-minute chance for Pablo Sarabia. But his volley would only kiss the post.
So, to penalties it went and Abdelhamid Sabiri stepped up and scored with Morocco’s first. Sarabia followed minutes after hitting one post and would strike the base of the other with Spain’s first penalty. Carlos Soler then gave Yassine Bounou an easy save with a tame shot.
But Simon kept Spain in the shootout as the Athletic Bilbao stopper guessed right to deny Badr Benoun. Yet his efforts were in vain as Sergio Busquets stepped up and gave Bounou another simple save. It meant all Hakimi had to do was score to send Spain flying home.
Ronaldo who? Ramos delivers the first hat-trick of Qatar 2022 in a Portugal rout
Fernando Santos showed Ronaldo who the Portugal boss is by benching the Selecao icon against Switzerland. A decision that paid dividends and more as Goncalo Ramos scored the first hat-trick by any player at the 2022 World Cup during his team’s 6-1 demolition of Nati.
Before the Round of 16 tie, Santos went public with his frustrations at Ronaldo’s behaviour against South Korea. He reacted angrily after being substituted 65 minutes into the defeat.
“Have I seen the images? Yes, I didn’t like it, not at all,” Santos stated, via The Guardian. “I didn’t like it. I really didn’t like it… These matters are resolved behind closed doors.”
Ramos took just 17 minutes to show what Portugal could achieve without Ronaldo leading their attack. The 21-year-old Benfica star unleashed a rocket past Yann Sommer, which left the Borussia Monchengladbach goalkeeper helpless as the ball flew home at his near post.
Portugal cut through Switzerland like cheese at the Lusail Iconic Stadium on December 6 to seal a quarter-final with Morocco. Nati were at sixes and sevens whenever the Selecao ran forward into attacking areas through Raphael Guerreiro, Fernandes, Joao Felix and Ramos.
Yet it was 39-year-old Pepe who produced their second goal on 33 minutes as Switzerland failed to track the centre-back at a corner, leaving the 132-cap icon free to power a header home. Pepe now has two knockout-stage goals in his World Cup tally – Ronaldo is on zero.
Switzerland boss Murat Yakin switched to a three-man backline in the hopes of stopping the rot. But the tactical switch did not do the trick as Ramos got his second of the night on 50 minutes. Diogo Dalot made the goal with a charging run up the wing before crossing in.
Another five second-half minutes followed before the ball was in Sommer’s net again, this time through Guerreiro. The Borussia Dortmund star capped off a glorious team goal with a powerful finish. Manuel Akanji would then pull a consolation goal back for Nati in the 58th.
Yet Ramos was back among the goals on 67 minutes to complete his hat-trick with a strike of Felix’s making. Switzerland had no answers to the Atletico Madrid man before he found Ramos to dink home. But the scoring was not over for Portugal – although only one stood.
Ronaldo came off the bench for Ramos before rippling the back of the net, yet he knew he was offside. Fellow substitute Rafael Leao then produced a glorious finessed shot into the far corner after a one-two with Guerreiro. It capped a demoralising defeat for Switzerland.
Quarter-final schedule at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar:
Croatia vs Brazil – December 9
Netherlands vs Argentina – December 9
Morocco vs Portugal – December 10
England vs France – December 10
Neymar matches Pele’s 77-goal record but Croatia kick Brazil out of the World Cup
Croatia became the first team in the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, beating Brazil 4-2 on penalties. It was often a tepid tie at the Education City Stadium on December 9. Even Neymar matching Pele’s goal record could not save Brazil from a penalty shootout.
Croatia have now gone to extra time in five of their last six knockout stage matches at the World Cup. They did not need any additional periods in any of their four post-group stage ties at France 1998. While three of their four at Russia 2018 and both at Qatar 2022 have.
Zlatko Dalic would have been the far happier head coach to see the tie head to extra time. Tite’s Selecao side were under the cosh off and on as Vatreni showed their promise and a lot of desire to press. Yet for the chances both teams created, neither managed to convert.
Brilliant defending from Josko Gvardiol kept Brazil at bay during regular time, while Perisic led Croatia’s offensive efforts. Mateo Kovacic and Luka Modric also helped Vatreni to slow the game down to their pace. But Neymar would eventually ignite the match in extra time.
It was not a pretty tie at the Education City Stadium but Neymar gave the Brazil supporters cause to cheer. The Paris Saint-Germain forward played an inviting one-two with Paqueta on the border of Croatia’s area, rolled Borna Sosa and around goalkeeper Livakovic to hit.
Neymar’s goal seemed like it would be enough to put Brazil into the semi-finals and dump Croatia out of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. In breaking the deadlock, the 30-year-old also scored his 77th Brazil goal – matching the all-time Selecao record that Pele set during 1971.
But you cannot write Dalic’s Croatia sides out of the World Cup. With the clock running out on their tournament, Bruno Petkovic rose to Vatreni’s rescue in the 116th minute. His shot took a slight deflection off Marquinhos to wrong-foot Alisson Becker and hit the Brazil net.
Mislav Orsic produced a great run down the wing to find Petkovic on the edge of the Brazil box. The Dinamo Zagreb striker then opted to take a first-time shot despite not scoring for Croatia since September 2020. It was also Croatia’s only shot on target, per WhoScored.
So, to penalties, again, for Croatia at the 2022 World Cup and Vatreni stepped up first with Nikola Vlasic. He also went first against Japan in the last 16 and it was the same result with a powerful drive down the middle. Livakovic would then save Rodrygo’s poorly struck shot.
Perfect penalties from Lovro Majer, Modric and Orsic would then put the pressure on the shoulders of Marquinhos. Rather than send Neymar up for their fourth penalty, Brazil let the centre-half after Casemiro and Guilherme Pedro scored. But Marquinhos would hit the post.
Argentina survive the Netherlands’ comeback to seal a date with Croatia
Argentina overcame the Netherlands 4-3 on penalties after a 2-2 draw at the Lusail Iconic Stadium for a semi-final against Croatia. They will return to the ground on December 13 to face Vatreni following Dalic’s side eliminating Brazil – one of the favourites to win the title.
Messi helped Argentina – another title favourite – start well against Oranje on December 9. The Albiceleste icon used his wealth of experience to find pockets of space in-between the Dutch midfield and defence. While Cody Gakpo was regularly the Netherlands’ main man.
It was not a frantic affair to start with, more a cagey clash. But Messi sparked life into the tie after 35 minutes with a probing run towards the Netherlands’ area to create Argentina’s opening goal. The 35-year-old drew Oranje players in as Nahuel Molina continued his run.
Messi would pick Molina out with a delightful no-look pass to deceive the Oranje backline. The right-back had never previously scored for his country but set the South Americans on course for victory. Van Gaal’s Dutch squad struggled to create a lot of chances in response.
Alexis Mac Allister and Messi would forge the best of Argentina’s chances early on after the break. The latter also came close to scoring a free-kick on the edge of the Oranje box after Van Dijk shoved him to the ground. Messi then got his goal from the spot after 73 minutes.
Marcos Acuna enjoyed a lot of success in his duel with Dumfries, who dangled a leg out as the full-back cut inside. Messi coolly clipped the spot-kick home to almost secure the win. But substitute Wout Weghorst gave Oranje an 83rd-minute lifeline with his flicked header.
Weghorst’s goal sparked the Netherlands back into life and took the wind from under the Argentina players. La Albiceleste started to sit in deeper in response, desperate to defend their one-goal lead. Yet it would prove costly with effectively the final kick of regular time.
Spanish referee Antonio Mateu Lahoz issued 10 minutes of stoppage time and Oranje used every last second to claw themselves level. German Pezzella shoved Weghorst on the edge of the area for a free-kick Teun Koopmeiners cut smartly to the striker to net the equaliser.
Weghorst secured his brace and sent the tie into extra time with near enough the last kick of the game. Yet despite long-ball football getting the Netherlands level from two goals behind, Van Gaal reverted to his brand of total football. But it led to a tepid first period from both.
Argentina found a second window at the break and littered the Netherlands’ area with a flurry of chances. Messi produced a tantalising run inside from a short free-kick before his shot floated wide. Lautaro Martinez also struck a fierce strike but hit an unaware Van Dijk.
Fernandez was next to pepper Andries Noppert’s net in search of the winner but struck the base of the post. With it, the tie headed for a shootout and Van Dijk was the first to try his luck for the Netherlands. But the captain’s call would not pay off as Martinez guessed right.
Messi made Van Dijk pay for missing Oranje’s first as he calmly converted from 12 yards to put La Albiceleste ahead. And Martinez punished the Netherlands again by denying Steven Berghuis. Fernandez then had the chance to win it but gave Oranje life after shooting wide.
Koopmeiners, Weghorst and Luuk de Jong all beat Martinez to keep the Netherlands in the tie and in the tournament. But Lautaro Martinez stepped up for Argentina’s fifth penalty to send his nation through to face Croatia in the semis and kick Oranje out of the World Cup.
Morocco end Ronaldo’s World Cup dreams to make African history at Qatar 2022
Morocco became the first African team to ever reach the semi-finals of the World Cup with a 1-0 win over Portugal. The Atlas Lions’ historic win likely ends Ronaldo’s hopes of guiding the Selecao to a first FIFA title. The striker turns 41 years old before the 2026 tournament.
Morocco had only gotten out of their group once before Qatar 2022 at Mexico 1986 with a last 16 run. Yet the North Africans were more than worthy winners against Portugal at Al Thumama Stadium on December 10. Youssef En-Nesyri struck the only goal on 42 minutes.
En-Nesyri seized on an error by Selecao stopper Diogo Costa to break the deadlock late in the first half. The goalkeeper hesitated before opting to come and collect Yahia Attiyat’s looping cross. But his slight pause let the striker nip in front and head into an empty goal.
Portugal thought they may earn an instant response when Fernandes hit the ground in the box. But referee Facundo Tello let play continue while Morocco began a counter-attack. It became a theme of the meeting for the Atlas Lions to look to hit the Selecao on the break.
Santos sought the introduction of Ronaldo on 51 minutes after benching the Portugal icon again. But even his substitution could not help the Selecao avoid a defeat as Bernardo Silva and Ramos missed good chances. Fernandes, who arguably dived, also hit the woodwork.
Fernandes – when on his feet – carved out a number of chances for Portugal. Felix also hit a threatening effort after Jamaq El Yamiq failed to clear the ball. But for all of the Selecao’s endeavours, an equalising goal did not emerge and Morocco advanced to the semi-finals.
Kane’s missed penalty for history sees England out as France’s title defence survives
A late missed penalty from England captain Kane saw the Three Lions crash out as France’s World Cup title defence survived for another day. The Tottenham forward would also have become England’s all-time record goalscorer had he converted a second penalty of the tie.
Kane drew level with Wayne Rooney on 53 goals across all competitions for England with a 54th-minute penalty. Wilton Sampaio later awarded the Three Lions a second penalty after a review by the VAR. But Kane blazed his strike and his chance at history miles over the bar.
Hugo Lloris, the France captain and Kane’s Tottenham teammate, dived to the side as Kane targeted his second penalty centrally. It would have drawn England level for a second time from the spot. Aurelien Tchouameni (17’) and Olivier Giroud (78’) twice gave France a lead.
Tchouameni scored a sensational strike from the edge of the England box, through the legs of Bellingham, to beat Pickford. The goalkeeper was helpless to stop the Real Madrid star’s shot. He also had no chance at saving Giroud’s header and would-be winning effort at 2-1.
Brazilian referee Sampaio had to rely on his VAR to give England’s second penalty despite an obvious foul on Mason Mount by Theo Hernandez. The left-back endured a woeful time against England and barged through the Chelsea midfielder, yet Sampaio let play continue.
Sampaio and his VAR also overlooked a foul on Saka in the direct build-up to Tchouameni’s goal by Dayot Upamecano. The Bayern Munich centre-back and left-back Hernandez of AC Milan could not handle the Arsenal winger. He was England’s best attacking threat all night.
Yet Three Lions boss Southgate opted to take Saka off for Raheem Sterling after Giroud’s goal. The Chelsea ace would have no impact on the tie following his introduction alongside club teammate, Mount – whose defence-splitting run resulted in Hernandez’s clear barge.
France rode their luck at times with England creating far more chances than the defending World Cup holders. But Les Bleus responded in perfect fashion to Kane drawing level from the spot for a foul on Saka. Antoine Griezmann often proved the architect of their efforts.
Deschamps’ side now advance to face Morocco in the semi-finals following the Atlas Lions’ win over Portugal. France will return to Al Bayt Stadium – the ground for their 2-1 quarter-final victory over England – to meet Morocco on Wednesday, December 14 at 19:00 GMT.
Semi-final schedule at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar:
Argentina vs Croatia – December 13
France vs Morocco – December 14
Messi runs rings around Croatia to send Argentina to the 2022 World Cup final
Argentina secured their place in the 2022 World Cup final and sent Croatia out after Messi ran rings around Vatreni in Lusail. Dalic’s side had no answers for the Albiceleste legend as he inspired his South American squad to a 3-0 win with a penalty and two goals by Alvarez.
Messi broke the deadlock in the 34th minute from the spot after Livakovic felled Alvarez as the striker shot. The goalkeeper, who was Croatia’s hero in the quarter-final against Brazil, clattered into the Manchester City ace to force referee Daniele Orsato to point to the spot.
Livakovic stood no chance at saving Messi’s strike as the Paris Saint-Germain forward rifled it into the roof of the net. Alvarez then left Croatia staring down the barrel of defeat just five minutes later. He ran straight through their defence on the counter from a Vatreni corner.
Alvarez got a slice of fortune as the ball ricocheted back to him after Josip Juranovic tried a tackle. Sosa, too, stumbled as he tried to deny the striker before Alvarez fired the ball past Livakovic. The goalkeeper was helpless to prevent his second of the night later on, as well.
More Messi magic carved Croatia’s star defender Gvardiol apart as the 35-year-old dipped his shoulder on the sideline, darted to the byline and cut the ball back for Alvarez to tap in. But it was the forward’s first of the night that swiped the wind from under Croatia’s wings.
Argentina cruised to victory, weathering the occasional Croatia attack as much of Vatreni’s work lacked bite. Dejan Lovren’s loose play out at the back also gave Alvarez a chance to break. But La Albiceleste’s promising chance failed to pay out moments before their third.
France closed in on a bit of World Cup history as Morocco’s dream faded with a fight
France closed in on creating a piece of World Cup history by reaching successive finals with a 2-0 win over Morocco. Les Bleus now possibly stand just 90 minutes from becoming only the third nation after Italy (1934, 1938) and Brazil (1958, 1962) to take back-to-back titles.
Deschamps could also become only the second manager to win the World Cup twice after France’s Russia 2018 triumph. He would follow Vittorio Pozzo in achieving the feat after he oversaw Italy’s successive titles. Les Bleus will meet Argentina on December 18 in the final.
Theo Hernandez’s goal after only five minutes gave France the lead in their semi-final with Morocco. He half-volleyed past Bounou after Griezmann’s effort fell kindly to the AC Milan left-back. The ball fell back to France twice after El Yamiq slipped while attempting a tackle.
Morocco did not let their World Cup dream fade without a fight, however. The Atlas Lions enjoyed frequent, lengthy spells as the dominant side at Al Bayt Stadium in search of their equaliser. But Randal Kolo Muani broke their spirits with a rear-post tap-in on 79 minutes.
The substitute punished Morocco for failing to turn their regular dominance into chances, let alone net goals. Kolo Muani was only on the pitch for 47 seconds after replacing Ousmane Dembele before turning Mbappe’s deflected shot home after a tricky run from the winger.
Amrabat produced a Man of the Match night for the Atlas Lions, nonetheless, in the heart of their engine room. The Fiorentina man endlessly interrupted the momentum Les Bleus tried to build. But Morocco’s issues creating clear chances and taking them would prove costly.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
