Paul Merson predicts FIFA World Cup quarterfinals. We are about to see another set of outstanding matches from the 2022 FIFA World Cup, which has already created some spectacular spectacles. Eight teams are still in the competition, and they will face off this weekend to determine the World Cup’s semi-finalists. With a convincing victory in the Round of 16, England, France, Brazil, and Portugal stood out. Although Argentina did experience some scares throughout their game, they were always going to defeat Australia thanks to the inspirational Lionel Messi they had on their team.
In the biggest upset of the knockout rounds, Morocco defeated Spain in a thrilling penalty shootout. Croatia also advanced to the quarterfinals against Japan after 120 grueling minutes, but they will now have to work even harder against Brazil. Some of the top international football teams are participating in this World Cup round, and this week we have some big names competing against one another. Here are my forecasts for this weekend’s World Cup quarterfinals.
The fact that Neymar back gives Brazil a huge advantage. He offers them an X-factor, without a question, and in World Cup knockout games, you need that. Thiago Silva has been amazing at the World Cup, and I am a huge admirer as well. He doesn’t just clear it as far as he can as he jumps up for a header. He gives his teammates a respectful nod. Thiago Silva must perform at his peak if Brazil wants to win the World Cup this year.
Richarlison has also performed admirably, therefore he must continue. To be honest, I’m not his biggest admirer. Although he is now leading the line extremely well, I believe he can perform better. He will represent Brazil in every World Cup game, which puts a lot of weight on his shoulders. Modric and Kovacic, two equally great Croatian players, will have to put in a lot of effort to defeat Japan. A really remarkable center-back could emerge in Josko Gvardiol. He might be one of those World Cup breakthroughs that happen to people. Although I like him, he has a lot of work to do this weekend.
With Brazil, you must choose the proper pass at the appropriate moment. You must seize the opportunities that are presented to you by them. They are really good, but if you’re courageous enough, they’ll give you a chance. They remind me of Manchester City. Although Croatia has a strong team, I believe this game may be too difficult for them.
Prediction: Croatia 0-2 Brazil
Netherlands vs Argentina
This game is quite intriguing. The Netherlands could catch Argentina multiple times on the counter, in my opinion. They’ll give the Argentines a false sense of security because they’re the best team in the tournament at counterattacking. They could cause a lot of issues for Argentina if they were able to do what they did to the USA.
Against Australia, Lionel Messi had an excellent play. He is nearing the end of his career, and this World Cup is probably going to be his last. He needs to step up against a better team because I was extremely happy with the way he performed. The previous day, I believed Lautaro Martinez was completely unlucky. His teammates were attempting to set it up for him, but he was unable to convert. Martinez is being given chances; all he needs to do now is the score. Martinez would be my choice to play because poor players don’t just appear overnight.
For his team, Cody Gakpo has been a standout performer. January marks the start of the transfer window, and the World Cup provides the ideal pretext. The Premier League is the richest league, so if he keeps acting this way, I’m sure one of the big boys will take note. Argentina will have a difficult time in this one. Their defense after losing the ball will have a big impact. I believe there will be a few goals in this game since they have a few unstable defenders that like to dive in.
Prediction: Netherlands 2-2 Argentina
Portugal v Morocco
I believe you have a greater chance than Cristiano Ronaldo to start this game. He was replaced by Goncalo Ramos in the starting eleven, and he scored three goals! Bravo to the manager! Ronaldo is not going to start this game, but he is welcome to enter as a substitute. The other day, Joao Felix played his greatest game yet. With the help of Rafael Leao, Brazil defeated Switzerland 6-1. They were among the top teams in the Round of 16, and right now is the ideal time for them to be at their best. I wouldn’t alter the team in any way if I were the manager.
Morocco’s performance versus Spain really impressed me. Despite playing so little this season, Hakim Ziyech is making the most of his youth. He has played well and performed admirably. What an athlete Achraf Hakimi is! I think he’s one of the top defenders in the entire world. With the way he moves forward and backward, he controls an entire half of the field.
Morocco might not be ready for this game yet, and I don’t believe they’ll cause Portugal too many issues. Portugal is strengthened by Ronaldo’s bench presence since they can insert him into the game if their strategies fail. Morocco has performed superbly. All their guys have worked so hard to get to where they are. They put up a lot of effort against Spain, but I believe this game will be too much for them to handle.
Prediction: Portugal 2-0 Morocco
England vs France
Although Antoine Griezmann has pleased me, I don’t worry too much about him. Only Kylian Mbappe is causing me any concern. England wins if they manage to stop him. Regarding the rest of the French team, I have no concerns. Every World Cup squad will be in danger if Kyle Walker can’t stop Mbappe. Mason Mount won’t likely start this game, in my opinion. Although England won’t make many changes, he is a quality player. Gareth Southgate prefers consistency, thus I don’t believe he will play this game with a three-man defense.
Harry Maguire is the ideal player for this game. He will engage Olivier Giroud in a battle in the air, and he won’t back down from the challenge. Giroud won’t cause issues outside of the box. I do not understand how they can defeat us if we stop Mbappe. I have high hopes for this game and would be surprised if they fell short. At 0-0, Poland gave France a lot of trouble. England is progressing really well, and I predict they will defeat France.
Prediction: England 3-1 France
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