World Cup 2022 is in the business end of things. The knockouts are underway, and a thrilling Round of 16 has wrapped up, setting the stage for some highly anticipated matchups in the quarter-finals.
Below are the eight teams that have advanced into the last eight:
Argentina
Argentina have their star player Lionel Messi and a goalkeeping error from Mat Ryan to thank for overcoming a heroic Australian performance in the Round of 16.
The Socceroos frustrated Argentina for large parts of the game, and despite the wild celebrations at the end, Argentinian fans will have their concerns going into a game against stronger opposition.
Argentina will meet the Netherlands in the quarter-finals, a team that came into the tournament in a fine run of form and are yet to lose. Argentina lost their opener against Saudi Arabia but won the next three.
Group previous performance:
Round of 16
Croatia
The 2018 World Cup finalists just never seem to get tired. On Monday, they beat Japan on penalties to reach the quarter-finals, where they will face Brazil.
Croatia have only won one game in normal time, against Canada, in this World Cup.
Group performance:
Round of 16:
The Netherlands
The Oranje progressed after overcoming a spirited USA in a no-nonsense 3-1 win. The North American team dominated possession and registered more shots on target, but the Netherlands defence, marshalled by Liverpool’s Virgil Van Dijk, easily dealt with the attacking threat.
However, Argentina, who boast Lionel Messi in their ranks, will offer a much greater threat going forward.
Group performance:
Round of 16:
France
Another favourite to win the tournament, France delivered on expectations and beat Poland 3-1 to advance to the quarter-finals.
Led by current tournament top marksman Kylian Mbappe and Olivier Giroud — who surpassed Thierry Henry as the best scorer for the national side at 52 international goals — Les Bleus will meet Gareth Southgate’s England on Saturday.
France won the World Cup in 1998 and 2018.
Group performance:
Round of 16:
Brazil
Brazil stormed into the quarter-finals with an overwhelming 4-1 victory over South Korea, scoring all their goals in the first 36 minutes of the game. They go on to face Croatia in the first match of the quarter-finals on Friday at 6pm local time (15:00 GMT).
The Selecao have claimed the World Cup five times and are the pre-tournament favourites to win a record-extending sixth title.
Group performance:
Round of 16:
England
England secured a spot in the quarter-finals with a 3-0 win over African champions Senegal. The Three Lions are set to meet reigning champions France on Saturday.
England won the World Cup in 1966 and finished fourth in 2018.
Group performance:
Round of 16:
Morocco
The Atlas Lions shocked the football world on Tuesday when they beat Spain in a penalty shootout after 120 minutes of regular and extra time expired without a goal. Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou saved two penalties for Morocco to win the shootout 3-0. Achraf Hakimi scored the final penalty, setting off roaring cheers and jubilations across the Arab world.
The North Africans ceded possession to their European neighbours for most of the game but managed for 120 minutes to shut out a Spanish team that was one of the favourites to win the tournament.
Up next in the quarter-finals, Morocco will take on Portugal. This is the deepest Morocco has gone in the World Cup.
Group performance
Round of 16
Portugal
Portugal breezed past Switzerland in the Round of 16, beating the Swiss 6-1 in a goal-fest that saw Cristiano Ronaldo start from the bench.
While the headlines around Portugal have largely focused on Ronaldo, it was 21-year-old Goncalo Ramos who stole the show against Switzerland on Tuesday, scoring the tournament’s first hat-trick.
Portugal have never won the World Cup. Their best run was in 1966 when they finished third.
Group performance
Round of 16
