⚽ FIFA World Cup 2022: Tournament Discussion Thread for Qatar 2022

[kro55]

Hearing Hazard retired from international duty was a surprise but to be honest he is not the same player that was at Chelsea. He has not performed at all for Real Madrid because of injuries and confidence issues. He is earning £400,000 per week there and he is contracted until June 2024, they want to get rid of him but just like with Bale who will take him off their books with that salary?

Ronaldo could retire from international duty after the world cup becvause it would be perfect timing. Chelsea are said to be interested in taking him on in some capacity but he is holding out for a Champions League club. As a back-up he has the offer of $210 a year salary to play for Al-Nassr.

I think this was the most appropriate time for Eden Hazard to get into his retirement as he has not been playing that well with Real Madrid. The main reason is that he has not been gaining as much game time because he is injured very often. According to my opinion, he had the best chance of winning the World Cup with Belgium in 2018 because the performance of Belgium has been below average during this time.

And about Cristiano Ronaldo, I have been hearing rumors that Chelsea are interested in him and he has also gained a huge offer from Saudi Arabia. But I think only time will tell where he will end up as he is aging and in my opinion, I think he has two years at most at his disposal.

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[fzkto]

Croatia 0-2 Brazil
Netherlands 3-1 Argentina
Morocco 1-2 Portugal
England 0-2 France

LOL.. so you are assuming that all the four matches will be decided in the regular time itself and it will not go into the extra-time and penalty shootout? I agree with your prediction for the first match, but not with the other three. Here are my predictions:

Croatia vs Brazil: 0-2 (same as yours)
Netherlands vs Argentina 1-3 (I would say that Argentina will sweep the floor with the Dutch)
Morocco vs Portugal: Will be 0-0 after regular time and extra time, Morocco will win during shootout
England vs France: Will be 2-2 after regular time and extra time, England will win during shootout (yeah.. I haven't forgot what happened during Euro 2021).

I think Portugal will beat Morocco, but it won't be an easy game. After all, Morocco beat Spain and it could probably be the same game for Portugal. As for the Netherlands and Argentina I also completely agree that the Netherlands will not win this match. Probably a repeat of 2014 when Argentina won on penalties. But more likely they will win in 90 minutes.

[JollyGood]

It will be a game that Croatia (losing finalists in 2018) will probably lose against Brazil (the team most media personalities have as favourites to win the tournament). In the top half of the draw, any one of Croatia or Brazil will play against any one of Netherlands or Argentina. I think Brazil should win their game without being tested and have a feeling Netherlands will win comfortably too. Brazil are probably the favourites to get to the final.

In the bottom half of the draw, one of Morocco or Portugal will play against one of England or France. Of those four teams France are probably the favourites to get to the final. Could Brazil vs France be the final?

Some people are believing that Croatia can resist Brazil but I think the opposite. We have all watched how Croatia played against Japan. They had really big difficulties and they just barely eliminated Japan by penalty shootouts. I can just see Croatia as a struggling team after watching that game. Brazil and Japan are completely different teams to deal with. Japan didn't have enough strength in their attacking line otherwise they could have even eliminated Croatia.

Brazil have one of the best attacking lines among the teams in this round. With Neymar's return from his injury, their midfield is much stronger again. I'm really curious about what Croatia manager is planning to do against that much attacking power. Will they play a defensive game maybe? It might be wiser for them to try to hunt Brazil with counter attacks.

[blue Snow]

Will they play a defensive game maybe? It might be wiser for them to try to hunt Brazil with counter attacks.

I believe Croatia will play as they did it before, They will try to gamble on a Penalty kick. As we know how hard it when they get a win in 90' because the material player is not enough to create a score and face-to-face with Brazil players. I guess Croatia will play defensively in 90', so if they try to force and change the strategy, they will do the counter-attack strategy in extra time even if only 1 or 2 players are on the front because the rest is guard back to defense.

[Sithara007]

I believe Croatia will play as they did it before, They will try to gamble on a Penalty kick. As we know how hard it when they get a win in 90' because the material player is not enough to create a score and face-to-face with Brazil players. I guess Croatia will play defensively in 90', so if they try to force and change the strategy, they will do the counter-attack strategy in extra time even if only 1 or 2 players are on the front because the rest is guard back to defense.

No matter how good their defense is, it will be next to impossible for Croatia to hold Brazil without scoring any goals for 120 minutes. And even if it goes to penalty shootout, Brazil have some of the best shootout specialists in the world. Unlike other matches, in this case I don't have much hope of an upset. Brazil is miles ahead of Croatia in terms of skills and capabilities. The other quarter-final (between Argentina and Netherlands) will be more competitive, as it will be played between two teams of almost equal strength.

[JollyGood]

Will their defence be able to cope with the pressure of attack that the Brazilian team will apply throughout the game? Croatia is an ageing team, their players are experienced but they are not capable of running around with maximum agility for 90 minutes against a team like Brazil therefore their strategy is limited.

If they sit back and allow Brazil to attack they will easily lose the match but apart from the counter attack option they cannot do anything else. I think Brazil will win by a 3 goal margin.

Will they play a defensive game maybe? It might be wiser for them to try to hunt Brazil with counter attacks.

I believe Croatia will play as they did it before, They will try to gamble on a Penalty kick. As we know how hard it when they get a win in 90' because the material player is not enough to create a score and face-to-face with Brazil players. I guess Croatia will play defensively in 90', so if they try to force and change the strategy, they will do the counter-attack strategy in extra time even if only 1 or 2 players are on the front because the rest is guard back to defense.

[tokeweed]

Just turning on my stream to see how my investment is doing starting with Croatia vs Brazil.  And it's not really looking good right now at nil - nil.  Lol.

As a parlay I got...

Brazil to win and over 1.5 goals combo
Netherlands +.5
Portugal to win
BTTS for England vs France

Total odds of 8.15.  Brazil has to score a couple of goals to keep the parlay alive and so I'll continue and watch the next match between Netherlands and Argentina or go do something else if they lose.  

[tranthidung]

I believe Croatia will play as they did it before, They will try to gamble on a Penalty kick. As we know how hard it when they get a win in 90' because the material player is not enough to create a score and face-to-face with Brazil players. I guess Croatia will play defensively in 90', so if they try to force and change the strategy, they will do the counter-attack strategy in extra time even if only 1 or 2 players are on the front because the rest is guard back to defense.

Penalty kicks are always risky for all teams, not only Croatia. I am sure that if possible, Croatia will try to win this match within 90 minutes (best) or 120 minutes but not want to go to another penalty kick.

Their team are no longer young especially their key players like Luka Modric or Ivan Perisic. We saw in the match with Japan that both Modric and Perisic were replaced in the first extra half because they were no longer able to run well enough to compete with Japanese players. Croatia need them not only for attacking but also for proactive defense.

Will their defence be able to cope with the pressure of attack that the Brazilian team will apply throughout the game? Croatia is an ageing team, their players are experienced but they are not capable of running around with maximum agility for 90 minutes against a team like Brazil therefore their strategy is limited.

Brazil have many players can make Croatia surprised but it is on the paper only. So far in this match, after a full first half, Brazil did not find a way to get closely to Croatia goalkeeper. Only a good combination between Richarlison and Vini Jr. That is a most considerable chance for them in the first half and it is not good enough to be called as a real chance.

Croatia will mainly defend within the match and patiently wait for counter attacking. We saw they did tried some times in the first half and in the second half, very likely that Brazil will attack more seriously. That will bring more opportunities for Croatia but of course they must keep their defense strongly first.

[Minecache]

Will their defence be able to cope with the pressure of attack that the Brazilian team will apply throughout the game? Croatia is an ageing team, their players are experienced but they are not capable of running around with maximum agility for 90 minutes against a team like Brazil therefore their strategy is limited.

Brazil have many players can make Croatia surprised but it is on the paper only. So far in this match, after a full first half, Brazil did not find a way to get closely to Croatia goalkeeper. Only a good combination between Richarlison and Vini Jr. That is a most considerable chance for them in the first half and it is not good enough to be called as a real chance.
Croatia will mainly defend within the match and patiently wait for counter attacking. We saw they did tried some times in the first half and in the second half, very likely that Brazil will attack more seriously. That will bring more opportunities for Croatia but of course they must keep their defense strongly first.

I agree with you. The Brazil squad has plenty of players capable of producing surprises and breaking down Croatia's defense. Croatia's attack is very weak compared to Brazil's.
However, Croatia's main strength is its defense. And Croatia's coach is well aware that his attack is not strong enough. And so the Croatia coach will want to use his defense properly. As we have seen in the previous matches, it was very difficult for any team to score against Croatia. Japan and Belgium played very well against Croatia but they could not win.
I think today's match is more likely to be a draw in the first 90 minutes. Also, I am not satisfied with Brazil's performance. Brazil's performance against South Korea was more organized and strong than in this match.

[Distraction]

Croatia defense have been able to keep Brazil away from scoring a goal so far. The first half was just a deadlock waiting to be broken by Brazil. In the second half, Brazil have started to be more effective. They were nearly wininng a penalty but Croatia were really lucky that there was an offside before that. They got an absolute goal chance with Neymar a few minutes ago but Neymar couldn't finish it up with a goal. Livakovic has been really successful with his saves so far. Gvardiol's effort in defense is just great.

I still think Brazil will find a way to win this match but it looks like there is a probability for watching extra time considering the current performances.

[tranthidung]

I agree with you. The Brazil squad has plenty of players capable of producing surprises and breaking down Croatia's defense.

Rodrygo brought more positive effects for Brazil attacking than Vinicius so did Anthony at the opposite swing. However, Anthony looks only have his speed and his shots are not too good in power.

Croatia's attack is very weak compared to Brazil's.

Croatia attack is not too weak actually. Give them chance and their attacking players will score goals. They did not have too many opportunities in a match with Japan but Perisic did an excellent head finish and scored an equalizer for them.

Croatia defense have been able to keep Brazil away from scoring a goal so far. The first half was just a deadlock waiting to be broken by Brazil. In the second half, Brazil have started to be more effective. They were nearly wininng a penalty but Croatia were really lucky that there was an offside before that. They got an absolute goal chance with Neymar a few minutes ago but Neymar couldn't finish it up with a goal. Livakovic has been really successful with his saves so far. Gvardiol's effort in defense is just great.

Their defense is very strong and not only their defenders but their midfielders too. Their trio midfielders Modric, Kovaci and Brozovic run a lot to chase the ball and stop attacks of Brazil. Perisic contributed a lot for their defense too even Perisic swing is a most powerful one for Croatia attacking.

Gvardiol is a big discovery in this World Cup. He took over the position of Vida and performed so impressive. If Croatia don't have Livakovic, Brazil should score at least one goal in the second half.

I still think Brazil will find a way to win this match but it looks like there is a probability for watching extra time considering the current performances.

Again Croatia have another 120-minute match in World Cup. It's their fifth one since World Cup 2018, unbelievable.

Brazil can score goal as Rodrygo and Anthony brought more momentum for their attacking but if they let 120-minutes end with a draw, Croatia will have advantage in penalty.

[tokeweed]

Brazil is sus.  Not enough pressing when they don't have the ball costed them.  Croatia is all about pressing in packs, isolating whoever had the ball.

Anyway, penalty shout out!!!  I want Croatia to go through the semis!  Rodrygo missed his penalty.    

Edit:  Croatia has yet to miss any of their pens.  LFG Croatiaaa!

CROATIA GOES THROUUUGGGGHHHHHH LOL BRAZIIIILLL LOOOOOLLLL!

[Distraction]

Unbelievable!

Brazil are officially eliminated by penalty shootouts. It was like a dream coming true for Croatia. They defended Brazilian players like hell throughout the match. The goal came in extra time would have ended their hopes all of a sudden. But Petkovic's goal just brought them back to life. Orsic made the assist only three minutes after entering the match. And penalties were like a nightmare for Brazil. First Livakovic saved Rodrygo's penalty and later Marquinhos' shot came back from the post.

Congrats to Croatia on this big success!

[Eternad]

Congratulations Croatia! you deserve the spot on the Semi Finals. I never thought that Brazil will be that careless after the last and with that they lose the game. Croatia is so good on shoot out that even Brazil can’t stand there striking power on this kind of round. I’m sure Neymar is really disappointed after all he done to score and just few minutes away of waiting for the game to end yet they let Croatia strike back and put the game on shoot out.  

The moment Croatia tied the score, I knew that they will win because shoot out is there secret weapon this world cup.

[Iroh]

Brazil is officially out of the tournament. Having lost out on penalties to Croatia. I don’t think anyone saw this coming. I really can’t believe it but Brazil is out of the tournament!! The Croatians were undoubtedly better in this match. Brazil was my favorite between the two but I was really disappointed in the gameplay of the Brazilians.
The Croatians were damn lucky. From having scored a very late goal to bring them into the penalties round, to finally winning the game.
Bruno, who has only one shot on target in the whole game and that shot on target is what made them win the game. Good for them! They played well and deserve the win.

[Lida93]

Congratulations Croatia! you deserve the spot on the Semi Finals. I never thought that Brazil will be that careless after the last and with that they lose the game. Croatia is so good on shoot out that even Brazil can’t stand there striking power on this kind of round. I’m sure Neymar is really disappointed after all he done to score and just few minutes away of waiting for the game to end yet they let Croatia strike back and put the game on shoot out.  

The moment Croatia tied the score, I knew that they will win because shoot out is there secret weapon this world cup.

It's a spot well deserved, the Croatia team really showed so much technicality and strength in the game, right from the first half of the game they posed a threat showing no respect to the Brazilian squad that were picked by so many fans all over the world as favourite for winning the world cup tournament. It's quite disappointing but we just have to accept the results as they come.
It was so hilarious seeing the Argentina fans outside the stadium feeling excited while the penalty kicks were being taken and Croatia were leading in the penalty kick. I guess their Joy was that Argentina is going to beat Netherlands tonight to meet Croatia which they feel might not give them (Argentina) much problem as Brazil would have.
But Croatia is a team to beat! that if you understand what I mean

[martyns]

Brazil is officially out of the tournament. Having lost out on penalties to Croatia. I don’t think anyone saw this coming. I really can’t believe it but Brazil is out of the tournament!! The Croatians were undoubtedly better in this match. Brazil was my favorite between the two but I was really disappointed in the gameplay of the Brazilians.
The Croatians were damn lucky. From having scored a very late goal to bring them into the penalties round, to finally winning the game.
Bruno, who has only one shot on target in the whole game and that shot on target is what made them win the game. Good for them! They played well and deserve the win.

Brazil tried their best,but their best wasn't enough to make them qualify.Its quite bad that they were unable to beat Croatia who scored a late goal,and finally won Brazil on penalties.The Brazilian players were so much dissappointed to see themselves being eliminated from the world cup,and now,Croatia are through to the next round of the tournament and the way I'm seeing things,they might end up winning the world cup through penalties.
Tomorrow will be another night of Drama when France and England will go head to head against each other in the bid to qualify to the next round of the tournament.I'm on the side that England should qualify.

[mendace]

Brazil is officially out of the tournament. Having lost out on penalties to Croatia. I don’t think anyone saw this coming. I really can’t believe it but Brazil is out of the tournament!! The Croatians were undoubtedly better in this match. Brazil was my favorite between the two but I was really disappointed in the gameplay of the Brazilians.
The Croatians were damn lucky. From having scored a very late goal to bring them into the penalties round, to finally winning the game.
Bruno, who has only one shot on target in the whole game and that shot on target is what made them win the game. Good for them! They played well and deserve the win.

Brazil tried their best,but their best wasn't enough to make them qualify.Its quite bad that they were unable to beat Croatia who scored a late goal,and finally won Brazil on penalties.The Brazilian players were so much dissappointed to see themselves being eliminated from the world cup,and now,Croatia are through to the next round of the tournament and the way I'm seeing things,they might end up winning the world cup through penalties.
Tomorrow will be another night of Drama when France and England will go head to head against each other in the bid to qualify to the next round of the tournament.I'm on the side that England should qualify.

What a world!!! I keep repeating it from the beginning and it's really absurd, now even Brazil out of Croatia. I didn't think I'd witness something like this but maybe it's really true that times are changing. I'd bet everything on France, on paper it's really the only strong team but currently it's not the trend to consider the team's squad.

[Igebotz]

Brazil is sus.  Not enough pressing when they don't have the ball costed them.  Croatia is all about pressing in packs, isolating whoever had the ball.

Anyway, penalty shout out!!!  I want Croatia to go through the semis!  Rodrygo missed his penalty.   

Edit:  Croatia has yet to miss any of their pens.  LFG Croatiaaa!

CROATIA GOES THROUUUGGGGHHHHHH LOL BRAZIIIILLL LOOOOOLLLL!

Man, another semifinal for Croatia, damn it, no one saw this coming, tbh I was really surprised how they were able to hold the ball more than the Brazilians, the moment Kovasic and Modric took the midfield I knew the brazil would be in trouble to penetrate so they opted out for long ball in the second half which did not help more as the Croatia were so solid and gave Vini a minimum space through the game But I was still confident that the Brazilians would win as they usually do, and when Neymar scored that late goal, I was like YES YES that's what the samba boys do. I had no idea that Croatia had another -plan for them. It was a beautiful game, and the MOTM could have gone to Croatia's goalkeeper. I'm not sure who else they gave it to, but he's the only reason they're in the semi-finals
Time for Messi to shock the world with hattrick or brace tonight.

[bitcampaign]

Brazil is officially out of the tournament. Having lost out on penalties to Croatia. I don’t think anyone saw this coming. I really can’t believe it but Brazil is out of the tournament!! The Croatians were undoubtedly better in this match. Brazil was my favorite between the two but I was really disappointed in the gameplay of the Brazilians.
The Croatians were damn lucky. From having scored a very late goal to bring them into the penalties round, to finally winning the game.
Bruno, who has only one shot on target in the whole game and that shot on target is what made them win the game. Good for them! They played well and deserve the win.

since the beginning of playing there was no deadly attack from Brazil for Croatia as if they underestimated Croatia too much especially since the first goal was created in extra time, Brazil celebrated then played to survive but was conceded by Croatian players and finally drew until the end, a penalty shootout that made many people disappointed to see the croatia goalkeeper was really great tonight, as a brazilian supporter i was disappointed to see them go home, but this is football you have to keep supporting even if you lose, congrats to croatia they deserve to go to the semifinals