The knockout stage of the 2022 FIFA World Cup is well and truly underway in Qatar. With the quarter-finals on the horizon, we take a look back at what has occurred in the group stage and who are looking like potential world champions.
The likes of Brazil, Argentina, France and England are still fighting strong in the competition.
If the Brazilians and Argentinians win their quarter-final games, the rivals will square off in the last four, while the French and English clash in a mouth-watering last-eight tie this weekend.
Read our World Cup recap and check out the best FIFA World Cup odds and Qatar 2022 predictions.
FIFA World Cup Recap
Thirty-two international teams kicked off their World Cup last month. In the group stage, we saw shocks, wonderful performances, spectacular goals, and numerous talking points.
Some big names were eliminated, while one or two surprise packages booked their places in the last 16.
Before a ball was kicked in Qatar, Brazil were the favorites. They are the record winners of this competition, and the Brazilians have looked strong in Qatar from the first whistle.
Tite’s Men
Tite’s men are in the last eight after winning three of their opening four World Cup matches.
Argentina bounced back from a shock defeat in their opening game to book their place in the knockout stage, while the likes of:
- Netherlands
- Spain
- England
- France
- Portugal
Also went through.
Germany succumbed in the group stage once again, while Mexico were eliminated in the group for the first time since 1978.
There were plenty more surprises and memorable moments in the group stage. Check out our World Cup recap to find out how the big nations have fared in Qatar so far.
How Have the Big Boys Fared?
Brazil
Brazil are the first nation to review in our World Cup recap. The record winners are living up to the hype, as they are through to the last eight without breaking a sweat in Qatar.
Tite’s men secured their passage into the last 16 with one game to spare. They picked up wins over Serbia and Switzerland before a second-string side were narrowly beaten by Cameroon.
No Problems With South Korea
Brazil had no problems with South Korea in their Round of 16 tie. Little Canary were four goals up at half time in the eventual 4-1 victory in Doha.
They now face Croatia – who were runners-up in Russia four years ago – in the quarter-final. Brazil are looking to go all the way in Qatar and get their hands on the WC trophy for the first time in 20 years.
Argentina
Argentina kicked off their tournament on the wrong end of one of the biggest surprises in WC history.
Despite taking an early lead against Saudi Arabia, the Saudis scored two goals in the second half to record an incredible 2-1 win.
Messi’s Evergreen
Inspired by the evergreen Lionel Messi, Argentina went on to win their last two Group C matches to go through as group winners.
They then beat Australia in the last 16. Lionel Scaloni’s men have been on an incredible run of form and are still a major force to be reckoned with in Qatar.
France
Reigning world champions France are in the last eight of the 2022 World Cup. The French have looked strong in Qatar up until now, topping their group with six points and seeing off Poland (3-1) in the Round of 16.
Best European Side in World Soccer
France are arguably the best European side in world soccer, and Didier Deschamps’ men will be desperate to keep hold of their crown.
If they can get past England in the quarter-finals, Les Bleus will fancy their chances of going all the way again.
England
Gareth Southgate’s England have been very easy on the eye at this World Cup. Right now, they are the top scorers in the competition, netting nine goals in the group and three more in the Round of 16.
The English went through as group winners, collecting seven points from a possible nine.
They then eased past Senegal in their last-16 match. The Three Lions have not won the WC since 1966, but can they finally get their hands on the trophy 56 years on?
Spain
Spain kicked off their World Cup like a house on fire. The Spaniards walloped Costa Rica 7-0 to put one foot in the last 16.
However, they went on to take just one point from their remaining two Group E fixtures to edge out Germany on goal difference in the race for second behind Japan.
Round of 16 Action
Spain are in Round of 16 action this Tuesday, as they take on in-form Morocco in Al Rayyan.
Presuming they get past the tough Moroccans, Luis Enrique’s men will need to improve if they are to topple the bigger squads in the latter stages of the 2022 World Cup.
FIFA World Cup Odds and Prediction
This World Cup in Qatar has been surrounded by controversy ever since the host nation was announced. Nevertheless, despite one or two hiccups, Qatar have been a fine host so far, and the final rounds on the 2022 World Cup schedule promise to be special in Western Asia.
All competing nations left in the competition are capable of winning this World Cup. T he winners of the France vs England game will be tough to beat, while Brazil and Argentina look destined to meet in the semi-final stage.
As for our Qatar 2022 predictions, we fancy Brazil to go all the way for the first time since 2002. Right now, the Brazilians are priced at +188 to win a sixth World Cup crown.
There is also excellent value in FIFA World Cup odds of +300 for England to reach a WC final for the first time since 1966.
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