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Argentina defeat France 4-2 on penalties after a 3-3 draw to win the 2022 FIFA World Cup

Drama queens and rude Brasil gone the spirit of Croatia was too much for them

Another fixture next Arg v Ned

Arg playing 5-3-2 sums up they know Dutch are no pushover and another game which might go to the limit
 
You could tell Brazil and their fans had lost hope at the final whistle of the second extra time.
 
Brazil lost because of their carelessness. In the second half of the extra time they were just hanging in there with no actual plans. Overwhelmed by the goal advantage there was absolutely no attacking indication and disorientation in the defence.

It is never over until it's over. Some one should have told them that. Brazil played better for 110 minutes but ended on the losing side because of their own mistake. One goal is never safe. In situation like these when you're one up in the last minutes, quality sides do strengthen their defence but at the same time they are always ready to exploit weakened defence of the opposition as they strengthen the attack and this 1-0 often becomes 2-0.

Croatia kept going , credit to them. Their coach brought a calm demeanor to the big occasion and that also made a lot of difference in these nervous moments.

Having said that, Neymar goal deserved progression to the semifinals ☹️
 
Tournament favourites Brazil were knocked out of the World Cup on penalties as Croatia kept their nerve to edge through to the semi-finals.

Croatia, beaten finalists four years ago, scored with all four of their spot-kicks as Rodrygo - taking his team's first kick - was denied by the brilliant Dominik Livakovic and Marquinhos' crucial fourth effort struck the post.

As the ball hit the foot of the woodwork and bounced away, Croatia's players sprinted to celebrate with their goalkeeper, while the Brazil team hit the turf, knowing their dream of a sixth crown had come to an end.

After an engrossing 90 minutes, Tite's men thought they have won it in extra time when Neymar scored a thumping effort to equal Brazil's 'official' men's goalscoring record.

But substitute Bruno Petkovic had other ideas, stroking in a 116th-minute equaliser with Croatia's first shot on target in the match to take the game to the nerve-shredding shootout.

And it was the European side who emerged victorious once more, having done so by the same method against Japan in the last 16, to set up a semi-final meeting with the Netherlands or Argentina on Tuesday.
 
Croatia’s mental strength as a unit is stellar.

They know how to progress in tournaments.
 
Saj said:
Brazil crash out.

They should have killed the game off after being 1-0 up.

Instead they continued to look for more goals and left themselves open.
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On the contrary, I believe they were just hanging in there with no coherence in their attack or stability in their defence. Just went with their motions, believing the match was over and they had already progressed to the semis.
 
Brazil the definition of entitled. No real purpose but Croatia knew exactly what they wanted.

Netherlands win tonight. Better attack and VVD is the best leader in the tournament.
 
What did just happen?

Croatia eliminated Brazil!

Path to final is now clearer for Argentina.
 
If Argentina lose tonight, the semis will all be European teams, given Morocco is likely to lose to Portugal.

I hope Morocco wins, but its unlikely.
 
James said:
I think Netherlands will win this one
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Argentina are the better team on paper.

They have won COPA and Finalissima recently. Netherlands haven't won any tournament in a long time. Netherlands aren't same as before; they got weaker.
 
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<b>Team news — BBC Sport</b>

Netherlands make one change from their 3-1 win over USA in the last 16.

Former Tottenham winger Steven Bergwijn comes in for ex-Everton man Davy Klaassen.

There are starts for Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk and Manchester City's Nathan Ake.

Netherlands: Noppert, Dumfries, Timber, Van Dijk, Ake, Blind, De Jong, De Roon, Gakpo, Bergwijn, Depay.

Argentina also make one change from their 2-1 win over Australia in the last round.

It is a defensive one too, and a change in formation, as Papu Gomez is replaced by Manchester United centre-back Lisandro Martinez in a back three.

Aston Villa's Emiliano Martinez, Tottenham's Christian Romero, Brighton's Alexis Mac Allister and Manchester City's Julian Alvarez make up their Premier League contingent.

Argentina: Emiliano Martinez, Molina, Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Otamendi, Acuna, De Paul, Fernandez, Mac Allister, Messi, Alvarez.
 
sweep_shot said:
Argentina are the better team on paper.

They have won COPA and Finalissima recently. Netherlands haven't won any tournament in recent times.
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Brazil were “better” than Croatia.

Spain were “better” than Morocco.

:)
 
If Argentina win today, they have an opportunity to avenge 2018 group stage defeat (Croatia beat them 3-0 then).
 
WC Knock out stages has a unique pressure. Cannot be recreated in training. You'd expect heavyweights like Brazil and Spain to win in 90 minutes - nope - overrated heavyweight teams, when your opposition has nothing to lose, they are fearless.

What a WC!
 
Holland look very solid. I think Argentina are under dogs. I wil be cheering for Argentina
 
Out of all the QFs, I was almost certain that Brazil would win.

In each round, there's always at least one surprise and I guess this is probably the one!

The cup format can be cruel. You can be the best team in the competition and have one bad game then all dreams of winning end in tears. That's what's happened to Brazil. You have to feel for them.

I bet Roy Keane will be happy though. He'll be like "this is what happens when you dance so much and get carried away" :))
 
topspin said:
Out of all the QFs, I was almost certain that Brazil would win.

In each round, there's always at least one surprise and I guess this is probably the one!

The cup format can be cruel. You can be the best team in the competition and have one bad game then all dreams of winning end in tears. That's what's happened to Brazil. You have to feel for them.

I bet Roy Keane will be happy though. He'll be like "this is what happens when you dance so much and get carried away" :))
Click to expand...

Morocco vs Spain too was surprising..
 
topspin said:
Out of all the QFs, I was almost certain that Brazil would win.

In each round, there's always at least one surprise and I guess this is probably the one!

The cup format can be cruel. You can be the best team in the competition and have one bad game then all dreams of winning end in tears. That's what's happened to Brazil. You have to feel for them.

I bet Roy Keane will be happy though. He'll be like "this is what happens when you dance so much and get carried away" :))
Click to expand...

Brazil have been choking since 2002. They struggle against the top European teams in knockouts.
 
Heisenberg111 said:
Brazil have been choking since 2002. They struggle against the top European teams in knockouts.
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That one wc they dominated but every other time I see them playing it's just fancy and great to watch but well prepared teams will always get pass through.
 
Bizarre tactics by Tite, how do you choke in the final minutes.

Gosh, meanwhile Croats in the semis with only one win against Canada in a 90min game. Frustrating to watch these park the bus tactics
 
Heisenberg111 said:
If Argentina lose tonight, the semis will all be European teams, given Morocco is likely to lose to Portugal.

I hope Morocco wins, but its unlikely.
Click to expand...

Brazil won the World Cup in 2002. Since then, the winners have been Italy (2006), Spain (2010), Germany (2014) and France (2018).

The Europeans are obviously doing something right, and the South Americans are doing something wrong.
 
JaDed said:
I want to see a Woke country(except England) winning just to see the reactions lol.
Can we agree on "Woke" countries:
1.France
2.Netherlands
3.England

Did I miss any? Where does Croatia or Portugal stand?
Click to expand...

Portugal and Croatia are woke too.

I hope Argentina or Morocco win.
 
Varun said:
Brazil won the World Cup in 2002. Since then, the winners have been Italy (2006), Spain (2010), Germany (2014) and France (2018).

The Europeans are obviously doing something right, and the South Americans are doing something wrong.
Click to expand...

Yes this WC is likely to be won by a European team as well unless Argentina has something to say about it.
 
Varun said:
Brazil won the World Cup in 2002. Since then, the winners have been Italy (2006), Spain (2010), Germany (2014) and France (2018).

The Europeans are obviously doing something right, and the South Americans are doing something wrong.
Click to expand...

Check how many European teams get to play and how many South American teams get to play (among 32 teams).

The tournament is biased toward Europeans. Europe has 13 slots while South America has 4-5.
 
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sweep_shot said:
Check how many European teams get to play and how many South American teams get to play (among 32 teams).

The tournament is biased toward Europeans. Europe has 13 quotas while South America has 4-5.
Click to expand...

Is that the only reason?

Is there consensus that the Europeans have brought a lot of 'science' into football, leaving the 'art' of the South Americans behind?
 
13 out of 32 teams in this tournament are European teams. The tournament was designed to have 13 European teams. Why? Why not give Africa or other continents more slots?
 
I did support Spain as a kid but I prefer Latin America to win rather than European country, they have it in them to go all the way plus football is a way of life for them.
 
sweep_shot said:
Why do you kiss the backside of Europe? Do you want a visa or something?

It is a valid question. Why does Europe have 13 slots out of 32? That's not fair. Africa only has 5. South America has 4-5.
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I think its based on number of countries that play.. Isn't it 55 in Europe?
 
JaDed said:
I think its based on number of countries that play.. Isn't it 55 in Europe?
Click to expand...

By your logic, Asia should have more slots. There are many Asian countries also.

Qualification system needs to be reviewed. Europe gets preferential treatment.
 
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KingKhanWC said:
A penalty loss is not a choke. You will see a choke tommorow by Harry McGuire, Qatari police will be called after Mbappe kills him.

This match on paper is the best QF imo, very close match which could go either way.

I love to see Messi get to semis but Dutch have VVD, best of luck to both teams.
Click to expand...

Losing to France won't be a choke.. but hope they do lose though! Go Mbappe
 
sweep_shot said:
13 out of 32 teams in this tournament are European teams. The tournament was designed to have 13 European teams. Why? Why not give Africa or other continents more slots?
Click to expand...

Because there are more competitive football teams in Europe than in any other continent.

There is a reason why the Euro is considered the 2nd biggest tournament after the WC.
 
sweep_shot said:
By your logic, Asia should have more slots. There are many Asian countries also.

Qualification system needs to be reviewed. Europe gets preferential treatment.
Click to expand...

I think next WC is 48 maybe then we can check slot again, would love to see Chile and Columbia make it too.
 
Heisenberg111 said:
Because there are more competitive football teams in Europe than in any other continent.

There is a reason why the Euro is considered the 2nd biggest tournament after the WC.
Click to expand...

It's hard to support that logic though.. Except 5 European countries others haven't really won the WC and 2 old ones of Italy's are very dodgy to say the least..
 
JaDed said:
It's hard to support that logic though.. Except 5 European countries others haven't really won the WC and 2 old ones of Italy's are very dodgy to say the least..
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Netherlands have reached the WC final 3 times without winning it. Croatia have once. Turkey and Russia are considered in Europe too. Its a big continent with many strong teams.
 
Heisenberg111 said:
Netherlands have reached the WC final 3 times without winning it. Croatia have once. Turkey and Russia are considered in Europe too. Its a big continent with many strong teams.
Click to expand...

I think w.r.t number of Teams yeah.. but if quality wise Latin America seems but could be my bias.
 
Heisenberg111 said:
Because there are more competitive football teams in Europe than in any other continent.

There is a reason why the Euro is considered the 2nd biggest tournament after the WC.
Click to expand...

I have to disagree a bit.

Teams like Colombia and Nigeria are better than teams like Denmark and Poland. Just one example.

I feel like Africa, Asia, and South America deserve more slots.
 
JaDed said:
I think w.r.t number of Teams yeah.. but if quality wise Latin America seems but could be my bias.
Click to expand...

Latin America is not that big a continent as Europe, so the number of strong teams is much less.

Thats why Copa America is inferior in quality to the Euros.
 
sweep_shot said:
I have to disagree a bit.

Teams like Colombia and Nigeria are better than teams like Denmark and Poland. Just one example.

I feel like Africa, Asia, and South America deserve more slots.
Click to expand...

Denmark is a Euro champion of 1992, on Poland I agree, they are pretty mediocre.
 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Tite leaves Brazil. He’s no longer the head coach of the Seleçao after the game lost vs Croatia. It’s over. 🚨🇧🇷 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WorldCup2022?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WorldCup2022</a> <a href="https://t.co/9UQW63Gfy6">pic.twitter.com/9UQW63Gfy6</a></p>— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) <a href="https://twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1601296938833711106?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 9, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
 
JaDed said:
Losing to France won't be a choke.. but hope they do lose though! Go Mbappe
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You missed my point. McGuire will choke. This man shouldnt be anywhere near the England team. He was very poor v Senegal but was fortunate their two best attacker were not playing. France will target him bigtime.

Dutch playing smart here. Argentina not a shot on target. Holland knows if they keep it tight at the back , they will get a few chances up front to win the game.
 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The moment Croatia booked their place in another World Cup semi-final 🤯<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BBCWorldCup?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BBCWorldCup</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BBCFootball?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BBCFootball</a> <a href="https://t.co/h23QLahkx6">pic.twitter.com/h23QLahkx6</a></p>— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) <a href="https://twitter.com/BBCSport/status/1601297263266971648?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 9, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
 
sweep_shot said:
I have to disagree a bit.

Teams like Colombia and Nigeria are better than teams like Denmark and Poland. Just one example.

I feel like Africa, Asia, and South America deserve more slots.
Click to expand...

There are many quality European teams who don't even qualify for WC like Italy, Greece etc.

That should tell you the level of competition in Europe.
 
Heisenberg111 said:
Latin America is not that big a continent as Europe, so the number of strong teams is much less.

Thats why Copa America is inferior in quality to the Euros.
Click to expand...

The most organised team so far is Morocco , no opposition player has scored a goal against them yet!

Its a huge loss Achraf Hakimi is injured otherwise I would back them to beat Portugal by a similar method, 1-0 or on pens.
 
Yeh Tite with some brain dead tactics in 2018 and now 2022 WC.

Its good he is leaving after this, hopefully they don't bring back Dunga or Scolari lol
 
This match could go to penalties as well. Argentina won the last time in 2014, when it happened.
 
KingKhanWC said:
The most organised team so far is Morocco , no opposition player has scored a goal against them yet!

Its a huge loss Achraf Hakimi is injured otherwise I would back them to beat Portugal by a similar method, 1-0 or on pens.
Click to expand...

Oh no Hakimi injured is a big loss for Morocco. Their goes any chance they had.
 
Argentina has turned the tide after the loss in first game, hopefully a reality check that was!
 
Messi the magician find a magical pass. Beautiful to watch.

Now we will have a crazy match!
 
Argentina vs Croatia it is then. Will be a very tight game.

Croatia's never say die attitude vs Argentina's class.
 
Heisenberg111 said:
Argentina vs Croatia it is then. Will be a very tight game.

Croatia's never say die attitude vs Argentina's class.
Click to expand...

Too early yet. Holland can adapt to a very attacking style of play and will do now.

Argentina will be looking for fouls against them to slow the game right down.
 
Messi didn't even see while passing that, the guy is insane coz his experience has made him better.
 
Argentina will win this. Could open up for them to score the 2nd goal.

They are peaking at the right time. Other teams better watch out.
 
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