World Cup Quarter-Finals: Can Anyone Stop France?

The World Cup final is tied at 1-1 in the last minute, and your star striker gets a chance. Who do you want taking that shot: Haaland, Mbappé, Kane, or Messi?

Ed Aarons: Lionel Messi, despite being 39, still has moments of brilliance as he showed against Egypt. His penalty record might not be perfect but he delivers when it counts.

Ella Brockway: On a cold night, I might lean toward Haaland, but right now, Messi feels inevitable. He’s scored in every game Argentina has played so far.

Beau Dure: Haaland scores on nearly 40% of his shots, the best in the tournament for players with 10+ shots. If you want jaw-dropping goals, Messi is your man; for consistent finishes, Haaland’s your pick.

Bryan Armen Graham: Both Mbappé and Messi are unstoppable, but after six weeks of play, I’d back Mbappé, the younger player.

Jonathan Wilson: Messi inspires teammates to raise their game and still contributes heavily himself.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Messi can still decide matches in a flash. Against Egypt, he was quiet for most of the match and then scored a stunning half-volley.

Jeff Rueter: It depends on the type of chance. For penalties or headers, maybe not Messi, but for open play, he operates at a different pace and chooses the simplest path to success.

Teams We Wish Were Still Here

All three hosts exited in the round of 16, which was disappointing. Japan had many fans rooting for them after their exciting opener versus the Netherlands and a strong fight against Brazil. With an easier draw, they might have reached the quarters.

Colombia impressed early, especially holding Portugal to a draw. They faced favorable knockout opponents but stumbled in the last 16, missing chances to advance. Their passionate fans made matches special, particularly the Argentina-Colombia clash in Kansas City.

African teams like Cape Verde, Senegal, DR Congo, Egypt, and Côte d’Ivoire offered entertaining performances. Some hoped the USA would regain form from their first two games, while Mexico promised more excitement if they had advanced.

The Netherlands never quite found their rhythm. Their defensive-heavy lineup clashed with expectations and cost them dearly against Morocco. The tournament feels less colorful without their presence.

Senegal were a major regret. After a rough group stage, they dominated Belgium in the last 32 but gave up a two-goal lead late. Senegal looked stronger for much of that game, making their exit painful.

Dark Horses Among the Last Eight

Morocco continues to impress under Mohamed Ouahbi, evolving from 2022’s semi-final run and potentially seeking revenge against France.

Switzerland stands out among the surprises, boasting solid defense with goalkeeper Gregor Kobel’s 16 saves and a low goals-against rate. Their challenge lies in scoring goals.

Among the top eight FIFA-ranked teams, only Switzerland (14th) and Norway (19th) break the mold. Norway’s Haaland, with a remarkable scoring streak—27 goals in 14 competitive matches—is a force few can ignore.

Morocco has shifted from underdog to contender, beating the Netherlands and possibly regaining injured player Ismael Saibari soon.

Norway may not seem a favorite, yet their momentum and ability to win tough matches give them an edge. Should they beat England, a semi-final clash with Argentina could be within reach.

Switzerland somehow keeps advancing further than expected, known for strong defense but limited offensive firepower. Argentina’s emotional high can’t last forever, and they might face another tough European team soon.

Players Who Matter Most Now

Superstars have shone brightly. Messi defies age, Mbappé remains unstoppable, Kane continues his solid play, and Haaland’s confidence grows after dispatching Brazil.

Harry Kane has been England’s backbone, scoring crucial goals that ensured progress through the group and knockout stages.

Messi has carried about 70% of Argentina’s scoring burden with breathtaking goals, elevating the team beyond “very good” to potential champions.

Haaland’s performance dictates Norway’s fate. His upcoming opponents, including Guéhi, Konsa, Martínez, and Romero, will test him but also highlight his comfort zone.

Michael Olise remains important for France, though his impact dipped slightly recently. Facing tougher defenses ahead will be a different challenge.

Coaching Battles

Thomas Tuchel deserves credit for tactical adjustments, especially after England’s win in Mexico City. He’s the only remaining coach with a Champions League title.

Didier Deschamps lets his star players take control, which has brought success and entertainment to France’s squad.

Rudi Garcia masterminded Belgium’s recent win by outthinking Mauricio Pochettino.

Luis de la Fuente leads Spain’s committed team with a cohesive system emphasizing collective effort and pressing.

Mohamed Ouahbi has guided Morocco’s refreshed squad with clear plans that often come to fruition.

Predicted Semi-Finals and Winners

• France vs Spain
• England vs Argentina or Norway vs Argentina (opinions vary)

Ed Aarons and Ella Brockway see a Spain vs Argentina final, with Spain edging it 2-1 thanks to their solid defense.

Beau Dure favors France over Argentina 3-2, citing deeper support around Mbappé compared to Messi.

Bryan Armen Graham predicts England to upset France on penalties after a tight 2-2 draw.

Jonathan Wilson expects Argentina to beat Spain 3-2, highlighting Messi’s ability to change matches.

Leander Schaerlaeckens sticks with a France 3-1 win over Argentina, believing their attacking trio is too strong for Argentina’s defense.

Jeff Rueter sees France defeating England 2-1 in the final after getting past Spain, given their improved squad and England’s shaky defense.