2022 FIFA World Cup: One burning question for each quarterfinal matchup
The quarterfinals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup are upon us, with 4 good matchups that might produce much more surprises.
Argentina and Brazil are on a crash course to fulfill in a rematch of the 2021 Copa América last. However, the Netherlands and Croatia have the power to throw a wrench into that potential semifinal.
Meanwhile, Morocco made historical past by qualifying for its first-ever quarterfinal, so 2022’s Cinderella workforce continues to be taking part in with home cash forward of a crunch tie with Portugal. Another shock may very well be on the playing cards in that one, though Goncalo Ramos might need one thing to say about that.
The winner of that matchup will meet England or the reigning champions France in, arguably, the marquee tie of the spherical.
With a lot on the road, right here is one burning query for each matchup.
CROATIA VS. BRAZIL: WILL CROATIA’S FLANKS BE UP TO TASK?
Japan and Canada are the one two groups to attain in opposition to Croatia at this match. The widespread theme between the 2 is that they each exploited the flanks, an issue space for the Vatreni.
If anyone can expose these vast areas, it’s Brazil. Vinícius Júnior and Raphinha are among the many World Cup leaders in open-play probabilities created, anticipated assists (xA) and chance-creating carries, per Opta.
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The play of Casemiro has been integral to Brazil’s defensive success, so whether or not it makes use of Morocco’s mixture of zonal and man-marking or Japan’s makeshift three-man midfield, there are helpful strategies to cut back the harm that Marcelo Brozovic, Mateo Kovacic and Luka Modric can inflict.
The actual key shall be whether or not they can pounce on the wings.
NETHERLANDS VS. ARGENTINA: WHAT’S ARGENTINA’S WEAKNESS?
The Netherlands had a transparent technique in opposition to the United States within the spherical of 16. It concerned countering into area behind the American full-backs and it led to all three targets within the 3-1 victory.
“Team USA didn’t regulate, they didn’t adapt,” mentioned Dutch coach Louis van Gaal in his post-match press convention. “We based a tactical plan on that (targeting the flanks) that probably allowed us to win.”
But it’s a a lot taller activity to go up in opposition to Lionel Messi & Co.
Argentina boasts one of many strongest defences on the match by way of anticipated targets (xG) conceded, so probabilities shall be arduous to return by. That being mentioned, Holland has produced 34 excessive turnovers and has one of the crucial intense presses on the match based mostly on their passes per defensive motion (PPDA), per Opta.
Given how they mucked up the centre of the pitch in opposition to a robust U.S. midfield, that is likely to be the identical technique they go for right here to nullify Messi’s impression.
Obviously that’s simpler mentioned than performed, however Saudi Arabia has been the one aspect to pounce on Argentina in transition and all of us keep in mind how that panned out.
MOROCCO VS. PORTUGAL: HOW TO CRACK MOROCCO’S LOW BLOCK?
If you respect sound, organized, defensive shapes (responsible), then Morocco is your workforce. If you don’t, then brace your self.
The key to unsettling that form is catching Morocco once they roam ahead with the ball. That’s when areas behind full-backs Noussair Mazraoui and Achraf Hakimi will open up. Belgium did this just a few instances however couldn’t capitalize. Canada pressured an personal aim from Nayef Aguerd after Sam Adekugbe bombed down the left previous Hakimi. It’s the one time the Moroccans have conceded.
Spain had just a few probabilities in these moments but it surely wasn’t scientific sufficient, because the xG backs up.
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Any aspect with Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva and Joao Felix ought to be direct sufficient to take benefit.
ENGLAND VS. FRANCE: CAN MBAPPE BE STOPPED?
The England lineup debates for the quarterfinals started earlier than their round-of-16 matchup was even over.
Two hours prior, Kylian Mbappe had accomplished a brace and set a number of World Cup information as France cruised previous Poland to arrange the assembly with England. Naturally, the dialog from an English perspective was centred round stopping Mbappe.
England has performed with a again 4 on the match, however there was speak of a again 5 to restrict area for Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele on the opposite wing.
The solely situation is the defenders will get pinned in deep in the event that they attempt to mark Mbappe and Dembele. That will make it tough to progress the ball as soon as they get well possession. Plus, there might not be ample cowl on the left the place Luke Shaw shall be deployed.
It’s a significant dilemma for coach Gareth Southgate, particularly if it means sacrificing a physique in midfield. Jude Bellingham, Declan Rice and Jordan Henderson have seemed strong collectively, even off the ball with Henderson serving to cowl the best flank and Rice on the left.
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