The World Cup drama continues in Qatar and it looks like this is the most dramatic quarter-final my generation has seen. It doesn't get easier as the World Cup reaches new stages, the big nations are used to being the favorites to make it out of every stage until one has to bow for the other in the final but things are quite different in this year World Cup and it's hard to predict what's ahead for countries anymore.
Yesterday's disappointment was huge for Brazil as Croatia ended their World Cup dreams. The Netherlands fell to the sword of the Argentines despite fighting really hard to stay in the competition. Both matches ended in a penalty shoot-out and, I thought things might turn out like that as well in the Morocco and Portugal fixture because of how well the Moroccans defended against Spain.
Portugal had shown great potential all through the World Cup until they met with Morocco, it was surprising they couldn't even stretch the Africa team to the limit. Seeing Morocco having shots on target has shown how much their confidence has grown after defeating Spain in the round of 16 and how they handle the great Portuguese team was quite remarkable.
With one goal in the first half, the Africa nation dumped Portugal out of the World Cup and they turned out to be the unexpected semi-finalist in the 2022 World Cup.
Morocco's journey to the semifinals is something millions of people didn't see happening. Pairing them against the likes of Belgium, Croatia, and Canada in the group stage made even punters predict that they might not make it out of the group but somehow they did make their way through thorns and they are getting the biggest attention in the World Cup at the moment.
In my opinion, Morocco has faced the biggest challenge in the World Cup this year and I wouldn't be surprised if they go on to win the World Cup. Thrashing Belgium, Spain, and Portugal so far is quite huge and they have definitely brought honor to not just themselves by to the whole of Africa.
England and France didn't give me the thrills I expected and the French went on to be the first country that won the World Cup and still reached the semi-final in the next World Cup.
I would say it was an easy win just like everyone expected, England's only goal came from the spot kick compared to France that took their chance properly even though they were possessive enough.
Southgate failed in his first real test in the World Cup and it proves that the England national came unprepared. I have seen managers resign and I hope he would do himself a good thing to join the trend after failing to take the English national team to the finals of the 2022 World Cup.
Morocco earned themselves another very challenging country in the World Cup and they will be setting a record if they go on to thrash the reigning champions.
It sounds like I am dreaming too much but remember this is football, nothing is impossible.
