Brazil Ruin South Korea And Graeme Souness’ Evening
Scottish enemy of fun Graeme Souness was not happy to see Brazil enjoying a dominant victory in a World Cup knockout game. Despite the blistering skill, the permanently-frowning former Liverpool man wasn’t having any of it.
Recalling the similar moaning that football’s most boring observers did when fellow Brazilian Antony dared do tricks at Old Trafford a few weeks back, Souness took aim. “Don’t showboat, that’s how you get yourself injured.” To complete the most miserable double act in football analysis, Roy Keane then had a go at Brazil for celebrating a goal. Do me a favour.
Ivan Perisic Becomes Croatia’s Top Tournament Scorer
Tottenham Hotspurs’ Ivan Perisic clinched a record in Croatia’s shootout win over Japan. The 33-year-old’s equaliser was his tenth goal in a major tournament, a Croatia record. He overtakes previous holder, legendary striker Davor Suker.
Perisic was the catalyst for much of his sides best work against Japan. Entrusted with a far more attacking role for his country than he is in the Premier League, Perisic very nearly assisted Andrej Kramaric with a cultured flick in the first half. While he is a wing back under Antonio Conte, Croatia boss Zlatko Dalic prefers to deploy Perisic in the winger role in which he made his name.
Extra Time Experts Croatia Go Long Again
For the fifth time in their last six major tournament knockout games, Croatia went to extra time. Ultimately, that experience seemed to have a bearing on their eventual penalty win over Japan.
The only time Croatia have not gone the distance during this spell is the World Cup final four years ago. They lost that game 4-2 to France. Relying on the extra period to hit top gear is a risky strategy, but you can’t argue it hasn’t worked wonders for the Kockasti.
Al-Nassr FC Make Cristiano Ronaldo Offer
Even on days without a Portugal game, the name Cristiano Ronaldo is always at the forefront of the headlines. Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr FC have reportedly offered the forward a mammoth financial package to sign for them.
Journalist Fabrizio Romano has reported there is a €200 million-per-season contract on the table for the free agent. Reportedly, Ronaldo is focused on the World Cup and any conclusive decision on his future will arrive after Portugal’s tournament is over. ‘CR7’ will be hoping that doesn’t arrive until his team have won the final.
The Last Eight Takes Shape
Here is the World Cup 2022 quarter finals as they stand:
Fri 9th December
Croatia vs. Brazil
Netherlands vs. Argentina
Sat 10th December
Morocco/Spain vs. Portugal/Switzerland
England vs. France
*18+ | BeGambleAware | Odds Subject To Change