So we now know our four semi-finalists of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Croatia stunned Brazil on penalties while Argentina needed the same method to get past The Netherlands after a truly remarkable match. England are out after a complete heartbreak for Harry Kane, and Morocco made it through against the odds.
Harry Kane missed a late penalty as England were the better team against France, but ultimately head home empty handed. It’s a familiar exit point for the Three Lions. This is the seventh time England have been eliminated from the quarter-final stages of the World Cup, more than any other side in the history of the competition.
Ultimately though, as Gary Neville states, they can leave with their heads held high. They went toe to toe with one of the best teams in the world and outperformed them on the night. It was just one of those nights. Given the other three semi-finalists, it is even more painful, but England have lost out again on the big stage.
Morocco’s incredible journey continues
The first African nation to make it to a World Cup semi-final. It was nothing short of remarkable. Ghana and Cameroon have come so close in the past, but this time Morocco got over the line. Their 1-0 win over Portugal shocked the world as Youssef En-Nesyri scored the only goal of the game.
Walid Regragui deserves huge credit for this moment in history. He only took the job three months before the tournament but has taken Morocco from fierce underdogs into World Cup semi-finalists, where they will take on France. Once again they will be expected to go out, but this nation that has continued to defy the odds is only two games away from the ultimate glory.
Ronaldo record, but it ends in tears
Cristiano Ronaldo, as he came off the bench in Portugal’s 1-0 loss to Morocco, secured another piece of history. He joined Kuwait’s Bader Al-Mutawa as the most capped men’s player of all time on 196 appearances. It’s one hell of an achievement that shows his immense longevity, but it all ended with tears in the tunnel.
Ronaldo was unable to make an impact as his nation crashed out of the tournament and Morocco made history. He has now failed to score in the knockout stages of every World Cup he has played out, despite taking 27 shots. The ultimate prize has evaded one of the best players of all time, and it marks a miserable month for CR7.
Brazil head home
One of the most shocking sights of the tournament so far, the Brazilian coach heading for the airport eight days before the final. The favourites to lift the trophy, their shock exit on penalties to Croatia yesterday stunned the world and left Neymar in tears, although it appears that Brazil’s number ten has remained in Qatar to fulfil some other commercial duties.
Semi-final line-up
Croatia v Argentina (Tuesday, 7pm)
France v Morocco (Wednesday, 7pm)
