Soccer Down Memory Lane

FIFA world cup 2022

Amidst consistent controversy related to human rights and working conditions, Qatar is gearing up to host the FIFA World Cup in a few days. The attention that the host nation has come under has largely been negative, bordering on a boycott of the tournament, with former FIFA president Sepp Blatter even suggesting that it was a “mistake” to award Qatar the opportunity in 2012, which subsequently led to a modification in the guidelines adhered to while selecting hosts.

FIFA world cup 2022

Germany have suffered a stunning 2-1 defeat at the hands of Japan in their very first match at the 2022 Fifa World Cup. This has brought back memories of the nation’s humiliating campaign at the previous World Cup in Russia, where the defending champions failed to make it past the group stage. The squad is now set to meet Spain, who are in top form which they demonstrated in their 7-0 defeat of Costa Rica and are sure to be hard to defeat.

FIFA world cup 2022

Nico Williams, who is a part of Spain’s national team at the 2022 FIFA World cup, has just been part of a 7-0 victory over Costa Rica. However, the match he is eager to play is against Ghana, as the squad incudes includes none other than his brother Inaki Williams. The sibling rivalry has stayed strong between the players over the years, who are a part of Athletico Bilbao, but are representing different nations at the World Cup.

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The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) has garnered considerable criticism at the World Cup due to several controversial decisions. In Poland’s match against Argentina, a save by Polish goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny that involved a brush with Messi resulted in Argentina being awarded a penalty, which has been widely contested.

FIFA world cup 2022

Brazil have been predicted to be the next winners of the FIFA World Cup, which would amount to their 6th victory at the event. A look at their journey so far shows us that they qualified to the round of 16 which started on Dec 3 after delivering some impressive performances at the group stage.

FIFA world cup 2022

Morocco have just won their round of 16 match against Spain, that they won on penalties. This involved an impressive performance from the entire team, especially the goalkeeper, Yassine Bonou who has now achieved star status, and saved the penalty attempts by Sergio Busquets and Carlos Soler.

FIFA world cup 2022

England have yet again been unable to break free of the rut that has seen them unsuccessful in claiming the World Cup title after their only win, in 1966. In their recent attempts, various players have played a key role in England’s knockout loss, including Luka Modric in 2018, Marco Verratti in Euro 2020 and now Antoine Griezmann. In England’s latest 2-1 loss to France, with goals by Olivier Giroud and AurelienTchouameni, the Three Lions were able to come from behind and bring the score to 1-1. This is contrast to their previous encounters, where England has the lead but squandered it against Croatia in the 2018 Russian World Cup in 2018, and against Italy at Euro 2020, where Modric and Verratti dictated their team’s performances.

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A disciplinary case has been filed by FIFA against Argentina, after their quarterfinal match against the Netherlands ended in clashes between players. The Argentina football federation has reportedly been charged with violation of the code related to “order and security at matches”.