The first EVER African country to make a World Cup semifinal. The Atlas Lions of Morocco. I had tears in my eyes when the full-time whistle blew. On the other side of the bracket, I also had tears in my eyes. However, it was not for the same reason. Brazil crashed out of the group after allowing a goal in the 117th minute against Croatia, as they went on to lose on penalties. And then after that Netherlands rallied against Messi & Argentina to tie the game at two apiece, just to also lose in another penalty shootout. France and England had a classic game in their own right, but Harry Kane sent the penalty back to Tottenham. It’s time to talk about these last two games. Let’s get into it.
Argentina vs. Croatia (Dec. 13th, 2 p.m. ET)
Two Ballon D’Or winners will face off with a chance to go to their second World Cup Final. Both players lost in the World Cup Final (Modrić in 2018 vs. France & Messi in 2014 vs. Germany), so they will both have chances to redeem themselves. Both teams didn’t have great starts to the tournament as Argentina lost to Saudi Arabia 2-1 and Croatia drew with Morocco, but they’ve been on fire ever since. Croatia under Zlatko Dalić have been the ultimate “never say die” team, winning their two knockout stage games in penalties. Argentina defeated Australia in a close 2-1 victory and then proceeded to beat Netherlands on penalties in what I thought was the game of the tournament. These are two teams that have been on top of their game for the last four years. Two iconic players will once again have the chance to put their country on their backs. Who will win? We’ll find out very soon.
Predictions: Argentina 2, Croatia 1 (Extra-time)
France vs. Morocco (Dec. 14th, 2 p.m. ET)
There’s no way you guys don’t know who I’m picking here. The Atlas Lions of Morocco have my full faith. Walid Regragui has the boys so locked in it is crazy. Sofyan Amrabat deserves to be in the team of of the tournament and if he somehow ends in a Liverpool Red shirt I would be so happy. Imagine a Greek (Kostas Tsimikas) and a Moroccan (Amrabat) both playing for my favorite club in the world. Mainline inject that into my veins. The Moroccan defense has yet to allow an opposition goal through five games in Qatar, but this will by far be their hardest test. The clinical front three of Kylian Mbappe, Olivier Giroud and Ousmane Dembélé (who’s married to a Moroccan) will have this defense on their heels. Despite that, I have full faith in the squad and I can’t wait to see this match. Despite us possibly missing our captain, I know that this team will give their all. I know that they can do it. Up the Atlas Lions.
Prediction: Morocco 1, France 1 (Morocco wins 3-1 on penalties)
Three more games to watch at this historic tournament. Three more games to decide what country will be forever engraved in the history. Three more games to see which player changes their legacy forever. For the trophy, for their countries and for the love of the game. I am so happy to be able to witness this history. This is YSN, until next time, signing out.
