Only a handful of group stage games remain in an eventful group stage of the Qatar 2022. It had been an exhilarating 11 days of global showcase, which perhaps still laments the absence of two current stalwarts – Karin Benzema and Erling Haaland. The climax of the group stage is past. Surpassing the outrageous drama in the last 45 minutes of Group Cliffhanger and Group Enchanting is unlikely. Noticeably, the gap between the stalwart nations and the proverbial minnows (in terms of world football) reduced. Technology made a strong entry underscoring the outcome of several games.
The Unbelievable – Japan & Morocco
Saudi Arabia sent all rubbing their eyes in disbelief with their come-from-behind 2-1 win against Messi’s Argentina. A week later, Japan perfected the art dishing out similar outcomes to Germany and Spain. Football folklore remains rewritten with Morocco and Japan topping their respective groups and eliminating Belgium and Germany.
The Disappointments – Belgium, Germany & Denmark
At the tail end of the golden generation, Belgium remains the biggest looser of the Cup so far. Germany’s transition remains a work in progress, and the 2014 Champions are out in the group stage in two successive editions. However, unlike Belgium, who went out meekly, Germans fired 32 times (one every 3 minutes) at the opposition goal and won 4-2; but yet found short. Denmark is the other team that disappointed.
The Survivors – Argentina, Portugal & Netherlands
Argentina survived a scare, upped their performance, and now lands in the easiest quarter for a semifinal spot. Messi followed footsteps of illustrious greats and missed a world cup penalty proving that he is a human, after all. Until now, Ronaldo’s Portugal had not looked special but still managed full points from both games. Netherlands game was an eyesore compared to the blazing oranges of the past, but they remain unbeaten from the group stage.
The Anomaly – Spain
The team started with a flourish, but ended in a whimper. As always, it is poetry in the pitch with questionable efficiency. In two group games, they played 1000+ passes and had 80%+ possession. In one of them, they won 7-2, and in the other, they lost 2-1.
The Contenders – Brazil, France & England
This trio looked most promising to win the title.
Brazil are eternal favorites and played like one. The crisp passing game with variety is a thing of beauty and produced the cinematic goal. France lived up to expectation of a defending champion and even managed the luxury of resting several automatic starters in the last game. England is doing the basics right. However, France and England are slotted for a QF showdown – it will be a game to look forward to. The Latin American classic between Brazil and Argentina is also very much possible in a semi-final. That will be a meeting after 32 years – the last one is still vivid for Maradona’s pass and Caniggia’s goal.
Bon Appetite, football fans!
Picture Courtesy: FIFA Media
