There was a bit less drama in the quarterfinals of the 2018 World Cup than in previous rounds, but the four games still delivered plenty of action.
Team penalty kicks -- especially those taken on soccer's grandest stage -- arrive with an innate sense of pressure. Many of the best players in the game have succumbed to the wily ways of this torturous dance. Others have done what is expected, displaying a calm, cool, and collected wit about them to step right up, knock the ball into the back of the net, and move on.
Failures can sometimes be easily classified as a bad case of overthinking. Outwitting the opposing team's goalie is part of converting, of course, but often times overthinking is detrimental. The result: shots skyrocketing to the left, to the right, and up, up, and away (and not on a beautiful balloon).
I've been on both sides of the ball in those situations (albeit under quite less strenuous circumstances) and I still can't believe there aren't more goals scored on team penalty kicks. World-class goalkeepers play their part but I could never figure out how to make a stop (thus perhaps explaining my short-lived career between the posts).
Croatia and Russia, for the second time in as many games in the World Cup, found themselves lining up in this very situation. Croatia prevailed 3-2 on penalty kicks to advance to the semifinals.
Russia kept the match alive with a goal to tie things at 2 with six minutes left in extra time and eventually send the game to penalty kicks.
In a game that comes down to inches, Russia not only missed a penalty kick far and wide, they saw shots easily saved.
The host nation, who many pegged for a group stage exit, had fallen just short in their bid to reach the semifinals. A valiant effort nonetheless in their quest for the semifinals in which all four teams will be representing a European nation.
France vs Belgium, 7/10 12:00 pm MT
The young team from France was 2-0 winners over Uruguay while Belgium defeated Brazil 2-1 to reach the semifinals.
France last made the semifinals in 2006, where they finished as runners-up to champion Italy. (A game the Italians won on penalty kicks). This result came eight years after the French defeated Brazil to claim the cup.
Belgium, meanwhile, has not made it this far in the World Cup since 1986 (where they finished fourth) and has never taken the top spot. They have not been defeated in 24 straight international matches.
France has totaled nine goals in the World Cup while Belgium has totaled 14. Belgium plays a fairly even-handed game, leaning towards a defensive style but certainly countering when needed. (And by the amount of goals scored, converting on these chances). France will get at you, but nothing Belgium didn't already see against Brazil.
Antoine Griezmann and Kylian Mbappe, all 19 years of him, lead France with three goals each. And though he hasn't scored or assisted, Paul Pogba is always a threat.
Romelu Lukaku, Kevin De Bruyne, and Eden Hazard have all made cases as top player in the tournament. Lukaku has four goals and Hazard has two goals and two assists.
Both keepers -- Hugo Lloris of France and Thibaut Cortois of Belgium -- have both been outstanding. Tough one to call, but Belgium's run over the past few years has been nothing short of excellent. Look for it to continue with a victory over France.
Croatia vs England, 7/11 12 pm MT
In the opening match of the day, hours before Croatia took care of Russia, the Three Lions of England defeated Sweden 2-0. In doing so, England will be in their first World Cup semifinal since 1990, where they finished fourth.
Croatia last found the semifinals in 1998, where they finished third. Once part of Yugoslavia, Croatia has only been competing on the world stage since the mid-1990's and will be seeking their first appearance in the final.
England last won it all in 1966.
Croatia has outscored opponents 10-6 over its past five games. Luka Modric has netted two goals to lead the squad as Croatia uses a balanced attack on the pitch.
England has scored 11 goals, six of which came in a game against Tunisia. Harry Kane has delivered six goals over the span of five games, but it has been the play of others like Harry Maguire and John Stones as of late that has propelled England.
Each team is well-deserving of a spot in the final, but England appears to have a confidence and looseness to their play that hasn't been seen in recent World Cups. For that fact, I'm going with England in this match.
Be sure to check back later next week when the final and consolation games are set. To keep up with sports, movies, pop culture and more, be sure to follow Jason on Twitter: @jasonrh_78
Photo courtesy of flickr.com
Comments