After one of the most exciting quarterfinals in tournament history, the World Cup Semifinals came and brought us more unbelievable and heartbreaking moments that will live in football infamy. While we saw a Cinderella story end and a legend of the game’s international career come to a close, we get to see the reigning champs go for a repeat and a legend fight for the cherry on top of a historic career.
Legend v. Legend – Semifinal #1
After both Argentina and Croatia made it to the semifinals in exciting penalty shootouts that left the world at the edge of their seats, we were hoping this matchup between the two nations would be equally as exciting. While this match did not end in the exciting shootout that we had seen twice in the quarterfinals, it did offer an exceptionally exciting look at Argentina.
Legend Lionel Messi opened up the scoresheet late in the first half with a penalty powerfully struck to put him in the history books as Argentina’s leading goal scorer. While Argentina struck early, Croatia fans knew that they’ve come from behind many times before, especially in this tournament. However, Alvarez would strike for Argentina before the half closed putting a damper on the hope for Croatia to come back and make magic yet again. As we moved to the second half of the match, Argentina came out looking stronger than we had seen them this entire tournament. Croatia had a few big opportunities, but it was Argentina’s sheer will power and strength that propelled them to a massive 3-0 victory.
Keys to World Cup Victory
Now that Argentina have made their way to the final, you may be asking “How can Messi and his squad bring home the title?”
One of the biggest things that Argentina needs to do is utilize all of their tools. Heavily relying on players like Lionel Messi will not do Argentina any favors and their early struggles in the tournament definitely proved that. When Argentina played as a unit and let all of their sensational stars be the focus rather than just Lionel Messi himself their chemistry, class, and football power was unlike any other squad in the tournament. If Argentina can cement their defense and play as a unit they could see Lionel Messi lift the trophy that cements his legacy into football’s history books.
Cinderella v. Superhero
Throughout the tournament we saw one of the most historic runs from an African nation, taking down perennial soccer super powers every step of the way. As they took down Ronaldo and Portugal in the quarterfinals, Morocco were riding the wave of their inspiration and story into the semifinals. However, the small African nation would have to face the reigning World Cup champions that have proved throughout the tournament that they are still very much a front runner to bring home a back-to-back title.
The Cinderella story for Morocco came to an unfortunate end at the hands of powerhouse France. Throughout the match, France looked as though they were the stronger side, but Morocco pressed high and mighty throughout the match even as they went down early in the first half. Morocco forced major saves from French Goalkeeper Hugo Lloris and even had us question whether France could hold onto the lead. While Kylian Mbappe did not have the most prolific game of his career during the match he did in fact play a major role in the national team’s exciting victory.
Keys to Repeat Titles
France have looked like they are definitely ready to repeat a victory at the tournament with their sheer power and stardom. Throughout the entire tournament stars like Mbappe, Giroud, and Griezmann proved that their experience and sheer skill would be the thing that could send France back to the final.
If they want to repeat and bring home their second straight title, being only the third team in history to do so, they will need to make sure that their defense is shored up. If there is one thing France is known for it is their unbelievably powerful midfield and front line. Their weak spot is most definitely their defense, while they haven’t given up a great deal of goals throughout the tournament, there have been weak moments. If France could solidify the back line and ensure that their offensive presence still remains exceptionally powerful, they could see yet another title be brought back to the nation.
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