Who’s the Favourite in World Cup Quarter-Finals?
Fifteen enthralling matches wrapped up early this week, setting the stage for eight countries—excluding host Mexico—to battle it out for a prized spot at next year's finals. According to reporting by Mirror - Football.
The reigning champions Argentina advanced after an eye-catching comeback against Egypt. Europe's giants, Spain and France, also showed dominance in their matches. In stark contrast, first-time contenders like Norway, Morocco, Belgium, and Switzerland all secured a place. This article delves into each nation’s prospects for the quarter-finals.
French Team Stands Strongest
Didier Deschamps' France enters the round as one of the favourites to claim the globe. Les Bleus have shown consistent performance, brushing aside Sweden in the last 16 and sealing a late victory against Paraguay through Kylian Mbappe's penalty. The team’s quality across the board suggests they might just add another title.
Spanish Excellence Continues
Spain has had a brilliant run, boasting four consecutive wins in a row without conceding any goals. Their round of 16 against Portugal required a late Mikel Merino goal to push them through, showcasing their ability to rise above challenges. With talent scattered throughout the pitch, Spain’s path remains promising.
England Reaches New Heights
Under Thomas Tuchel’s leadership, England secured an important win over Mexico, their first ever at the Azteca. Despite the team having its ups and downs during this World Cup, they are certainly among the contenders to make history. The Three Lions will use these experiences to fight even harder.
Argentina Pushes On
Lionel Scaloni’s Argentina were in trouble against Egypt but secured three late goals to keep their championship hopes alive. Averaging a goal per game, Argentina have the golden touch and with Lionel Messi leading the charge, they aren’t out of it yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How are teams ranked heading into the quarter-finals?
The teams are ranked based on their consistency throughout the tournament, their overall quality, and how well they’ve performed in knockout stages. According to Mirror - Football's analysis, France remains at the top followed closely by Spain.
Is there a standout new contender this year?
Yes, Norway has impressed with the star striker Erling Haaland scoring seven goals already. They have a well-rounded team with strong prospects of surprising bigger teams like England in the quarter-finals.