FIFA WC 2022 | Best moments of the FIFA WC 2022 knockouts

The stage is set for the showdown final of the FIFA World Cup 2022 as defending champions France take on Lionel Messi’s Argentina on Sunday (December 18). 

Both teams have come a long way to make the final where they dealt with heartbreaking moments, injuries, and ecstasy while writing another chapter in the history of the World Cup. The 2022 showpiece is also no exception, while the attention now shifts to the final and the third-place playoff; here are some of the best moments in the knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup.

Morocco’s moment of history vs Portugal

Playing in the quarterfinal for the first time, Morocco had little to lose as they took on Portugal in what went down as one of the best moments in the history of the World Cup. Youssef En-Nesyri’s goal in the 42nd minute for Morocco saw them take a lead that was maintained until the final whistle. The 1-0 win saw Morocco become the first team from Africa to reach the semifinals of the FIFA World Cup as Moroccan fans across the globe celebrated while players were seen emotional as well.

Croatia stun Brazil in the quarterfinal

Going into the quarterfinal encounter against Brazil, 2018 runners-up Croatia were dimmed as second-best and expected to bow out. However, like in 2018, Croatia were at their fluent best and produced a magical moment despite trailing in the quarterfinal contest until the 117th minute. Despite Neymar’s goal, it was Bruno Petković who turned out to be the hero of the match after a late equalizer. In the shootout, a miss from Marquinhos and Rodrygo paved way for Croatia to make yet another semifinal.

Wout Weghorst almost break Argentine hearts

In one of the entertaining contests of the FIFA World Cup 2022, the Netherlands almost produced the comeback of all comebacks after being down 0-2. Trailing by that margin, Dutch coach Louis Van Gaal decided to bring on Wout Weghorst with just seven minutes to go in the match. The Beşiktaş striker made an instant impact and pulled one back in the 83rd minute and chipped in with a 101st-minute equalizer to take the match into extra time and then penalties. The Dutch finally faltered in the shootout like in the 2014 World Cup semifinal and had to go home empty-handed despite the heroic comeback.

Portugal thump Switzerland 6-1

Heading into the Round of 16, Portugal lost to South Korea and there was negativity surrounding the team as Cristiano Ronaldo was expected to be dropped from the Playing XI. Switzerland, one of the main protagonist behind Italy’s absence in the FIFA World Cup, were expected to give Fernando Santos’ side a run for their money. However, the contest turned out to be a cakewalk for Portugal as they thumped Switzerland 6-1 as Goncalo Ramos scored the only hat-trick of the World Cup so far.

Cover Credits: FIFAofficial