Just For Kicks: AJ’s World Cup Picks: Final Time

Spots in the Final at Stake

Source: FIFA

The World Cup Knockout Stage as we enter the quarterfinals.

Alexander "AJ" Bryant, Contributor
December 9, 2022

World Cup Final

Argentina vs. France

Players to Watch

Argentina: Lionel Messi (Winger), Angel Di Maria (Winger)

France: Kylian Mbappe (F), Olivier Giroud (F)

Prediction: France 2-1

AJ TO DATE

Semifinals: 2-0

Overall: 4-2

AJ TO DATE

Semifinals: 2-0

Overall: 4-2

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Semifinals

Croatia vs. Argentina

Players to Watch

Argentina: Lionel Messi (Winger), Angel Di Maria (Winger)

Croatia: Luka Modric (MF), Josko Gvardiol (DF)

Game Story: Argentina has proven themselves once again after a 2-2 win in penalties over The Netherlands in the quarterfinals to cement a spot in the semis against Croatia. Croatia is coming from an impressive win over one of the favorites in the tournament, Brazil. Croatia is definitely the underdog coming into this game, but they have proven themselves against Brazil, so this is going to be a great matchup.

Prediction: Argentina, 2-1 (pk)

Morocco vs. France

Players to Watch

Morocco: Hakim Ziyech (F), Achraf Hakimi (DF)

France: Kylian Mbappe (F), Olivier Giroud (F)

Game Story: Morocco is definitely the underdog for this game as France is the defending champ of the World Cup. But Morocco has taken out two big teams in Portugal and Spain. Also, Morocco supposedly has the best defense in the tournament, so we’ll see if France is able to break through and score.

Prediction:  France, 1-0

Quarterfinal Round: 2-2 (Argentina, France)

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Quarterfinals

Argentina vs. Netherlands

Players to Watch

Argentina: Lionel Messi (Winger), Angel Di maria (Winger)

Netherlands: Virgil van Dijk (DF). Frenkie de Jong (MF)

Game Story

Argentina has two very strong wingers, Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria. The problem is that their defense is fairly weak and so is the midfield. There is also a possible injury that Di Maria is recovering from at the moment. On the other hand, Netherlands (Holland) have a very strong center back known as Virgil van Dijk. He is approximately 6-foot-5 inches, which is very beneficial for playing in the air. Another phenomenal player for the Dutch is Frenkie de Jong. He is a very technical player with great dribbling skills and playmaking skills. The Dutch have no one injured at the moment.

Prediction: Netherlands, 1-0

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Croatia vs. Brazil

Players to Watch

Croatia: Luka Modric (MF), Josko Gvardiol (DF)

Brazil: Neymar Jr (MF), Vinicius Jr (winger)

Game Story

Throughout this World Cup, Croatia has only let in one goal, and it was an own goal. This great defense is due in great part to Josko Gvardiol. Brazil has scored a total of 7 goals thanks to their outstanding offense. Also, Neymar is starting to look like one of the best in the tournament.

Prediction: Brazil, 2-1 (pk)

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England vs. France

Players to Watch

England: Harry Kane (F), Jude Bellingham (MF)

France: Kylian Mbappe (F), Olivier Giroud (F)

Game Story

England has played fairly well in the tournament so far and have not seemed to disappoint yet. But with Olivier Giroud and Kylin Mbappe to face, who knows. With Mbappe’s speed and Giroud’s finishing, France has a very good chance at winning.

Prediction: France, 4-2

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Morocco vs. Portugal

Players to Watch

Morocco: Hakim Ziyech (F), Achraf Hakimi (DF)

Portugal:Christiano Ronaldo (F), Bruno Fernandes (MF)

Game Story

With Ronaldo being the best player ever this is sure to be a good game to watch. There is a chance for both sides with Morocco taking Spain out of the tournament and Portugal beating the Swiss 6-1.. There are no new injuries so this should be a good game.

Prediction: Portugal, 3-1