FIFA World Cup 2022, Semi-final: Teams, full fixture, venue, dates – All you need to know
With the quarter-finals concluded, FIFA World Cup 2022 is reaching its climax. Argentina, Croatia, France and Morocco are the four teams which have qualified for the semi-finals of the marquee tournament. Morocco have become the first African nation to make the cut for the semi-final.
The tournament was a roller-coaster for many teams with several upsets and twists. Argentina bounced back after suffering a shocking defeat to Saudi Arabia in their opening match of the group stage. The Lionel Messi-led team then won 2-0 over Mexico and 2-0 over Poland to top Group C and storm into the round of 16. They were up against Australia in the last 16 and emerged victorious by 2-1 to cruise into the quarterfinal. In the last eight, the South American team locked horns with Netherlands and won 4-3 on penalties after the score was tied 2-2. Argentina are now all set to face off against Croatia in the semi-final.
Runners up of the 2018 edition, Croatia have lived up to their name and shown that their past performance wasn’t a flash in the pan. They have remained unbeaten in the tournament. In the group stages, Croatia drew 0-0 against Morocco, won 4-1 against Canada and drew 0-0 against Belgium and stormed into the round of 16. They took on Asian powerhouse Japan in the last 16 and won 3-1 on penalties after the score was tied at 1-1. In the quarter-final, Croatia knocked out star-studded Brazil with a 4-2 win on penalties after the score ended at 1-1 despite going to extra time……..Continue Reading
Current World Champions France seem to have continued their dream run since 2018. They faltered only against Tunisia in the group stage as they lost 0-1 to the African country. But having won 4-1 against Australia and 2-1 against Denmark, France topped Group D and stormed into the last 16. In the round of 16, they prevailed 3-1 over Poland to qualify for the quarter-final. France knocked out England by winning 2-1 in the last eight and cruised into their second consecutive semi-final. With the likes of Kylian Mbappé who has scored the highest number of goals in FIFA World Cup 2022 and striker Olivier Giroud who is also among the leading goal-scorers in the tournament, France are one of the top contenders for the title with only two matches away. In the semi-final, they’ll be up against Morocco.
Morocco have been the dark horse of this edition of the World Cup. A tiny African country, most football experts didn’t expect them to make it even to the quarter-finals. But with some great defence and terrific performances, Morocco are in the semi-final. Their campaign in the tournament has been nothing short of a fairy tale as they have remained unbeaten. In the group stage, Morocco drew 0-0 against Croatia, won 2-0 against Belgium and defeated Canada by 2-1. They locked horns with a strong Spain in the round of 16 and emerged victorious 3-0 on penalties after score was tied at 0-0 in extra time. In the quarter-final, they surpassed star-studded Portugal with a 1-0 win.
Which teams qualified for the 2022 FIFA World Cup semi-finals
Croatia – beat Brazil 4-2 (1-1) via penalty shootout
Argentina – beat Netherlands 4-3 (2-2)
Morocco – beat Portugal 1-0
France – beat England 2-1
2022 FIFA World Cup Semi-final – Full Fixture
December 14: Argentina vs Croatia – Lusail Stadium (12:30 AM IST)
December 15: France vs Morocco – Al Bayt Stadium (12:30 AM IST)
