FIFA World Cup 2022

After a four-year break, it’s finally time for the FIFA World Cup. Ever since the first World Cup in 1930, this prestigious soccer tournament has taken place every four years, and it is no secret that it is one of the largest sporting events on the planet. This year, Qatar hosts the 32 nations for the tournament. The cup has five rounds: The group stage, the round of 16, the quarter-finals, the semifinals, and the final.

In 2018, the US men’s team did not qualify for the World Cup for the first time since 1986, but they clinched a spot in the 2022 tournament. In their first match against Wales, they tied 1-1 with a goal from Tim Weah in the first half, and they tied England 0-0 in their second match. In their third and final game of the group stage, they played an intense game against Iran and came out with a 1-0 win. They dominated the first half, and Christian Pulisic scored the goal in the 38th minute. Their defense was strong in the second half, which gave them the win they needed to move on to the round of 16. They played against the Netherlands on December 3rd in the round of 16, and unfortunately lost 3-1, their single goal from Haji Wright. Josh Sargent’s absence in the match showed in their attempts to attack on goal. Overall, they had slightly more possession than the Netherlands, but they just couldn’t put the ball in the back of the net. Nevertheless, the US men’s team performed well in the group stage. According to US Soccer, the USMNT recorded two shutouts in the world cup for the first time since 1930. 

In the group stage, a few teams expected to win particular matches were surprisingly defeated. With one of the most famous footballers of all time, Lionel Messi, and other exceptional players, Argentina was expected to beat Saudi Arabia in their first group stage match on November 22nd, but they had a shocking 2-1 upset loss. The next day, Germany was defeated by Japan 2-1, although Germany maintained possession throughout most of the game. In the round of 16, Spain was unexpectedly eliminated in penalty kicks by Morocco. 

The Netherlands played Argentina in the quarter finals, who beat Australia 2-1 with a first half goal from Messi and a second half goal from Alvarez. Croatia, who beat Japan in penalty kicks, will play Brazil in the quarter finals, who beat South Korea 4-1. Brazil’s most famous player, Neymar Jr, was absent in Brazil’s matches against Switzerland and Cameroon after an ankle injury in their first game against Serbia, but he was back for their game against South Korea and scored a goal from a penalty kick. England beat Senegal 3-0 to progress to the quarter finals, and they will play France, who beat Poland 3-1 to move on. Morocco’s stunning victory against Spain in penalty kicks earns them a spot in the quarter finals as well. Portugal also progressed to the quarters after their 6-1 win against Switzerland, despite Christiano Ronaldo, one of the most famous soccer players in the world, only playing 17 minutes. His replacement, Goncalo Ramos, scored a hat trick. The quarter finals take place on December 9th and 10th, the semi finals are on the 14th and 15th, and the final of this tournament is on December 18th.