The quarter finals of the 23rd FIFA men’s World Cup begins today, Thursday, July 9 with France taking on Morocco, the only African representative still left in the tournament.
Morocco got to the semi final of the 2022 world cup in Qatar while France were losing finalist to Argentina.
In any case, after the conclusion of the round of 16 matches with 96 games played, 280 goals were scored with roughly 6.3( 6,259,594) fans in attendance, representing an average of 65,204 fans per match.
France are one of the favourites to win the trophy given the quality of their team, with many arguing that the players on the bench are good enough to represent some countries and still go far in the competition.
The Moroccans are not also a push-over and France will need to be at their best to halt the North Africans progress to another semi final equalling feat.
While France will most obviously rely on their captain and all time record goal scorer, Kylian Mbappe to lead their onslaught, alongside other star players in their line-up, they must be wary of the potentials of Morocco to hurt them if underrated.
Morocco will be counting on their unity, discipline and composure against the French with their Captain, Achraf Hakimi providing them with all the intelligence they need about most of the French players from Paris Saint Germain playing for the French National team.
With the three co-hoss nations. Canada, Mexico and USA, eliminated, there are fears that the attendance at the mundial will suffer because one of the major attractions for the home fans had been eliminated.
The talking points ahead of this crucial game is whether an African team will get a fair officiating as a number of African teams have suffered unfair officiating that has questioned the integrity of FIFA and the World Cup.
The manner Egypt exited made it almost very obvious that FIFA has preferences and do not intend to sacrifice their preferences for whatever reasons to fair officiating and a competitive winner.
Will Morocco suffer any of the biased officiating some African teams have suffered or will it be the turn of France to cry and share in the heartaches of African teams.?
Many are already insinuating that FIFA may be working out a perfect plan to clear the road for Argentina and Lionel Messi to retain the trophy as no Captain has lifted the world cup twice, as a parting shot for Messi, and position him as the numero uno to win the Ballon D’Or.
Among the controversies that have trailed the world cup is the reported phone call by USA President Donald Trump to the FIFA President demanding the cancellation of a red card issued to Nigerian born Folarin Balogun on 1st July against Bosnia.
Folarin who was supposed to miss the next match by the USA against Belgium shockingly had the card suspended by FIFA in an embarrassing and shameful manner that had the world screaming and calling for the resignation of Gianni Infantino as FIFA President.
Though FIFA claimed the likes of Rebin Sulaka of Iraq in the match against Senegal of 26th June; Agustin Canibbio of Uruguay in match against Spain of 26th June and that of Piero Hincaple of Ecuador against Mexico of 30th June were told the red card their card suspension will be served outside the schedule of the tournament , which is not in accordance with existing statutes of FIFA.
Interestingly, the red card to Jarell Quansah of England gotten on 5th July against Mexico is not suspended as records show he will miss the quarter final match between England and Norway on 11th July.
Many have accused FIFA of treating Messi specially citing the case of stamping on an Algerian player and getting away with it and the Egyptian match climaxing the allegation of favouritism, corruption, injustice, and partiality .
Egyptian Manager Hossam told the Media after his loss to Argentina that he lost due to injustice and economic vision of FIFA to make money through deliberate retainership of Messi to attract fans and keep sponsors from withdrawing their deals.
He condemned in strong terms the over protection of Messi whom he alleged infringed on football regulations at will, stressing that FIFA should have just told everyone else to go home and hand over the trophy to Argentina.
Nine times Ballon D’Or winner, Lionel Messi of Argentina is leading the goal merchants list pursuing the Golden Ball for highest scorer with 8 goals; Kylian Mbappe of France tied with Erling Haaland of Norway have 7 goals each and Harry Kane of England has 6 goals.
Mohammed Hany of Egypt who has just been sent home has the record of the only player to have two own goals in the tournament against Australia and Belgium.
QUARTER FINAL
As the world cup enters the quarter final stage today the schedules are as follows with Nigerian time :
France will face Morocco today on 9th July at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough at 9pm, with referee Facundo Tello of Argentina to be in charge with all referees assistants including VAR head from Argentina.
Tomorrow,Friday July 10 at 8pm Spain will face Belgium at Sofi Stadium, Inglewood on with Referee Michael Oliver of England in charge.
Norway take on England at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens on 11th July at 10pm .
While Argentina and Switzerland battle at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City on 12th July at 2am.
The final will hold at Metlife Stadium, East Rutherford on 19th July with President Donald Trump in attendance to present the trophy to the winner and lead the medal hanging ceremony.
All 16th round losers (8 of them) are to collect $15m each from FIFA while 4 of the 8 quarterfinalists will collect $19m each.
Just to refresh your memory on the ROUND 16 MATCH RESULTS
1. Morocco 3 -Canada 0 (Morocco Qualifies)
2. France 1- Paraguay 0 (France Qualifies)
3. Norway 2 -Brazil 1 (Norway Qualifies)
4. England 3 -Mexico 2 (England Qualifies)
5. Spain 1 -Portugal 0 (Spain Qualifies)
6. Belgium 4 -USA 1 (Belgium Qualifies)
7. Argentina 3 -Egypt 2 (Argentina Qualifies)
8. Switzerland 4 -Columbia 3 Penalty Shootout (Switzerland Qualifies)
