World Cup 2022 | On to the playoffs!

The group stage is over at the Soccer World Cup. Now on to the playoffs! The Press gives you a roundup of this weekend’s Round of 16 clashes.

Netherlands – United States

The Dutch have been discreet since the start of the tournament, while they quietly sailed towards a first place in group A. Their revelation, and one of the great stories of this World Cup, is the emergence of Cody Gakpo. The young left winger has scored in all three of the Netherlands’ games.

The United States will have to keep an eye on it. But they will be reassured to have conceded only one goal during the group stage. And it was on penalty. If the American defense did well, its midfield was even better. Although only effective at times, the line of Tyler Adams, Yunus Musah and Weston McKennie have been lively and creative over the past three games. They can also count on a Tim Weah in great shape at the forefront. A well-shared confrontation.

Argentina – Australia

Argentina experienced the tragedy as a curtain raiser, with their defeat against Saudi Arabia. But since then, it’s been solid. Two unequivocal victories against Poland and Mexico. It is perhaps even the team that has shown the greatest improvement, tactically, in three games. Lionel Messi stood out, young Enzo Fernández and Alexis Mac Allister too. Have they already exorcised the Evil One, on the way to the great trophy?

Australia is a surprise. In these pages, we expected France and Denmark to come out of the group with flying colors. But the Danes disappointed, and despite a tough defeat against France (4-1), the Socceroos got up and went for two victories. On a par with the French. This team is built mainly of unknown players playing in more or less prestigious championships. We don’t expect his fine run to continue for very long. And especially not against Argentina, hungry.

France – Poland

There were as many injuries as there were questions about France at the start of the World Cup. But by his finesse, his beautiful game and his talent, the gray clouds quickly cleared off. Yes, there was the defeat against Tunisia in the last match, during which Didier Deschamps outright played his B team. But otherwise, France resumed their flight, where they had left off after their 2018 coronation .

Poland have been outplayed in possession and shots in each of their three games. But she managed to get four points despite everything. Against the French attacking power, the Polish tightness will be put to the test. The White Eagles will need a precise and powerful Robert Lewandowski on the counter-attack to hope to make the Blues lose their colors.

England – Senegal

One of the good clashes of these eighths. England are definitely favourites, with youngsters Bukayo Saka, Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden all hitting the target already. We add to this lot Marcus Rashford, who finds his superb in this tournament. And Harry Kane, more passer than scorer so far. To thrill any opposition.

For Senegal, we expected the worst after the loss of their ace Sadio Mané before the World Cup. But is not African champion who wants! Beaten by the Netherlands from the start, the Lions were then inspired by their captain Kalidou Koulibaly, a central defender. He is also the scorer who took Senegal to the round of 16, with his victorious net against Ecuador.

A blow for the Senegalese, however: their excellent midfielder Idrissa Gueye, from Everton in the Premier League, will be absent due to his two yellow cards in the group stage.