Football

World Cup Qatar 2022: What Can We Expect In The Semifinals?

Published

10 months ago

December 13, 2022

The 2022 FIFA World Cup has been full of surprises, drama, and unending entertainment. We have seen teams razzle and dazzle in their glory while others have bowed their heads in disappointment. As the competition is in its late stage, we have four national teams left. Argentina, France, Croatia, and Morocco are the four countries left and are about to face up for a chance to book a spot in the finals.

After battling it out on penalties against the Netherlands, Argentina is now up against Croatia. At the same time, Morocco, who, against all odds, edged past Portugal, will face reigning World Cup champions France. Here we will look at the events that led to this stage of the competition and give a prediction of the outcome of the semi-finals matchups.

Table Of Contents

Argentina Vs Croatia
France Vs Morocco

Argentina Vs Croatia

Argentina is the only South American team in this stage of the competition. They face a Croatian side who defeated Brazil, another South American team, in the quarterfinals to get to the semi-finals.

Croatia

If Morocco did not make it to the semi-finals, Croatia would have easily been the dark horse of the tournament. Croatia is only a game away from making its back-to-back finals appearance. They do not boast of a particularly outstanding star player, but they have been a team that thrived on collective effort, although they have a Ballon d’Or winner Luka Modric leading them.

Croatia was in Group F, the same as Morocco, Canada, and Belgium. They opened the tournament against Morocco, ending in a goalless draw.

Croatia played Canada next, and they won emphatically. Four goals to one, potentially ending Canada’s hopes of making it out of the group stage.

In a bid to grab a spot in the round of 16, Croatia held Belgium to a goalless draw to finish second in Group F behind Morocco.

Croatia was up against Japan in the round of 16, and it was a fight till the end kind of game. It came down to penalties after playing a 1-1 draw, including extra time. Croatia won 3-1 on penalties to advance to the semi-finals.

Croatia faced title-favorite Brazil in the quarter-finals and played out another 1-1 draw at the end of extra time. Croatia won 4-2 on penalties to send Brazil home and advance to the semi-finals.

Argentina

Argentina is exactly living up to expectations in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, and it might finally be Lionel Messi’s time to lift the much-coveted trophy. Argentina has brilliantly recovered from an early scare to start the competition and is now a game away from making the finals. La Albiceleste has all that is required to get the job done, as they were tipped as one of the favorites to win it all.

Argentina was up against Saudi Arabia to begin the tournament. They suffered a 2-1 loss, to everyone’s surprise, but they recovered in their remaining group games.

Next up, Argentina was up against Mexico and won by two goals to nil for their first points in the group.

Another 2-0 win against Poland secured Argentina’s spot as group leader

Argentina was up next against Australia in the round of 16. They defeated Australia 2-1 to progress to the quarter-finals

Argentina was up against the Netherlands in the quarter-finals. Messi gave Nahuel Molina the assist for his first-ever international goal as Argentina took the lead. Messi converted a penalty kick in the 73rd minute to make it 2-0 for Argentina. To keep the Netherlands within striking distance of Argentina, 2-1, substitute Wout Weghorst breached the Argentine defense and pierced the goal. He scored again late in extra time to force extra time and ultimately force penalties, which Argentina eventually won 4-2.

Match Prediction

Argentina, one of the most competitive teams at the FIFA World Cup, will again rely on Lionel Messi’s artistic wizardry this week. The Albiceleste have several difficulties in addressing before this match after giving up late goals against the Netherlands. Croatia has previously caused problems for Argentina and has already caused heartbreak for Brazil at the World Cup. Croatia wants to return to the finals, so we could see them put up another strong showing. Croatia boasts a solid defense and should be able to keep this game under two goals. Under 1.5 is the pick for this game.

France Vs Morocco

Morocco is clearly the dark horse of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, with impressive showings against all odds. They face the reigning champions France, who appear to show no signs of slowing down as they gradually make their way to the finals once again.

France

France was one of the favorites to win the World Cup despite a number of important players faltering in the last days before the tournament. The remarkable depth of Les Blues’ roster and head coach Didier Deschamps has been crucial to their progress to the semifinals.

France opened the tournament with a win over a 4-1 win over Australia

They went on to win their second group game 2-1 against Denmark. They secured qualification to the round of 16 with this win.

In a game that did not affect their qualification hopes, France lost their third group game to Tunisia.

France was up against Poland in the round of 16, and they cruised past them, winning three goals to one.

France played England in the quarter-finals, and a second-half Harry Kane penalty miss ensured their progression to the semi-finals. France opened the scoring, but England got a penalty to bring the game to level terms. Giroud, in the second half, put the French team up front, proving decisive.

Morocco

The accomplishment of Morocco, the first African team to go to the World Cup semifinals, has the potential to “galvanize” Africa. Morocco has already surpassed expectations in this tournament. Still, if they can defeat France, they’ll be able to set an excellent record.

Morocco kicked off the tournament with a goalless draw against Croatia

They earned their first points of the tournament by defeating Belgium 2-0, to everyone’s surprise.

Canada defeated Morocco 2-1 in their last game in the group stage to secure qualification for the round of 16.

Morocco played Spain in the round of 16, and the game ended 0-0, including extra time. Morocco went on to win on penalties as the Spanish side failed to convert a single penalty.

Morocco went on to play another European giant in Portugal in the quarter-finals and won the game 1-0 as underdogs to make history and book their spot in the semi-finals.

Match Predictions

The physical and emotional hunger with which the Moroccans have been playing has been astounding. For Morocco, weariness is a factor. Noussair Mazraoui and Nayef Aguerd missed the victory over Portugal, and they might make a comeback, but they’ll still be hurt.

After yet another center defensive masterclass, the valiant Romain Saiss was stretched off, and they will be much weaker without him. France will easily win this match thanks to their superior quality all over the field, especially in attacking areas. Morocco is one step behind France, which has more experience at this stage of the tournament. Morocco will lose by a wide margin, and the pick here is France -1 Asian handicap.

The World Cup is full of drama and iconic moments; simply anything can happen, but the picks above have been carefully analyzed and backed with facts to attain maximum returns. Argentina against Croatia will be a close game, while France is expected to cruise past Morocco.

Follow Half A Goal for more World Cup games predictions and tips!

Football

Overview for UEFA Europa League, and Conference League and Champions League group stage 2023

Published

5 days ago

September 19, 2023

Half a Goal Experts

Football fans and analysts are eagerly waiting for the start of the UEFA Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League, as the excitement for the sport is at its highest. The competition will showcase top European teams, displaying their skills, determination, and passion. In this article, we will analyze the upcoming first round of Europa, Conference and Champions League group stage and make predictions using our football knowledge. It is important to note that all teams are starting from scratch, which may lead to some unexpected outcomes. Stay tuned to find out if we predict any upsets.

This article was prepared with the help of our partners Free Betting Reviews!

Table Of Contents

UEFA Europa League, Conference League, and Champions League group stage dates
UEFA Champions League 1st round
Europa League, Conference League and Champions League group stage Round One matches preview

UEFA Europa League, Conference League, and Champions League group stage dates

Below, we have outlined the key fixtures and dates for matchday one games of the Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League that we will be discussing:

UEFA Champions League 1st round

Tuesday, 19 September

AC Milan vs Newcastle United
Paris Saint-Germain vs Dortmund

Wednesday, 20 September

Real Madrid vs Union Berlin
Bayern Munich vs Man United

Europa League group stage matchday 1

Thursday, 21 September

Ajax vs Marseille
West Ham vs TSC Backa Topola
LASK vs Liverpool

UEFA Europa Conference League group stage matchday 1

Thursday, 21 September

Club Brugge vs Besiktas
Dinamo Zagreb vs Astana

Europa League, Conference League and Champions League group stage Round One matches preview

UEFA Champions League group stage

AC Milan vs Newcastle United

After ending a three-game losing streak with a win against Brentford, Newcastle still faces some challenges, as highlighted by their vulnerability in that match. AC Milan will be looking to avenge their recent humiliating loss to city rivals Inter Milan in Serie A. With Tomori returning to the starting lineup, Milan’s offense is expected to beat a weak Newcastle backline.

Paris Saint-Germain vs Borussia Dortmund

This match is expected to be high-scoring, with both teams boasting talented forwards. While Donyell Malen has three goals for Dortmund this season, Kylian Mbappe has seven league goals for PSG. However, PSG’s defense has been weak, securing only one clean sheet in five league games. Dortmund is coming off a 4-2 win against Freiburg.

Real Madrid vs Union Berlin

Real Madrid hasn’t been impressive this season, despite being in first position in La Liga. Union Berlin, on the other hand, started well in the Bundesliga before losing two straight games. They are likely to score, though, having scored nine goals in their first four games. We predict both teams will score.

Bayern Munich vs Manchester United

Bayern Munich is expected to comfortably defeat Manchester United, who have been struggling in the Premier League lately. Although the Bavarians come into the match off an intense 2-2 draw against Bayer Leverkusen, they are much stronger than Manchester United.

UEFA Europa League

Ajax vs Marseille

Marseille has started well in Ligue 1 this season, while Ajax has struggled in the Eredivisie. Marseille has the upper hand in this match, and the loss of a key player in Mohammed Kudus in the transfer window could weaken Ajax’s offense.

West Ham vs TSC Backa Topola

After winning the Conference League last season, West Ham has started well in the EPL this season. Although Backa Topola currently tops the Serbian League, they’ll likely be no match for West Ham, who have been scoring lots of goals lately.

LASK vs Liverpool

Liverpool have found form again and are tied for second in the Premier League. LASK is not expected to pose much of a challenge to them.

Europa Conference League

Club Brugge vs Besiktas

Club Brugge has won twice, and Besiktas once, in their previous meetings. Although Besiktas remains unbeaten in the Turkish league this season, Club Brugge is expected to win at home.

Dinamo Zagreb vs Astana

This match is expected to be a one-sided affair, with Dinamo Zagreb having easily defeated Astana in the Champions League qualifiers. Dinamo should score more than two goals.

In conclusion, the opening round of UEFA Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League fixtures promises to be action-packed and exciting. Fans around the world are eagerly anticipating the mouth-watering clashes between some of Europe’s biggest football clubs, and the matches are sure to offer plenty of drama and excitement. With so much at stake in these early rounds, every team will be giving it their all, and we look forward to seeing some thrilling football over the coming weeks and months.

Football

Italian Serie A upcoming matches overview: September 2023

Published

5 days ago

September 19, 2023

Half a Goal Experts

Following the international break, domestic football has resumed in Italy, igniting a renewed passion for the sport. Fans of the Italian Serie A can expect an electrifying September 2023 as top-flight clubs gear up to compete on the revered pitch. As the season progresses, there is a palpable sense of excitement for upcoming matches, and the football community is abuzz with anticipation. This piece will delve into soccer predictions, offering analysis, insights, and forecasts for Serie A upcoming matches slated for September 2023. Prepare to explore the world of football and uncover what’s in store for some of Italy’s most renowned clubs.

This article was prepared with the help of our partners Free Betting Reviews!

Table Of Contents

Top Serie A upcoming matches

Top Serie A upcoming matches

AC Milan vs Hellas Verona

Venue: San Siro, Milan, Italy.
Date: Saturday, September 23
Time: 15:00 CET

Preview

AC Milan will be facing Hellas Verona in what is expected to be one of the most exciting Serie A upcoming matches. AC Milan is determined to recover from their 5-2 loss to Inter Milan, despite having a Champions League match against Newcastle midweek. Meanwhile, Hellas Verona has started the Serie A season well, winning two out of three games. They will use their match against Bologna as preparation for their match against Milan. Despite the strong start from Hellas Verona, Milan is favored to win due to their talented team and determination to recover from recent defeats.

Sassuolo vs Juventus

Venue: Mapei Stadium – Città del Tricolore, Reggio Emilia, Italy.
Date: Saturday, September 23
Time: 18:00 CET

Preview

Juventus currently holds the second position in the league rankings, having won three matches and drawn one in their first four games. In their most recent match, they secured a convincing 3-1 win against Lazio, demonstrating their skill and ability. With such a great start to the season, Juventus has high hopes for a successful campaign. On the other hand, Sassuolo is not faring as well, sitting in 17th place. They have only won one match and lost three. Their defense is a major concern, as they have already allowed nine goals in the league, the second-highest among teams. Due to the vast contrast in performance and form, Juventus is the clear favorite in this match.

Monza vs Lazio

Venue: U-Power Stadium, Monza, Italy.
Date: Saturday, September 23
Time: 20:45 CET

Preview

The previous Serie A match saw Monza achieve a respectable 1-1 draw against Leece, showing their perseverance during the game. In contrast, Lazio’s recent game saw them suffer a 3-1 loss to Juventus, highlighting their poor performance this season, having only won one game and lost three games. Monza has only scored three goals in four games, while Lazio has only managed to score an average of one goal per game. Based on this, it is likely that the upcoming match will have few goals scored.

Bologna vs Napoli

Venue: Stadio Renato Dall’Ara, Bologna, Italy.
Date: Sunday, September 24
Time: 18:00 CET

Preview

Empoli is at the bottom of the Serie A table and they are getting ready to host the current champions, Napoli. Empoli’s upcoming games will be tough, especially after they were humiliated by Roma recently. This setback has definitely affected their confidence. They will be facing Napoli, a powerful team in Italian football, which will be a difficult challenge. On the other hand, Napoli is in a confusing situation. Despite being the defending champions, they haven’t been consistent like they were in their previous campaign. A recent draw against Genoa is a good example. However, Napoli wants to prove themselves and redeem themselves, which makes them favorites to win this game.

Torino vs Roma

Venue: Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino, Turin, Italy.
Date: Sunday, September 24
Time: 20:45 CET

Preview

In the upcoming matchday 5 at Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino, the main focus will be on the game between Torino and Roma. However, Torino’s game against Salernitana is pending. Torino’s season has been a mix of wins, losses, and draws in their first three games. Therefore, their performance against Salernitana will set the tone for their upcoming match.

On the other hand, Roma made their presence known with an impressive 7-0 win over Empoli in their previous game. Roma’s offense displayed their attacking potential, leaving fans excited for their upcoming match. With Roma’s offense ready to shine, expectations are high for a thrilling and high-scoring encounter.

The upcoming month of football holds a range of exciting and memorable fixtures on the pitch, starting with AC Milan’s pursuit of redemption against Hellas Verona, followed by Juventus’ impressive form against Sassuolo. Monza’s resilience against Lazio’s troubles and Torino’s potential showdown with a resurgent Roma are also on the horizon. Lastly, Empoli’s daunting encounter with reigning champions Napoli is sure to provide a wealth of emotions. Don’t forget to follow HaG for more Serie A upcoming matches predictions.

Football

10 young players in Bundesliga to keep an eye in 2023

Published

2 weeks ago

September 13, 2023

Half a Goal Experts

The Bundesliga has a rich footballing legacy, with the league emerging as one of the most competitive and exciting in the world. With a focus on nurturing young prospects, the Bundesliga has become a hotbed for German soccer’s top young players. This article zeroes in on the top 10 young players in Bundesliga expected to make significant impacts by 2023. These exceptional athletes have demonstrated immense potential, captivating fans and experts alike with their skills and potential to become future icons of the game. Follow us as we introduce you to these young talents ready to take the Bundesliga by storm.

This article was prepared with the support of our partners Free Betting Reviews!

Table Of Contents

The Best 10 young players in Bundesliga
Top Young Bundesliga Midfielders
Best young players in Bundesliga: Defenders
Goalkeeper

The Best 10 young players in Bundesliga

Forwards

Youssoufa Moukoko

At just 18 years old, Moukoko burst onto the scene as the Bundesliga’s youngest-ever player and scorer. With extensive experience in top-level competitions, he has played at a World Cup, the Champions League, the Europa League, and the DFB Cup, netting 12 goals in 56 appearances in Germany’s top-flight league.

Mathys Tel

Tel, an 18-year-old striker, has quickly established himself as Bayern’s go-to marksman. He contributed five goals in 22 matches for Bayern Munich last season, but he has started the current season in remarkable fashion, tallying two goals in just three games.

Victor Boniface

Nigerian striker Victor Boniface has been impressive, bagging the Rookie of the Month award in his first month at Bayer Leverkusen. He has scored four goals and recorded two assists in three Bundesliga games since joining from Belgian side Union Saint-Gilloise, where he scored nine goals and assisted eight in 37 appearances.

Top Young Bundesliga Midfielders

Jamal Musiala

Noted for his elusive playmaking style, Musiala made an impact last season, contributing an impressive 12 goals and ten assists, making him Bayern’s standout goal contributor. Musiala’s defining moment came last season when he secured the Bundesliga title for Bayern with a dramatic last-minute goal.

Xavi Simmons

The 20-year-old midfielder, who scored 19 goals in 34 Eredivisie matches while on loan at PSV Eindhoven from Paris Saint-Germain last season, has earned a spot on the Netherlands national team and has the potential to showcase his talent at Leipzig after the departures of several first-choice players last season.

Florian Wirtz

Considered one of the most promising talents in the sport, Wirtz has gotten off to an excellent start this season, notching a goal and two assists in just three games. Wirtz has the potential to become a crucial figure in Leverkusen’s quest for the title this season if he can sustain his current level of performance.

Manu Kone

At just 21 years old, Manu Koné has emerged as a promising midfielder for Borussia M’gladbach. After a successful loan spell with Toulouse, Koné has become a regular fixture in Bundesliga highlight reels with his physicality, ball control, and ability to outmuscle defenders.

Best young players in Bundesliga: Defenders

Piero Hincapié

Hincapié, 21, has cemented his position as a central defender in Bayern Leverkusen’s revived squad under Xabi Alonso. Previously a left-back, Hincapié has seamlessly transitioned to the central defensive role and excelled. He is crucial to Leverkusen’s impressive start to the season.

Killian Sildillia

The young French talent stands out in an already captivating Freiburg team. His versatility is a key asset as he effortlessly adapts to various defensive positions, consistently performing at a high level of proficiency. Deployed as a right wing-back, his exceptional work rate enables him to excel in one-on-one duels against the Bundesliga’s top-notch attackers.

Goalkeeper

Noah Atubolu

Atubolu’s journey in football has included over 80 appearances for the Freiburg reserves, contributing significantly to their promotion to Germany’s 3. Liga. A consistent representative for Germany, Atubolu has been a part of the U17s squad and is currently the first-choice goalkeeper for the U21s national team. He is also Freiburg’s first-choice goalkeeper.

Germany is home to some of the best and brightest young players in the Bundesliga, with many emerging players set to make significant impacts by 2023. From forwards Youssoufa Moukoko and Victor Boniface to midfielders Jamal Musiala, Xavi Simmons, Florian Wirtz, and Manu Kone, and defenders Piero Hincapié and Killian Sildillia, the Bundesliga is bursting with young stars poised to light up the pitch with their skills and determination. Fans and experts alike are eagerly anticipating how these emerging talents will shape the future of the sport, and we can’t wait to see what these young players achieve next.