2022 World Cup Preview, Predictions and Lineups: Netherlands vs Argentina

The Netherlands and Argentina go head-to-head on Friday at the Lusail Stadium in the quarter-finals of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. The Dutch are undefeated this winter and Louis van Gaal's side will be feeling they have every chance of defeating La Albiceleste in a cracking matchup between two international heavyweights.However, Lionel Messi and co. have turned things around since their tournament opener and have gone on to win all three games since. Below is our Netherlands vs Argentina preview, predictions and potential lineups for their World Cup quarter-final clash.
Below is our Croatia vs Brazil preview, predictions and potential lineups for their 2022 World Cup quarter-final clash in Qatar

2022 World Cup Preview, Predictions and Lineups: Croatia vs Brazil

Croatia and Brazil meet in the first quarter-final matchup of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar on Friday at the Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan. Tite's side have been one of the favorites to go all the way in this year's tournament and are expected to continue in their impressive form up against the 2018 finalists. Below is our Croatia vs Brazil preview, predictions and potential lineups for their World Cup quarter-final clash. 
Spain suffered a shock defeat against their Mediterranean neighbors Morocco in the last 16 of the World Cup after they missed all of their penalty kicks

Spain Player Ratings vs Morocco: La Roja Sent Home After Penalty Misses

Spain suffered a shock defeat against their Mediterranean neighbors Morocco in the last 16 of the World Cup after they missed all of their penalty kicks. Luis Enrique's side had a torrid time in the shootout, with Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou making two saves, including a crucial stop to deny Sergio Busquets. Spain couldn't succeed in their eighth extra time appearance at a World Cup and ultimately were not good enough against an outstanding and well-drilled Morocco side. So, here's our Spain player ratings for their last 16 loss against Morocco. 
Morocco defied the odds to defeat Spain on penalties with Spanish-born Achraf Hakimi scoring a winning Panenka in the shootout

Morocco Player Ratings vs Spain: Hakimi Panenka Causes Upset

Morocco defied the odds to defeat Spain on penalties with Spanish-born Achraf Hakimi scoring a winning Panenka in the shootout. The Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan was rocking after the heroic display by the Atlas Lions as they become the first African side since 1990 to go unbeaten in their last five consecutive World Cup matches. So, here's our Morocco player ratings for their unbelievable victory over European giants Spain. 
Son Heung-min struggled mightily in South Korea's heavy 4-1 defeat against Brazil, in which he failed to generate any significant offense

South Korea Player Ratings vs Brazil: Son Stifled in Heavy Defeat

Son Heung-min struggled mightily in South Korea's heavy 4-1 defeat against Brazil. The underdogs failed to generate any significant offense, and their backline proved especially porous against the South Americans' talented attack. Hwang Hee-chan turned in one of the few positive performances for his country, creating a few decent chances in the first half.
Neymar, Lucas Paqueta and Vinicius Junior were all in impressive form as Brazil dominated the hapless South Korea by a score of 4-1

Brazil Player Ratings vs South Korea: Neymar Dazzles in Return

Neymar dazzled in his return from injury, leading Brazil to a 4-1 victory over South Korea. The Brazilian team gave the underdogs no chance, taking a two-goal lead by the 13th minute. Practically the entire squad turned in quality performances, with Lucas Paqueta and Vinicius Junior also impressing in the attacking third.
Hajime Moriyasu's Japan put in a valiant performance against Croatia in their last 16 clash but they were undone on penalties despite Daizen Maeda's opener

Japan Player Ratings vs Croatia: Maeda Goal in Vain as Japan Exit Qatar

Hajime Moriyasu's Japan put in a valiant performance against Croatia in their last 16 clash but they were undone on penalties despite Daizen Maeda's opener. Maeda deservedly put Japan ahead in the first half as they dreamt of reaching their first-ever quarter-finals at the World Cup but an equaliser from Ivan Perisic levelled the scores in the second half. So, here's our Japan player ratings for their defeat against Croatia. 
Croatia made it through to the quarter-finals of the 2022 World Cup after defeating Japan on penalties thanks to three penalty saves by Dominik Livakovic

Croatia Player Ratings vs Japan: Penalty Hero Livakovic Wins Last 16 Tie

Croatia made it through to the quarter-finals of the 2022 World Cup after defeating Japan on penalties in a close last 16 encounter thanks to three penalty saves by Dominik Livakovic. The scores were tied at 1-1 through 120 minutes but Japan couldn't hold their nerve in the shootout as they suffered defeat, scoring just one out of their four penalties in Al Wakrah. Six out of the last seven knockout games for Croatia at both the Euros and World Cup have reached extra time and they found success once more here in a tough battle against an impressive Japan side. So, here's our Croatia player ratings for their narrow victory over Japan.
The USA suffered a 3-1 defeat against the Netherlands in the first round of 16 clash of the World Cup despite efforts from Christian Pulisic.

USA Player Ratings vs Netherlands: Pulisic Unable to Drag USA Further

The USA suffered a 3-1 defeat against the Netherlands in the first round of 16 clash of the World Cup despite efforts from Christian Pulisic. USA's star man had a wonderful chance in the opening phases to put the Stars and Stripes ahead but he was denied by goalkeeper Andries Noppert before Memphis Depay and Denzel Dumfries went on to steal the show for the Netherlands and send them through to the quarter-finals. So, here's our USA player ratings for their defeat against the Netherlands. 
The Netherlands recorded a 3-1 victory to defeat the USA in the last 16 thanks to a stellar performance by wing-back Denzel Dumfries.

Netherlands Player Ratings vs USA: Dumfries Sends Dutch Through

The Netherlands recorded a 3-1 victory to defeat the USA in the last 16 thanks to a stellar performance by wing-back Denzel Dumfries. The Inter defender was a constant threat up and down the right flank all game and helped his side through to the quarter-finals by getting on the scoresheet and also providing two assists. So, here's our Netherlands player ratings for their victory over the USA. 
We're well underway with the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and now that the group stage has concluded, here is our best XI so far where the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro make the team

Best XI of the World Cup Group Stage: Mbappe, Fernandes, Casemiro

We're well underway with the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and now that the group stage has concluded, here is our best XI so far where the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro make the team. However, there's no room for superstars Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi as younger stars continue to leave their mark on the world's biggest stage and outshine the legendary veterans. So, here's our best XI of the 2022 World Cup Group Stage. 
While Gabriel Martinelli turned in a wonderful performance, Brazil lost in shocking fashion after a Cameroon goal in stoppage time

Brazil Player Ratings vs Cameroon: Selecao Lose Despite Martinelli Talent

With several starters on the bench, Brazil lost in shocking fashion after a Cameroon goal in stoppage time. While they dominated possession and created several chances, the favorites' offense was unable to put the ball in the net in what was a disappointing performance. Despite the poor display, FIFA's number-one ranked team still finished at the top of Group G.