predictions
Monday, December 12, 2022
I suppose I should make predictions about the semi-finals, but my opinions are pretty mainstream: Argentina over Croatia, France over Morocco.
Argentina-Croatia. Argentina misses at least two players to suspension (Marcos Acuña and Gonzalo Montiel), and Croatia's goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic is a real force. But only one of these teams has Messi, and I want to see him in the finals.
France-Morocco. Yes, Morocco is a great story, and yes, the history of the two countries makes for some interesting stories, as well. But the defending champs are loaded, with Kylian Mbappé (although England shut him down pretty well), Antoine Griezmann (had both assists in that England match), and 36-year-old Olivier Giroud, who has 4 goals in 4 matches. It's not that Morocco lacks talent ... Achraf Hakimi has been especially good. And their defense in this tournament has been unbeatable. But they have injury problems (Romain Saïss and Nayef Aguerd are out, Noussair Mazraoui and Abdelhamid Sabiri are doubtful) and Walid Cheddira is suspended (not a big deal, he has barely played anyway). Morocco's defense will keep this close, but I sure hope France wins, because they are much more fun to watch.