⚽️ We've Reached the Quarterfinals!

How is everyone's bracket doing? Be honest. It's been an INSANE World Cup thus far, with upsets galore and big guns biting the dust. Yet, some of the world's best teams are still fighting for it all... 

Will Cristiano start again for Portugal, or is his time up? Can Messi pull Argentina to the promise land? Or will it be Brazil? France? England???

Let's get into it...

Let's get straight into it.

The Quarters

8 teams remain, only one will go home with the World Cup. It's been a hell of a ride getting here, so expect nothing less down the homestretch. 

We've seen Japan make waves, Australia get to the round of 16, and Morocco? Beating Spain is the pinnacle of their football index. 

The quarterfinals kickoff today, and we are BUZZING. Brazil takes on Croatia first this morning, followed by Argentina vs Holland. Tomorrow we get Portugal vs Morocco and England vs France. Buckle up...

Friday:

Brazil (-280) vs Croatia (+850) –– 10 AM ET 

Argentina (+285) vs The Netherlands (+215) –– 2 PM ET 

Saturday:

Portugal (-150) vs Morocco (+475) –– 10 AM ET

England (+195) vs France (+150) –– 2 PM ET

But how did we get here? Who has showed up and showed out this tournament? Yes, the big names have taken many of the headlines, but characters from each country have played integral, if not surprising roles at this World Cup. Let's take a look...

Croatia –– Marcelo Brozović

Despite some of the big names in this Croatia team, no one embodies its culture like Marcelo. Industry personified, he's covered more ground this WC than any other player (56km). Manning a midfield with Luka Modrić and Mateo Kovačić makes for a treat, and this guy has run a show. He admits to liking a cheeky cigarette every now and then as well. Anyone else want to light one up right now? 

Brazil –– Richarlison

I admit, I thought Richarlison was the runt of Brazil's litter coming into the tournament. I mean, the guy can't even lodge a start for Spurs? Surrounded by the likes of Neymar, Vini Jr., and Raphinha, can I be blamed? Yet, he's gone on to score the goal(s) of the tournament and be integral to Brazil's attack. He really is one of a kind. Blasted for showboating against Forest in the Premier League, proceeds to do the same against Korea. He's now famous for the 'pigeon dance,' which came from a musical group from Rio de Janeiro around 2012. The guy is on his own planet, but you can't argue with his performances on the pitch. He's now netted 20 in 41 for Brazil, can't complain about that...

Argentina –– Julián Álvarez

You thought we'd profile Messi? Too obvious. Julián, Manchester City's new boy, has found it tough finding playing time in the Premier League this season. Yet, he's forced his way into this Argentina side somehow, at just 22. He's got 2 in 2 after Lautaro Martinez's poor start to the tournament, and has fit seamlessly next to Lionel Messi and co. He trialed at Real Madrid at the age of 11, to no avail. Think they regret that one? He's 22 but looks even younger (check passport). Reminds us of a young little Billy wading his way through late puberty. 

The Netherlands –– Andries Noppert

Where has this guy been? No, I'm like dead serious, who is this guy. He's 28 years old and just coming onto the scene, doing bits on the biggest stage in the world. At 6'8", he stands the tallest man at the World Cup, which is a good thing when you're manning the sticks. I mean seriously, imagine being handed your FIRST EVER CAP at the World Cup... Insane. He's been picked over previous big name goalkeepers like Jasper Cillessen, and even at his age has only made 51 career appearances. I don't mean for country, I mean ever... He currently plays for the 8th place team in Eredivisie and is valued at a cool $1.1m. I imagine that number will be going up. 

Morocco –– Hakim Ziyech

Now this is my kind of guy. Hakim Ziyech is a baller, plain and simple. The fringe Chelsea man has found it difficult to find time there, and likewise barely made the Morocco team for the WC. Why? Not because of his talent, but because he's an arrogant son of a gun the manager didn't fancy. Ziyech retired from international football earlier this year, only to unretire when new manager Walid Regragui took the helm and called his name. Smart man Walid, make it work with your country's best players... He's got a goal and assist so far, and he's smooth as silk. Watch this boy ball. 

Portugal –– João Félix

João Félix has long been talked about as a generational talent, but those talks have quelled of late. He's stalled at Atléti, but to his own fault? Since his big money move, he's clashed stylistically with manager Diego Simeone. But, at this World Cup, he's showed his stuff in spades. He's sort of played a left wing stroke left forward role, and he's quite literally run the show at times for Portugal. His idol is Kaká, and we think he might even be his son? Brilliant young player who has to deal with future Saudi star Cristiano Ronaldo in the dressing room.  

France –– Olivier Giroud

Not many players have been disrespected and downplayed quite like Oliver Giroud, at least in my lifetime. Wherever he goes, the story is always the same: too slow, not built for the modern game. Yet, wherever he does go, he bangs in goals. The former Premier League sexiest man has moved club to club and continued to do the business. Now, at 36 years old, he looks like a fine cab sav. Having to step in for injured Karim Benzema, he's scored 3 goals already this WC, after failing to score last time around for Les Bleus. God he's handsome. 

England –– Jude Bellingham

Future Liverpool starlet Jude Bellingham has turned heads this World Cup. He's demonstrating his prowess as a box-to-box midfielder with all the qualities to boss it at the highest level. He's also currently the only player in the England squad not to play in the Premier League, and is just 19 years old. Like many of the current outfit, he's actually of Irish descent (sigh), but grew up in Birmingham––where Birmingham City would later retire his number upon his departure. This boy is a special talent, commanding a spot in England's XI at such a young age and big stage. Big things to come. 

Enjoy the quarterfinals and we'll check back in for the semis!

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