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World Cup Final: France are World Champions (@SOURCEFRIAS)

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Photo courtesy:
FIFA

‘Les Bleus have won the

2018 World Cup’

Photo courtesy:
FIFA

32 countries battled for title of best soccer team in the world. In the end it was France who prevailed.

France was just a little too much for Croatia as they ran away with a 4-2 victory.

The scoring began with an own goal that came from Mandzukic after a French free kick. As has been per usual in this tournament, France took the lead and never looked back. Croatia was able to tie the game at 1-1 with a stunning goal by Perisic. But right before the end of the half and with the help of VAR, a correctly called penalty was awarded. Griezman buried it to put France ahead 2-1.

In the second half, France began to run away with the game. It got to the point where Croatia had to take chances to equalize. Consequently, they became vulnerable on the counter attack. Pogba and Mbappe quickly netted two quick goals to extend the lead to 4-1. Croatia was able to make it 4-2 to close out the game’s scoring. Lloris became sloppy with the ball and Mandzukic capitalized to score for their second goal.

French Fans in Euphoria

This is the second title for France and first since 1998. They currently trail Brazil (5), Germany, and Italy (4) who have won more. They now share the same amount of titles as Argentina and Uruguay.

Photo courtesy:
GOAL.com

Below are the highlights: credit FOX Sports

https://youtu.be/fY3Z3od-kE8

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WORLD CUP FINAL – Preview and Prediction – @SOURCEFRIAS

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It all comes down to this. 

France vs. Croatia 

Photo courtesy: @SOURCEFRIAS

Can the second smallest country in the World Cup take down a soccer giant? 

Croatia won their group by beating Argentina, Nigeria, and Iceland.

From that point on they won in penalties against Denmark and Russia. Just when you thought they were headed to a third consecutive shootout, they scored in the second half of extra time to reach the place we are at now: the World Cup Final.

Photo courtesy: FIFA

Croatia Possible Starting Lineup:

  • GK- Subašić;
  • D-Strinić, Vida, Lovren,Vrsaljko
  • MFs-  Brozović, Perišić, Rakitić, Modrić, Rebić;
  • F- Mandžukić

France also won their group with victories over Australia, Peru, and a draw versus Denmark.

Their prize for winning the group was a matchup against Argentina, which may go down as the most exciting game of the World Cup tournament this year. They then had to beat Uruguay and everyone’s dark horse favorite Belgium to reach the final for the first time since 2006, where they lost to Italy in penalties.

Photo courtesy: FIFA

France Possible Starting Lineup:

  • GKLloris
  • Ds- Hernández, Umtiti, Varane, Pavard
  • MFs-Kanté, Pogba, Matuidi
  • Fs- Griezmann, Mbappé, Giroud

France – Croatia History

France leads 3-0-2 overall, 1-0 in World Cups, and 1-0-1 in official competition.

Past Meeting

In Euro 2004, France fought back in a memorable game to help Les Bleus to a 2-2 tie with Croatia in the second game of the group stage. Croatia seemed to never recover from that game and lost to England in the knockout stage. The French lost in the quarterfinals by Greece.

The most recent game was a friendly played by these teams in 2011.

Verdict: France is a well-organized team and has had to play tough teams to reach this point. They have also tasted defeat in a final in Euro 2016 as Portugal beat them on their homeland, and will do whatever necessary to avoid another defeat in the last game.

Croatia has been beating the odds this whole tournament and have played more minutes than any other team. They will dig deep to reach the pinnacle of being a champion.

Croatia will lift the trophy for the first time this Sunday as 2018 World Cup Champions.

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Recapping the World Cup Semi Final – @SOURCEFRIAS

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The Final Four Battle for a Spot to Play for the World Cup.

Photo courtesy: FIFA

FRANCE ADVANCES PAST BELGIUM

Photo courtesy: FIFA

Once again, like in previous games France got the lead and never relinquished it, winning 1-0 over Belgium. It was a hard-fought, physical and emotional game that kept going back-and-forth from the start. The goalies for both teams had to make incredible stops to keep the game tied until in the 51st minute. A goal by France’s Samuel Umtiti was the difference and all they needed to secure a spot in the Final this Sunday.

France last won the title in 1998 when they beat Brazil 3-0 in a World Cup they hosted.

Belgium will face England on Saturday, July 14th to battle for the third place spot.

Croatia stuns England in Extra Time 

Photo courtesy: FIFA

Croatia went undefeated in their group and beat both Spain and Russia in matches that went to penalty kicks. Their semi-final game against England also needed two periods of extra time, but the match ended before penalties. The game started with a remarkable free kick goal in the opening minutes by Trippier of England. Croatia put the pressure on and in the 68th minute Persic tied the game at 1-1. It stayed scoreless until the decisive moment came in the 109th minute of extra time. Striker Mario Mandzukic found the back of the net and placed Croatia in the Final versus France.

Croatia will be playing in their first ever Final this Sunday.

Up next, the preview and prediction of the 2018 World Cup Final between Croatia and France on Sunday, July 15th.

Follow on Twitter: @SOURCEFRIAS

World Cup Semi-Finals Preview and Predictions

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The final four teams are set for the semi-finals and it is shaping up to be two memorable games to decide the World Cup bout. In one matchup, we have the great story of Belgium going up against the favorites France. The second match pits two countries that were not expecting to be here: England and Croatia.

Photo courtesy: FIFA

France vs Belgium 

We must start with France, who has put together a remarkable tournament. Mbappe and Griezman have been two of the go-to guys for goals. Coupled with Pogba mastering the midfield, no team has been able to find a solution to beat this team.

Belgium has been the dark horse of the tournament. They are now one win away from playing in the championship game. Their road has been emotional and difficult at times, which may pay off in the long run.

These countries have faced each other 73 times. Belgium has won 30 games to France’s 24 victories. They have drawn in the other 19 games. The last time they met, in 2015, Belgium defeated France 4-3 in a friendly. It has been 32 years since the Red Devils had a chance in the semi-finals. On the other hand, Les Bleus looks to match their 1998 campaign.

Verdict: Belgium once again find a way to scrape by and play for the chance to raise the trophy for the first time. 

England vs Croatia

Photo courtesy: FIFA

England has been an organized team – from the forwards all the way back to the goalkeeper. They have been great on set pieces and have used it to their advantage throughout the tournament. Kane has been the team’s main goal scorer. However, additional players have stepped up in that area recently. Pickford has been outstanding in goal and they will need him to be sharp again this time around.

Croatia was not expected to be in this position. Yet they find themselves right here. They have played the majority of their games into extra time and shootouts. This could prove to be costly in their bout with England.

These teams have only met five times prior. England won three and Croatia won the other two. They met most recently in the 2010 World Cup qualifying round. England took home the victory 5-1. This is the first time Vetrani will be playing in the semi-final game and the first since 1990 for the Three Lions.

Verdict: England wins it in penalties after three straight games of shootouts taking its toll on Croatia.

We await to see who plays for the Cup. But the only certainty today is that we’ve got you covered.

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Recapping the World Cup Quarterfinal Round

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We are down to the final four team remaining and there were some entertaining games to get us to this point. Here is a recap of how we got here:

Photo courtesy: FIFA

France vs. Uruguay 

Photo courtesy: FIFA

France is beginning to solidify itself as one of the favorites to win the title. They made their 2-0 victory over Uruguay look effortless. In a game that was missing an integral part in Uruguay’s main goal scorer, there was a lack of excitement compared to how it looked on paper. France once again took a lead and never looked back. Varane put France ahead with a goal right before halftime and Griezman followed it up with another in the second half to put the game away. Uruguay was strong in its first four games, but the team was not able to muster the same amount of pressure without Cavani on the field. Les Bleus are now two wins away from the title, a feat they last accomplished in 1998.

Belgium vs. Brazil

Photo courtesy: FIFA

Belgium’s historic tournament proceeds as they end the road for powerhouse Brazil in a 2-1 victory. The scoring opened up on an own goal from a corner kick that put Belgium up 1-0. De Bruyne then followed up with a sensational shot to make it 2-0. From that point on, Neymar and Brazil did everything within their power to tie the game. But they could only cut into the deficit with 15 minutes remaining. Courtois had to make spectacular saves, none better than on one of the final shots. The Red Devils have had to win in many ways, from coming back two goals versus Japan and to outlasting Brazil. It seems this team has what it takes to win it all.

England vs. Sweden

Photo courtesy: FIFA

One of these two strong teams had to go home after this game; it was Sweden who were defeated 2-0 by England. England was able to score a goal in each half. Both were headers (via Maguire and Alli) to put them closer to the final.

England has been a team that has gotten better as the tournament progresses. Kane, who leads the World Cup in scoring, was held off the score sheet. But his team had help again as their goalie Pickford made incredible saves at timely moments. At times during the game, Sweden were close to getting the score level. But as Pickford had done in previous games, he held them off until the team in front of him scored again to put the game away. The Three Lions have not won the title since 1966. But they have as good a chance as the remaining four opponents to lift the trophy if they are able to get two more victories.

Croatia vs. Russia 

Photo courtesy: FIFA

The magical run has come to an end for host country Russia. They were defeated by Croatia in penalties 4-3. Russia was able to get on the board first on a beautiful goal. But Croatia tied it up moments later to send the match into extra time. Croatia scored first and thought they had a victory. But the hosts were unfazed and tied the game to send it to a shootout. Russia shot first and it was stopped. A later try was sent completely wide of the net. It came down to Rakitic, who put it past the Russian goalie and sent Vatreni to the semifinal for the first time since 1998.

The semi-finals are sure to be even more thrilling. Stay tuned for a preview.

 

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World Cup Quarterfinals Preview and Predictions

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There are only eight teams left as the battle for world supremacy continues. Will we see two teams in the final that no expects like Russia and Belgium, or will it be two powerhouses like England and Brazil?

Here are the matchups and my choices of who advances to the semifinals.

Photo courtesy: FIFA

France vs. Uruguay

Photo courtesy: FOX

Both teams are playing strong at the right time. However, Uruguay’s Cavani isn’t at 100%, and that could be a factor in their game plan. Meanwhile, France is a very focused team and with everyone rallying around Mbappe, anything but a championship will be a failure.

Verdict: France will get the victory in this one.

Brazil vs. Belgium

Photo courtesy: Bleacher Report

Neymar and his team have found their rhythm in this tournament. Belgium, on the other hand, is a team of destiny. Their heroics during their last match just adds to their story.

Verdict: Belgium stuns Brazil and their fairy-tale goes on to the semifinals.

Russia vs. Croatia

Photo courtesy: Goal.com

No one expected them to advance out of the group, never mind have a chance at winning it all. Russia has gained from all the support their home turf has given, and they seem to have found the right mixture. Croatia has slipped lately, and playing against the hosts in their homeland is a very tough task to overcome at this stage.

Verdict: The hosts carry the support of the country and Russia moves on.

England vs. Sweden

Photo courtesy:
The Quint

Sweden has been a strong team this whole tournament, and England has the leading goal-scorer. Something has to give as both battle for a spot in the semifinal. Does Kane keep up his torrid pace, or does Sweden’s team strategy prevail?

Verdict: Sweden advances in penalties as England lose again in the shootout. 

 

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Recapping the World Cup Round of 16

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This World Cup has been nothing but surprises and the Round of 16 games were no different.

The road ended abruptly for both Ronaldo and Messi fans. The team many expected to win it all were ousted by the host nation. There some familiar names still remaining, as well as others who are battling to win it for the first time.

Let’s Break it Down

France vs Argentina

Photo courtesy: FIFA

In one of the most entertaining games so far of the tournament, France prevailed after taking an early lead. Even after Argentina fought back to take a 2-1 lead, Mbappe took over the game and lead them to a 4-3 win. There is even speculation that this could have been Messi’s last game for Argentina.

Uruguay vs Portugal


Photo courtesy: FIFA

Cavani was the star of this game, scoring both goals for Uruguay. An earlier header broke the game open. Portugal would go on to tie it, but moments later Cavani’s beautiful strike ended Ronaldo’s hopes of World Cup glory.

Russia vs Spain

Photo courtesy: FIFA

In a game many expected to to go Spain’s way, Russia silenced the doubters. Both teams exchanged goals in regular time, but in spectacular fashion, the Russian goalie made clutch saves and a beautiful kick save on the final chance for Spain. The Russians relished in the 4-3 win on penalties.

Croatia vs Denmark

Photo courtesy: FOX

This game was a goalie duel. Both teams worked tirelessly to notch the winning goal in full time. Croatia had a penalty awarded to them in the final moments and had a chance to win the game, but the shot was stopped. No goals were scored in extra time. Croatia finally won 3-2 on penalties after several exciting saves by both goalies.

Brazil vs Mexico

Photo courtesy: FIFA

Mexico has never prevailed past this round and this year was no different. Brazil, who started the tournament slowly, has finally found its groove and won 2-0 as Neymar scored and assisted on both goals. Mexico had their chances but simply could not capitalize.

Belgium vs Japan 

Photo courtesy: FIFA

Japan looked to upset the world. However, Belgium clawed its way out of the depths of soccer despair. Japan was able to take a 2-0 lead, but Belgium snatched momentum back in a matter of minutes. A three-pass sequence from Belgium ended with the ball in the back of the net right before extra time. Belgium was the first team to come back from two goals in the second half in World Cup history.

Sweden vs Switzerland

Photo courtesy: FIFA

Sweden is heading to the Quarterfinals as they held on to beat Switzerland by a score of 1-0. This was a game that started off in a fast pace and was back and forth. But as the game went along, it became a stalemate. Switzerland tried to find the equalizer, but other than a header in the box in the final moments that was stopped, they didn’t have many good chances.

England vs Columbia 

Photo courtesy: FIFA

England finally broke its curse with penalties but not after a scare. Kane had scored a penalty and it looked like they were on their way to victory. Columbia mustered a late-time header to tie it up. Despite both teams having their chances in extra time, the game needed to be decided in penalties, . England finally were victorious in penalty kicks; they flipped the script of the previous three games in which they were eliminated. The keeper made a beautiful one-handed save and sealed the 4-3 win.

 

Lookout for the next article where I will preview and predict the Group of 8 games.

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WORLD CUP – Knockout Stage Preview and Predictions

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Photo courtesy: FOX SPORTS

Photo courtesy: FOX SPORTS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ronaldo, Messi, Neymar and Kane big names in Europe-South America who dominate the big stage. Of the 20 previous World Cups, Europe has lifted the trophy 11 times and South America nine. The world awaits, as they dream of a Ronaldo-Messi matchup and will Spain and Brazil dominate as they have before?

  • France and Uruguay have had a good tournament but both Portugal and Argentina have struggled to get in gear.
  • Spain and host team Russia both have shown signs of brilliance, as Croatia and Denmark have also had a good showing.
  • Belgium has been the dark horse of the tournament, and also Brazil has found their swagger. Mexico and Japan backed up into the knockout round.
  • Sweden and England seem to be the teams no one wants to face, as Columbia and Switzerland just seem to be in their way.

Here are the matchups

Saturday, June 30

France vs. Argentina – 10:00 a.m. EST

Verdict: Argentina wins a close one

 

Uruguay vs. Portugal – 2:00 p.m. EST

Verdict: Ronaldo helps Portugal advance

Photo Courtesy: Sporting News

Sunday, July 1

Spain vs. Russia – 10:00 a.m. EST

Verdict: Spain to edge it.

 

Croatia vs. Denmark – 2:00 p.m. EST

Verdict: Croatia keeps looking strong

 

Monday, July 2

Brazil vs. Mexico – 10:00 a.m. EST

Verdict: Brazil advances in penalties

 

Belgium vs. Japan – 2:00 p.m. EST

Verdict: Belgium takes it comfortably.

 

Tuesday, July 3

Sweden vs. Switzerland – 10:00 a.m. EST

Verdict: Sweden gets ready to face England

 

Colombia vs. England – 2:00 p.m. EST

Verdict: Harry Kane and England prevail.

 

Follow me on Twitter: @SOURCEFRIAS