6/8 in the Quarters and at least three in the Semis are European btw... for those who thought there could be a change of power coming in world football.
This is the story of the World Cup, no? Brazil and Argentina are the only South American countries that have consistently appeared at this level over the last few decades (aside from Uruguay in 2010). Morocco was the first African team to ever make it in 2022 and no CONCACAF team has ever gotten this far.
Exatly. After nine African teams advanced past the group stage you could read all over the place (not necessarily here) that European dominance was over. Not so much.
To the quarters? US in 2002. Mexico twice. Costa Rica in 2014. Even Cuba once (1938). Technically, our best finish ever was in the semifinals and being 3rd place in 1930.
I think he was mainly talking about the semis because you're right: the quarters are more diverse. Ghana made them in 2010!
It's funny how Belgium didn't take the US seriously at all and didn't start Doku and De Bruyne but they are starting against Spain.
Who is da unknown USA killer Chucky De Ketelaere????? Cool that the Spaniards are beatable and can concede goals.
Considering how Team USA flamed out against Belgium, watching Belgium get outplayed by Spain is yet another perspective check on how far the USA is from legit World Cup contention. Spain is the most connected team I've seen so far. I love the way they play and it's fun to watch. They will still probably lose to France though.
I wonder how Spain will handle having a team that will actually attack and not just box themselves in for defense the whole game. It could open things up for Spain, but Spain has struggled to contain the few attack coming their way. How will they handle Mbappe and the rest of the French attack? If nothing else, it should be an actual interesting matchup for both teams.
