The FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 took the world by storm as it marked many firsts in competition history. To start, Qatar was the first host nation to lose its opening game against Ecuador (0-2). Additionally, Christiano Ronaldo became the first player to score a goal in five different World Cups. Qatar 2022 is also the first World Cup to include women referees. Overall, the prestigious and stiff atmosphere of the World Cup provides a rich whirlpool of emotions for viewers everywhere, and the shared love for the sport itself is reason enough for the world to unite, as expressed in the tournament’s opening ceremony, featuring actor Morgan Freeman. 

The group stages were stunning, to say the least. In the Group C opener on November 22, Saudi Arabia pulled an unexpected upset (2-1) against the heavily favored Argentina after a series of offside calls against Argentina and magnificent saves by Saudi Arabia’s goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais. On November 25, the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) exceeded expectations by keeping England at bay to draw (0-0). The next Tuesday, Peddie’s Student Council hosted a watch party for the U.S. vs. Iran game (1-0), in which the USMNT doubled down and successfully advanced to the Round of 16 knockout stage.

On November 23, Group E saw Japan upset Germany (2-1) after a late comeback by Takuma Asano and an extremely controversial Video Assistant Referee (VAR) call. Later that day, Spain obliterated Costa Rica (7-0) and became the first team to attempt more than 1,000 passes in a single World Cup match. On December 1, Japan pulled off another upset against Spain (2-1), preventing Germany from advancing to the Round of 16.

Group H saw a heated and fierce battle between Portugal and Ghana on Thursday, November 24, that concluded with Portugal’s victory (3-2). On December 2, South Korea upset Portugal (2-1) with a late goal from Hwang Hee-Chan, knocking Uruguay out of the tournament on account of a better goal difference.  

The Round of 16 had the USMNT eliminated by the Netherlands (3-1), and Croatia’s victory over Japan during the penalty shootout (3-1 pens). Spain was defeated by Morocco (3-0 pens) during the penalty shootout after not a single shot made it past Morocco’s goalkeeper Yassine Bonou.

In the Quarterfinals opener, Croatia knocked out tournament favorites Brazil during a tense penalty shootout (4-2 pens). Argentina and Netherlands also landed in a high-stakes penalty shootout, but the Netherlands were ultimately no match for Emiliano Martinez’ blocking ability. Finally, Morocco maintained its momentum with a first-half goal by Youssef En-Nesyri against Portugal, ending Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup dreams with a (1-0) upset.

Most recently, Argentina overpowered the fearsome Croatians (3-0) with a beautiful and strong penalty kick from Lionel Messi, a dazzling dribble and goal from Julián Álvarez, and a fabulous run and assist by Lionel Messi to Álvarez once again. The veteran superstar and the newcomer have surely erased all doubts about Argentinian offensive capabilities. Meanwhile, France ended Morocco’s stunning win-streak (2-0) in a match that actually saw higher Moroccan possession over the ball.

All eyes are set on Argentina and France, who will play in the Lusail Iconic Stadium on December 18.