Find out “Who are the players to look out for in the quarter-finals?” The 2022 FIFA World Cup has been an absolute joy to watch for fans around the globe. There have been thrilling matches and unbelievable upsets throughout the course of the competition so far and now, only eight teams remain. Although the beautiful game is a team sport, there have been quite a few brilliant individual performances that have stolen the spotlight, the most recent one being Goncalo Ramos’ display against Switzerland in the round of 16. Goncalo Ramos made his first start for his country, scoring a hat-trick and assisting Raphael Guerreiro as they defeated Switzerland 6-1 to advance to the quarterfinals for the first time since 2006.
The likes of Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham and others have also put in incredible shifts for their respective countries and will definitely prove to be a threat come the last eight. In a game of fine margins, sometimes, it is individual brilliance that carries a team over the line. With that in mind, here is a look at some of the players to look out for in the 2022 FIFA World Cup quarter-finals.
Goncalo Ramos
For the first time, Goncalo Ramos started for his nation and scored a hat-trick as they defeated Switzerland 6-1 to advance to the quarterfinals. After Ramos’ triplet made him an overnight football sensation, it wouldn’t be shocking if Fernando Santos started the young player against Morocco in the quarterfinal match. Initially, Cristiano Ronaldo, the team’s usual striker, was selected to take his place. Ronaldo had only appeared briefly against Switzerland in the round of 16. Morocco will certainly be weary of the youngster and if Portugal qualifies for the later stages, Ramos will certainly have a crucial role to play.
Lionel Messi
On his 1,000th career appearance, Lionel Messi gave Argentina the lead in the 35th minute with a low left foot finish to the left corner. For his outstanding performance, Messi was named the game’s man of the match, and he’ll be hoping to continue it into the round of eight. The Argentine legend is currently the joint second-highest goal scorer so far in the competition with three goals alongside Richarlison and Ramos. Despite having little luck from the spot, Messi has proven to be a humungous threat in front of goal and, as always, every team will be weary of the little magician.
Kylian Mbappe
Mbappe is quickly taking the lead as France’s World Cup talisman. He started off by scoring in a 4-1 victory over Australia before scoring a game-winning brace against Denmark. He was France’s main troublemaker during Les Bleus’ first two group games. The PSG forward then scored twice more as France defeated Poland 3-1 in the round of 16. France humiliated Poland. It goes without saying that France’s megastar has his sights set on winning the highly coveted World Cup Golden Boot.
