Skiddle's open goal: A weekly roundup of football news and events
Here's the latest news from the World Cup which took plenty of twists and turns in the last week.
Date published: 12th Dec 2022
This World Cup just keeps on giving us more and more drama and upsets as no one can predict the outcome. The first shock came with Brazil getting knocked out by Croatia on penalties. The tournament favourites thought they'd won the game thanks to some Neymar brilliance but were stunned by a Petkovic equaliser deep into extra time.
It then went to penalties as Rodrygo and Marquinhos missed their spot kicks to send Croatia into wild scenes. The Netherlands and Argentina played out a 2-2 thriller that saw a late equaliser from Weghorst in a tense game. There was a confusing refereeing performance that led to a crazy amount of yellow cards before Argentina took it on penalties.
The Argentinian players celebrated right in the face of the Netherlands players in a complete lack of class. The biggest scalp of the quarter-finals went to Morocco who came up against Portugal in what seemed like an easy win for the European side. Yet the Africans took a surprise lead just before halftime through an En-Nesyeri header.
Portugal had their chances but couldn't break down a Moroccan side who have now beaten Spain and Belgium in the tournament too. They have a togetherness in their squad that is helping to push them towards history. They are the first African side ever to reach the World Cup semi-finals.
Ronaldo was left in tears and in a display that proved just how much he thinks the world orbits around him, he didn't congratulate his opponents or console his teammates and just slumped down the tunnel. With no top teams wanting him in their side, it is likely he'll end up playing out the rest of his career somewhere like Saudi Arabia.
It turned out that it isn't coming home again as Gareth Southgate's side lost 2-1 to France. The French side took the lead through a fierce Tchouameni strike before a Harry Kane penalty levelled the tie. The ridiculously underrated Olivier Giroud scored France's second with a smart header before Harry Kane had another opportunity from the spot.
Yet in what seemed like incredibly unlikely circumstances, he skied it over the bar much to Kylian Mbappe's enjoyment. The only positives to take from this are that the majority of this England team is young and has a bright future ahead. With England being out, surely we're all Morocco now? Find tickets to screenings for the rest of the World Cup below.
World Cup Live Screening: Argentina vs Croatia
When: Tuesday 13th December
Where: Bubba Oasis, London
Will Lionel Messi claim the World Cup to add to his vast trophy cabinet? The last remaining prize for one of the greatest players of all time, he'll have to go through Croatia first. They have a habit of grinding out results, will they spring another surprise? Find out at this screening.
When: Wednesday 14th December
Where: Dalston Roofpark, London
This semi-final screening will see Morocco take on France. Hakimi will come up against his fellow PSG man Mbappe, will he be able to stop the flying forward? A huge occasion where anything could happen, are Morocco set to provide us with another exit? Find out at Dalston Roofpark.
When: Sunday 18th December
Where: Temple Arches, Leeds
The World Cup final is within our sights now and two of France, Morocco, Argentina and Croatia will face off for the ultimate prize in football. At Chow Down, you can enjoy the game with a delicious selection of food and a thirst-quenching amount of drinks to send off the tournament in style.
Check out our What's On Guide to discover even more rowdy raves and sweaty gigs taking place over the coming weeks and months. For festivals, lifestyle events and more, head on over to our Things To Do page or be inspired by the event selections on our Inspire Me page.
