WC 2022: Football speaks Portugese

Spain - Morocco 0-0 (0-3 penalties)

Portugal - Switzerland 6-1

The two Champions League final defeats in 2009 and 2011 made me dislike anything remotely connected to Spain. My anger was actually directed at Barcelona so in retrospect I should've probably liked some bits coming out of Spain, but my knowledge of the country and its socio-political dynamics wasn't as refined a decade ago. In the intervening years, and after a few visits to Spain, including a trip to Camp Nou (to see United), my opinion of Spain has shifted considerably. I have come to like the country, its magnificent setting, its amazing infrastructure, its sunny shores and friendly people. Somehow, this warming up has never extended to the national football team, especially after the 2010 World Cup win, when they displayed the same annoying across-the-field play that Guardiola brought about at Barcelona.

So their loss against Morocco yesterday bemused me more than anything. While it is common understanding that the 2008-2012 generation is an exceptional one rather than a platform for dominating world football, Spain is still rightly seen as one of the teams best avoided in a football competition. Kudos to Morocco for not fearing the reputation and playing with the same confidence they displayed in the group stages. As a matter of fact, even on paper the teams seem pretty even.

So now, looking back at Spain's 4-game run, it looks like actually the 7-0 win against Costa Rica has been the odd one out. Even so, go through and everything is forgiven, at least until the next game. Plus, there is no team in the world for which a QF World Cup exit would be considered dishonorable. But by Jove, Spain, did you train for penalties in Japan or something?

Morocco, the only African team left in the competition, will not beat the curse of the quarter-finals, not after the football displayed by Portugal yesterday. They still deserve all the praise. Worthy winners of a group with Belgium and Croatia, and keeping the reputation of their country as an African footballing power.

But yeah, Portugal... I said Brazil's 4-1 win was free-flowing football, but Portugal's game yesterday was next level. Switzerland is not a bad team, yet they didn't know what hit them. First hattrick of the competition, 6-1 win, and they were actually wasteful with the opportunities. Very likely the best display of the competition so far and the best part of it is, they did it without Ronaldo.

If they maintain this form for 3 more games, the World Cup trophy will travel to Lisbon for the first time in history. That is a big if though, and the games are only getting tougher from now on.

I would love a Brazil - Portugal final, and I can kind of see it. It would be absolutely memorable. Let's just see if France or England have anything to say about it.