Well-known Ukrainian coach and expert Oleg Fedorchuk shared his impressions of the 2022 World Cup.
Oleg FedorchukBiggest impression?
The composure and discipline of Brazil. Not a carnival, as usual, but a mature team. The youth of England, who have matured compared to the Euro. Tournament favorite — France
Japan, Senegal, Morocco were a surprise. Three teams that look interesting tactically and individually, especially the Japanese. I have never seen such pressure even in clubs - counterattacks, change of tactics.
The surprise among the players for me was Richarlison. Of course, Mbappe is on the level, the black guys from England are cool. I liked the goalkeepers - even those teams that flew out. Lots of good goalkeepers.
The World Cup is built in such a way that all the people who have shown themselves now will be forgotten after the semi-finals and finals.
Before the start of the championship, there was skepticism about the timing, but we see that the teams played without delay. Many injuries due to high intensity, but they were afraid of the heat.
Belgium, Germany, Spain became the greatest disappointment. The teams that set the trends in football have completely failed, but everything is in the game. Teams that rely on ball control lost out to those who focused training on physics.
I didn't expect Serbia to fail. The specialists were waiting for them in the playoffs, they were doing well in Europe - it didn’t work out.
Grid
The most intriguing couple of the quarter-finals is France - England.
A month ago, I saw the final between Argentina and France, but the Argentines are dismantled, although they are trying. They don't have the whole picture. There will be a sensation if these teams do not come out.
The chances of the Netherlands and Argentina are 50/50. Both teams prefer to play as number two, so we won't see bright football.
Brazil-Croatia-only the lack of assembly of Brazil can become an ally of Croatia. The Croats themselves jumped over their heads in this tournament. There is no chance against such Brazil.
France - England - a slight advantage of France. Since they often play among themselves it will not be easy. Anything can be expected from the English.
I think that Morocco can drink the blood of Portugal. We remember how hard the games were for Croatia, but they played in the final.
I give a slight advantage to Portugal in the confrontation with Morocco. I pay tribute to Santos, who was not afraid to put Ronaldo on the bench. This played a plus so much that Portugal was transformed due to this. This can play into the hands of Ronaldo himself, who can go over-motivated to the quarterfinals.
Forecast for the final:
I see Brazil and France.
