As the FIFA World Cup 2022 draws to a close, the question on everyone's mind is: Can anyone stop France from lifting the trophy? With seven teams remaining, it's time to re-rank the contenders and explore the possibilities. France, led by the formidable Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé, has been a force to be reckoned with. Their 6-0 win over Morocco showcased their attacking prowess and solid defense, with only two goals conceded in six matches. The French have a 34% chance of winning the tournament, according to The Athletic's projection tool, and their clean sheet against Portugal, secured by Mikel Merino's late winner, further cements their favorite status. But what makes France truly fascinating is their ability to limit their opponents' chances. Despite Spain's star player, Lamine Yamal, underperforming, the team's depth and strength are evident. Ferran Torres and Merino's combination against Portugal highlights their potential to become even more dangerous if Yamal steps up. However, one team that has caught my attention is Argentina. After a smooth group stage, their knockout games against Cape Verde and Egypt have been back-and-forth thrillers. While it's concerning that they've had to work so hard against favored teams, it also demonstrates their resilience and determination to win. The question now is how much these two matches have taken out of them. Argentina faces Switzerland in the quarter-finals, and the fact that they've avoided a more fancied team keeps them above England in these rankings. In my opinion, the real surprise of the tournament has been Belgium. Their 4-0 win over Canada showcased their attacking prowess, and they now face Spain in the quarter-finals. Belgium's ability to adapt and their strong defense make them a dark horse for the title. As for England, their 2-1 win over Senegal was a relief, but their overall performance has been underwhelming. The fact that they've avoided Argentina in the quarter-finals is a bonus, but they'll need to step up their game if they want to make a serious run at the title. In conclusion, while France remains the clear favorite, the remaining teams have their own strengths and weaknesses. Argentina's resilience, Belgium's adaptability, and Spain's depth make them dangerous contenders. England, on the other hand, needs to find its rhythm if it wants to avoid an early exit. As the tournament progresses, the stakes will only get higher, and the question of who can stop France will remain at the forefront. But with seven games remaining, anything is possible, and the excitement is only just beginning.
