Young guns who set Qatar 2022 ablaze

The 2022 FIFA World Cup enters the quarterfinal stages with two mouth-watering clashes – Croatia v Brazil and the Netherlands v Argentina on Friday.

While Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have divided football as to who is the greatest player of his generation, a new breed of players is emerging from Qatar. The world will be enthralled by these players in the future.

These young guns, under the age of 23, have played a key role in their countries’ progress at the World Cup. But now they face the biggest test of their fledgling careers.

CROATIA V BRAZIL

This is the third FIFA World Cup match between Croatia and Brazil. They have won their previous two FIFAWC games against Croatia group stage games in 2006 and 2014.

Croatia have lost four of their five World Cup games against South American sides, with the exception of a 3-0 win over Argentina in 2018. Two of those four defeats have been against Brazil – 1-0 in 2006 and 3-1 in 2014 (both group stages).

Brazil have never lost in four previous meetings with Croatia in all competitions (W3 D1), with this their first meeting since a 2-0 friendly win in June 2018. Here is a look at the youngsters who have contributed up to this point.

Joško Gvardiol – Croatia

The youngest member of the Croatia squad, Joško Gvardiol, has been central to their run of success at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Gvardiol faces the biggest test of his young career when he faces Brazil in the quarterfinals. No matter the outcome at Education City Stadium, he will emerge with a better reputation as a defender. Top European clubs will look to snatch him away from RB Leipzig.

The young centre-back has played all four matches for Croatia at the World Cup. A highly dependable defender with an eye for goal, he has created one chance in open play during this World Cup.

Vinicius Jr – Brazil

The Real Madrid star has featured in three matches at this World Cup, all three from the starting line-up. He proved his worth in the talented Brazil squad with a goal and two assists. He also created an impressive eight scoring opportunities. More will be expected of him the quarterfinal clash against the Croats. But he will not carry the load alone.

Commenting on Brazil’s impressive attack… “I'm very happy to be among the best and to play with the best. We all get along really well. I believe this is key for us, to trust each other and know that if I can't do something then Neymar can, and if Neymar can't do it then I will do that for him. The same goes for Raphinha and Richarlison and all the players on the bench. When they come on, they'll give their best for the team and for us. It's always good to play with them.”

Antony – Brazil

The Man United star is yet to set the World Cup alight and the clash against Croatia could provide just that opportunity should he play. Antony started one of his three matches in Qatar, and he is yet to find the back of the net.

Antony impressed on his Premier League debut for Manchester United on September 4, 2022. He scored in his first-ever appearance against Arsenal, aged 22 years and 192 days. He has played six times in the Premier League in his career, scoring three goals and assisting one. That is the impact Brazil coach Tite will want to see from Antony.

Rodrygo – Brazil

Another Real Madrid star in the Brazil arsenal – Rodrygo started one of his four matches in Qatar and made one assist. Overall, he has been on the field for 123 minutes. Since his Brazil debut on 15 November 2019, he has made 11 appearances and scored one goal.

NETHERLANDS V ARGENTINA

This will be the sixth World Cup meeting between the Netherlands and Argentina, with only Brazil against Sweden (7) and Argentina against Germany (7) being played more often in the competition.

The Netherlands have lost just one of their nine meetings with Argentina in all competitions (W4 D4), with that loss coming in the 1978 World Cup final. However, the most recent of those four draws did result in a penalty shootout defeat, in the last meeting between the sides in the 2014 World Cup semifinal.

Cody Gakpo – Netherlands

Gakpo made headlines as he inspired the Netherlands to victory over Senegal with his fairy-tale run in the 84th minute. This 23-year-old was so impressive that some compared him to legendary Dutch striker Van Persie. Not a far-fetched comparison as the youngster rattled the Qatar nets three times in his four World Cup appearances.

“He’s a legendary player in the Netherlands and in the whole world,” said the 23-year-old in an interview with FIFA+. “It’s an honour for me to be compared to him, but at the end of the day I’m my own player. I have to prove myself and do my best.”

Xavi Simons – Netherlands

The PSV Eindhoven young midfielder has made only one appearance in Qatar. The 19-year-old came on as a late substitute in the 3-1 win over the USA and was on the field for just seven minutes. Not surprising given the tough competition in the Dutch midfield but he is one to watch for the future.

Jurrien Timber – Netherlands

Timber featured in three of the Netherlands’ World Cup matches – a total of 270 minutes. Generally, a centre-back but the youngster proved resourceful as he is equally comfortable at right-back. The biggest test of his young career comes in the form of tournament favourites Argentina.

Julian Alvarez – Argentina

Julián Álvarez has scored in each of his two World Cup starts – only three Argentina players have scored in their first three - Guillermo Stabile in 1930, Oreste Corbatta in 1958 and Hernán Crespo in 2006.

If he starts and scores in this match, at 22 years and 312 days of age, Álvarez will be the youngest Argentine to score in his first three World Cup starts since Téofilo Cubillas in 1970 (21y 94d). He will also join the list of future stars to replace the likes of Messi.

Enzo Fernandez – Argentina

Played in four matches in Qatar 2022, two of which were from the starting lineup and on the other occasions he came off the bench. The young defensive midfielder scored one goal in the 2-0 win against Mexico and provided an assist in the 2-0 win against Poland.

While the goal for these young players will be to see their country to World Cup glory, they will no doubt be contenders for young player of the tournament.