Credit: Twitter
The group stage of the FIFA World Cup 2022 has entered its final phase as four teams from Group A and B including Netherlands, Senegal, England and USA have already qualified for the Round of 16. However, fans across the world are desirous for a Cristiano Ronaldo vs Lionel Messi contest at the Qatar World Cup.
Cristiano Ronaldo-led Portugal have already confirmed their spot in the Round of 16 with two wins in two games and are set to face South Korea in their final group fixture to determine the Group H standings. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner scored the opener against Ghana while Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes scored a brace against Uruguay.
On the other hand, Argentina faced a 1-2 upset against Saudi Arabia in their opener and bounced back in the second game to destroy Mexico by 2-0. Argentina captain Lionel Messi scored the opener against Saudi Arabia and Mexico while Enzo Fernandez scored the winner against Mexico.
(FIFA World Cup 2022: Knockout stage draw)
How Ronaldo's Portugal can face Messi's Argentina?
Portugal are at the top of the Group H with six points and a three-goal difference while Argentina are placed at the second spot in the Group C with three points and a single goal difference. Portugal and Argentina can face each other in either semifinal or final of the FIFA World Cup 2022 considering the format of the knockout stages draw.
- With their current standings in their groups, Portugal can square off against Argentina in the semifinals.
- If Portugal and Argentina claimed the top spot in their respective groups then Ronaldo and Messi stand a chance to face each other in the final.
- In case Portugal and Argentina managed to get second positions in their Group H and C respectively then the teams can meet each other in the final.
- If one of the two teams finish as the group winners and other as runners up then they will face each other in the semifinal stage.