With the United States’ deflating exit from the World Cup earlier this week via its loss to Belgium, Americans may feel like they have no one left to root for in the tournament.
But that’s not true. It’s time to sit back, turn on the TV and find another team to follow. There are just eight teams left as the quarterfinals begin Thursday, July 9, and less than two weeks until the World Cup final on July 19.
Whether it’s because of an enticing player or storyline or for an entirely random reason, here are a few teams still alive that Americans can root for for the rest of the World Cup:
Norway
Norway is fun. Whether that’s because Erling Haaland is one of the funniest superstars to watch in the world or the Norwegian row tradition that makes an appearance at every game, Norway is a team you want to root for.
It was labeled a potential “dark horse” before the tournament as it entered its first World Cup run in 28 years, and it’s living up to that moniker. Norway doesn’t seem to have many boring games when it’s at full strength — as shown by its 3-2 win over Senegal, 2-1 triumph over Ivory Coast and most recent upset victory over Brazil in the Round of 16.
Haaland has scored seven goals in four matches. He’s right on Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé’s tail in the Golden Boot race, which should come down to the wire.
What’s not to like about Norway?
Spain
If you’re trying to avoid watching France play in the final for the third straight tournament, cheer for Spain.
The Spanish were the pre-tournament favorite, though their odds have slipped below France since it started. Still, Spain is the first team ever to collect six clean sheets to begin a World Cup; that should bode well for anyone bandwagoning the squad.
And Lamine Yamal, though he hasn’t truly shown it yet, is one of the best up-and-coming youngsters in the world. He’s 18 years old and already scored 29 times for Barcelona in three years with the club. Maybe some fireworks could be in store to close the World Cup.
Morocco
The last time Morocco was in the World Cup, it enjoyed a surprise run to the semifinals in 2022. Now, it’ll face France in the quarterfinals on Thursday, vying for some redemption.
Morocco has plenty of flameout potential, especially against a loaded France squad. To win the World Cup, Morocco would also likely need to get through the three favorites to win — France, Spain and Argentina, depending on their next results.
But that makes for an excellent story. And Morocco is exactly the team that could pull it off.
Argentina
Simply put, if you want a team that is likely to win it all and will be fun to watch at the same time, choose Argentina.
Its last two matchups have been nerve wracking but action-packed. First, Argentina went blow for blow with Cape Verde in the Round of 32 and escaped in extra time, then erased a 2-0 deficit to Egypt with three late goals in the Round of 16. It faces Switzerland on July 11 in the quarterfinals.
Meanwhile, Messi is chasing his second consecutive World Cup. Think of the emotions, the celebrations that will emerge if that’s the case. It’d be a great way for one of the best to ever do it to go out.
Source: NorthJersey.com
