FIFA World Cup 2022: The story of week four

We have seen brilliant quarter-final and semi-final games, and it's been a stunning final week of football in Qatar.

The quarter-final stage got off to an explosive start as favourites Brazil were shocked by Croatia at Education City Stadium. Tipped by many to go all the way, the South Americans were stifled by the solid defensive organisation of Croatia for much of regulation time. After 90 minutes, it was goalless, which meant another 30 minutes were on the way.

Brazil did eventually get the initial breakthrough. Neymar burst through Croatia's backline, and took the ball around goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic and scored what felt like a crucial goal. But there was a twist in the tale as Bruno Petkovic scored, making Croatia level with just three minutes of extra time to play and forcing both sides to a penalty shoot-out. Rodrygo and Maquinhos missed crucial penalties, which dumped the favourites out and put Croatia into the semi-finals for the second World Cup in a row.

Meanwhile, at Lusail Stadium, Argentina faced the Netherlands in a replay of the famous 1998 quarter-final. The Dutch won that year, but this year it was Argentina that pushed forward in another game that went to penalties. But that's only half of the story.

The Argentines found themselves 2-0 up with ten minutes to go, but a double strike from substitute Wout Weghorst took the game to extra time in the final stages. Tempers flared as the game was extended by thirty minutes. There were arguments and plenty of rough tackles as emotions seemed to be at an all-time high, but Argentina held it together when it came to the shoot-out. Lautaro Martinez, who has been criticised for his lack of cutting edge in this tournament, scored the winning penalty to set up a