As Haaland goes, so may Norway.
While the Norwegians aren't among the top-ranked teams left in the tournament, Haaland should be in his comfort zone facing Marc Guéhi and Ezri Konsa before – presumably – Lisandro Martínez and Cristian Romero.
The path to the final suddenly looks like a six-point week for Manchester City.
Michael Olise.
He wasn't quite so imperious against Paraguay in the last 16 as he had been earlier in the tournament, but then it's doubtful that France will face the same kind of footballing nihilism again from any of the remaining teams.
Messi. He's the player who can win games single-handed.
If Argentina stay in games, he can win them.
A youth coach of his spoke of the moments when he 'got the face on', as he did in that final quarter of an hour against Egypt.
Once that happens, he's effectively untouchable.
The coaching advantage goes to
Thomas Tuchel has to take a lot of credit for England's backs-to-the-wall triumph in Mexico City and the German is the only manager left who has won the Champions League.
But Didier Deschamps is unmatched in World Cup experience.
Deschamps.
In his final stages in charge of France, he's letting the stars run the show instead of managing them with a rigid and controlled approach.
It's worked wonders for their star attacking trio of Mbappé, Olise and Dembélé, and has made Les Bleus not only the best team at this World Cup but also one of its most entertaining.
