By Sportswriter Michael Place
DOHA, Dec. 17 (Xinhua) -- It should come as no surprise that the teams featuring in the latter stages of the FIFA World Cup in Qatar have been those with the most dependable defenses.
Finalists Argentina and France, as well as semifinalists Croatia and Morocco, can attribute much of their success to defensive solidity and outstanding goalkeeping.
Emiliano Martinez was influential in goal for Argentina, especially in the round of 16 duel against Australia when he kept out a last-minute attempt from Garang Kuol.
The Aston Villa player was at his best again in the Albiceleste's quarterfinal against the Netherlands, when he saved the first two penalty kicks in the shootout.
For Croatia, goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic was of vital importance in his team's penalty shootout wins over Japan and Brazil. And we have to mention Sevilla keeper Yassine Bouno, who was instrumental in Morocco's surprising march to the semifinals.
As for the defenders, right-back Achraf Hakimi has been one of the unsung heroes for Morocco this tournament. The 24-year-old plays for Paris Saint-Germain and was at Inter Milan before that, having come through the Real Madrid youth system.
He's a player who knows the highest level and it has shown. Hakimi has been vital for the African team, not only in defense but pushing forward into attack.
It would also be remiss not to praise Manchester United's Raphael Varane. The France central defender came into the tournament with a hamstring strain, but you wouldn't know it. He has been the rock in the French defense as the reigning champions have progressed to another final. ■
