Ghana

Argentina have scored 16 goals from 8 different players but needed extra time in two of three knockout matches. England have 13 goals from just three scorers — Bellingham and Kane account for 12 — but won their quarter-final with a 93rd-minute Bellingham strike. One team has depth. The other has destiny. The data reveals a semi-final shaped by mirror formations, contrasting vulnerabilities, and two very different paths to survival.

Colombia secures a 1-0 victory over Ghana with a classic smash-and-grab performance, despite being dominated in possession. Jhon Arias's decisive goal in the 14th minute capitalizes on a rare Colombian attack, as they withstand Ghana's 71% possession to maintain their lead against the run of play.

In a competitive encounter, Croatia secures a tight 2-1 victory over Ghana, with Petar Sučić's decisive goal in the 31st minute proving pivotal. Croatia's 4-1 advantage in shots on target underscores their attacking efficiency, allowing them to maintain control despite Ghana's efforts to equalize.

England's dominance goes unrewarded in a 0-0 draw against Ghana, despite outshooting their opponents 19-2. The lack of a decisive turning point underscores England's inability to convert possession and opportunities into goals, leaving them frustrated despite controlling the match.

France have scored 16 goals — and conceded just 4 — across seven matches, yet their first tournament defeat to Spain exposed a finishing vulnerability that England may look to exploit. England have won five of seven, with Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane sharing 12 goals between them, but conceded eight times — twice as many as France. Both teams score heavily from the second half onward. Both arrive wounded. Sportami identifies the patterns that will shape the World Cup's third-place playoff.