Iran Press/ Middle East: After a scintillating Round of 16 at the 2022 World Cup, the tournament now enters the quarter-final stages.
Croatia v Brazil:
Saturday 4 am, Education City Stadium
Five-time champions Brazil look ready to go deep at this year’s World Cup, with Neymar recovered from an ankle injury and the country’s greatest player, Pele, an inspiration as he watches from his hospital bed.
The 82-year-old football great is receiving treatment in Sao Paulo as he recovers from a respiratory infection that was aggravated by Covid-19, but his presence can be felt among Brazil’s players and fans, with banners, flags, and T-shirts bearing his image.
Croatia is an aging team but has the know-how at the World Cup after reaching the semifinals four years ago.
Netherlands v Argentina:
Saturday 8 am, Lusail Stadium
Argentina has recovered from one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history and now faces the Netherlands for a place in the semifinals.
For Argentina to win their third World Cup, expect Messi to provide the magic.
The Netherlands has been quietly effective in reaching the quarter-finals, winning Group A and then beating the United States 3-1 in the round of 16.
These teams have plenty of history in the World Cup, with Argentina beating the Netherlands in the final in 1978 and in the semifinals in 2014.
Morocco v Portugal:
Sunday 4 am, Al Thumama Stadium
Portugal has shown what it can do without Cristiano Ronaldo after the five-time Ballon d’Or winner was benched in the 6-1 rout of Switzerland in the round of 16.
His replacement, Goncalo Ramos, scored the first hat trick of this year’s World Cup.
It’s not clear if Ronaldo will be recalled for the quarter-final match against Morocco or if he will be asked to accept a reduced role.
“I will use what I believe is the right strategy, as I have done my entire life,” Portugal coach Fernando Santos said.
Standing in Portugal’s way is the surprise team of the World Cup, Morocco.
“No one is giving up. Everyone’s playing with bandages, everyone is trying to raise their level of play and mentality,” Regragui said. “We succeeded in creating a family, and we feel there’s a whole country behind us.”
England v France:
Sunday 8 am, Al Bayt Stadium
Two of the best strikers in the world go head-to-head in the last of the four quarter-final matches.
Harry Kane, the leading scorer at the last World Cup, finally got off the mark in England’s 3-0 win over Senegal. But he has some catching to do if he wants to get close to Mbappe, who has scored five goals in the tournament
“I think we still have not seen the best of Kylian,” France forward Olivier Giroud said of his teammate. “I hope [his best] is going to come soon and he will beat all the records. He is amazing and he is still young, which is scary because he still can improve his game.”
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Read more:
World Cup 2022: Croatia beat Japan on penalties to reach World Cup quarter
Brazil beats South Korea 4-1 advancing to World Cup quarter-final
2022 World Cup: Argentina beats Australia qualifying for next round
