Doha: Technically it’s a quarter-final. However, in terms of excitement and intensity, this is the ‘final’ of Qatar World Cup football. Defending champions France and EuroCup runners-up England meet on Saturday in the hunt for a semi-berth. Whoever wins will be left with the sadness of one of the best teams being eliminated. While France has defeated Poland in the pre-quarters, England has reached the quarters by defeating Senegal. Kick-off at Albeit Stadium at 12.30 PM IST.
Football experts say that whoever stops Kylian Mbappe will win the World Cup. Going into the quarterfinals, France’s hopes rest on Mbappe. Mbappe, who is already at the top of the top scorer list with five goals, is on his way to score against England. England star Raheem Sterling, who returned home suddenly during the World Cup, is back with the team.
Portugal vs Morocco today
Today, Morocco is writing the test to open the door to history. Portugal, on the other hand, is coming down with the same dream. Portugal will face Morocco on Saturday in what can be described as a thriller in the quarter-finals of the World Cup. If they win, Morocco will become the first African team in the history of the World Cup to reach the semi-finals. Portugal have not reached the semi-finals since 2006. Portugal is coming after defeating Switzerland in the pre-quarters, while Morocco is coming after defeating the strong Spain in the shootout. Kick-off is at 8.30 PM IST at Al Thumama Stadium.
Cristiano is a magnet
Cristiano Ronaldo will be the main attraction of the match whether he plays or not. Coach Fernando Santos, who benched Cristiano against Switzerland, was asked about the same in Friday’s press conference. He denied with a smile the news that Cristiano would leave the team. Drawing Croatia, beating Spain and Belgium…Morocco’s strength is the confidence of having achieved the seemingly impossible. Portugal also fears this confidence with nothing to lose.