The first semifinal match was decided on Friday and Croatia beat the mighty Brazil to play Argentina on Tuesday.
By Saturday afternoon there will only be four. Morocco is the team with all to play for and nothing to lose. Can they topple a rampant Portugal?
Portugal vs Morocco 11 am Al Thumana Stadium
Morocco are the fourth African side to reach the last eight of a World Cup after topping Group F. They may become the first African/Arab side to reach the semifinals if they topple Portugal.
Amazingly, Morocco have beaten Portugal before in a World Cup, back in 1986 at the group stage in Mexico, the Atlas Lions won 3-1. Portugal had to wait until 2018 to beat Morocco 1-0 in Russia.
Head-to-head Portugal vs Morocco:
June 11, 1986, Portugal 1 – 3 Morocco World Cup
June 20, 2018, Portugal 1 – 0 Morocco World Cup
This will not be a walk in the park for Portugal, regardless of how well they destroyed Switzerland. They are coming up against the best defence in the tournament. I hope the refereeing does not impact this game, because on too many occasions, the officials seem to give a significant advantage to the bigger footballing nation.
It is left to be seen if the antics of Cristiano Ronaldo have any impact on the mentality of the Portuguese team.
England vs France 3 pm Al Bayt Stadium
In another massive clash, these two titans will determine who will progress to the semifinals. England have a better head-to-head record against France in recent times. Interestingly, they have met twice at the World Cup and England won both games. England’s record against France is exceptional with 17 wins, nine defeats and five draws.
Head-to-head:
July 20, 1966 England 2 – 0 France World Cup
June 16, 1982 England 3 -1 France World Cup
France is a very good side but there were reports of an on-field bust up in a French training session. England will have to contain Kylian Mbappe and in Kyle Walker they have the only player capable of keeping up with him. The 32-year-old Walker will want to do the job for England.
2 Quarterfinal Matches Today
By Gerald Lutchman
The first semifinal match was decided on Friday and Croatia beat the mighty Brazil to play Argentina on Tuesday.
By Saturday afternoon there will only be four. Morocco is the team with all to play for and nothing to lose. Can they topple a rampant Portugal?
Portugal vs Morocco 11 am Al Thumana Stadium
Morocco are the fourth African side to reach the last eight of a World Cup after topping Group F. They may become the first African/Arab side to reach the semifinals if they topple Portugal.
Amazingly, Morocco have beaten Portugal before in a World Cup, back in 1986 at the group stage in Mexico, the Atlas Lions won 3-1. Portugal had to wait until 2018 to beat Morocco 1-0 in Russia.
Head-to-head Portugal vs Morocco:
This will not be a walk in the park for Portugal, regardless of how well they destroyed Switzerland. They are coming up against the best defence in the tournament. I hope the refereeing does not impact this game, because on too many occasions, the officials seem to give a significant advantage to the bigger footballing nation.
It is left to be seen if the antics of Cristiano Ronaldo have any impact on the mentality of the Portuguese team.
England vs France 3 pm Al Bayt Stadium
In another massive clash, these two titans will determine who will progress to the semifinals. England have a better head-to-head record against France in recent times. Interestingly, they have met twice at the World Cup and England won both games. England’s record against France is exceptional with 17 wins, nine defeats and five draws.
Head-to-head:
France is a very good side but there were reports of an on-field bust up in a French training session. England will have to contain Kylian Mbappe and in Kyle Walker they have the only player capable of keeping up with him. The 32-year-old Walker will want to do the job for England.