FIFA World Cup Quarter-Finals: England and France gear up for historic clash, Morocco eye to overcome Portugal
Morocco are looking to continue their dream run at the FIFA World Cup when they meet Portugal in the quarter-final on Saturday.
Walid Regragui’s team has already caused an upset when they defeated Spain in the penalty shootout in the Round of 16 and now will be looking to replicate it when they clash with the Cristiano Ronaldo-led side.
Later in the night, another blockbuster match awaits as England and France gear up for a historic contest in Qatar. It will be the first time the teams will meet in a knockout match in the World Cup since 1982.
Morocco have become the darlings at the World Cup as they became the first Arab side to reach the quarter-finals and the first African side to storm into the last-eight stage in over a decade. Regragui’s team stunned the 2010 World Cup winners Spain on penalties 3-0. Meanwhile, Portugal are coming on the back of a thumping 6-1 win over Switzerland.
Fernando Santos chose Goncalo Ramos over Ronaldo to lead the team’s attack and the plan did wonders for Portugal as well as for Ramos. The 21-year-old Ramos provided an early lead for his side before completing a hat-trick.
The contest between Morocco and Portugal will begin at 8:30 PM IST.
The fourth semi-finalist will be decided following the quarter-final between Morocco and Portugal. England will play against the defending champions France, which features Golden Boot contender Kylian Mbappe.
England recently added a confidence-building 3-0 win over Senegal in the Round of 16, while France dispatched Poland 3-1 in the last-16 match. Didier Deschamps is likely to field the same team from their latest match but it is to be seen what formula Gareth Southgate applies to overcome the French challenge.
FIFA World Cup Quarter-Final fixtures:
Morocco vs Portugal (8:30 PM IST, Saturday December 10)
England vs France (12:30 AM IST, Sunday December 11)