The World Cup is reaching a magnificent crescendo with the quarter-finals getting underway tomorrow night.
This is the business end of the greatest show in sport with four mouthwatering ties to look forward to.
The champions of Europe, South America and Africa are still involved, along with favourites France and dark horses England.
Here, we take a look at the four matches and offer up our predictions…
THURSDAY, JULY 9
France v Morocco (9pm)
What a way to start with a repeat of the 2022 semi-final in Qatar. France won 2-0 on that occasion but Morocco, who had become the first African team to reach the last four, gave as good as they got for most of the evening.
Most observers would say Morocco have grown since then and new boss Mohamed Ouahbi has offered a calming influence after the sometimes chaotic reign of Walid Regragui.
They have not lost in 34 games and play a similar front-foot game to the French, spearheaded by Achraf Hakimi – arguably the best right-back in the world – and attacking talents Brahim Diaz and Ismael Saibari. Saibari is an injury doubt and the Atlas Lions will be desperately hoping he is fit.
France have been the team of the tournament so far. Didier Deschamps’ men have won all five fixtures, scoring 14 goals in the process. They also proved they have another side in the 1-0 defeat of an obdurate Paraguay in the last round, winning ugly to progress to this stage.
Defensively sound and possessing the most potent attack in international football in Kylian Mbappe, Michael Olise and Ousmane Dembele, they remain the team to beat.
Morocco are good but we’re not sure they are good enough to win this one.
Prediction: France 2-1 Morocco
FRIDAY, JULY 10
Spain v Belgium (8pm)
Belgium sparked into life in the round-of-16 win over the United States. Having looked lacklustre in the group stage and round-of-32 win over Senegal, Rudi Garcia’s side produced a brilliant display to thrash co-hosts USA 4-1.
They were clearly fuelled by a sense of injustice at the machiavellian tactics employed by FIFA and Donald Trump to ensure USA striker Folarin Balogun could play but channelled their frustration superbly.
Garcia took the brave decision to leave star men Kevin De Bruyne and Jeremy Doku on the bench and it will be fascinating to see if he repeats the move in Los Angeles.
Spain have cruised into the last four with few alarms, once they had got over the shock of an opening game draw with Cape Verde.
The fluent football remains but what is relatively new is a defensive stability that has seen them keep clean sheets in each of their five games.
Lamine Yamal has shown flashes of his brilliance but if he can produce a typically flamboyant display over the full 90 minutes it could be a long night for Belgium.
Prediction: Spain 3-0 Belgium
SATURDAY, JULY 11
Norway v England (10pm)
On paper, it seems quite straightforward. Stop Erling Haaland and England will qualify for the semi-finals.
Simplistic yes, but also partially true. Haaland netted twice in Norway’s 2-1 win over Brazil in the round of 16 and has now scored in each of his last 14 competitive encounters for his country. His overall record reads 62 goals in 54 international games.
The good news is if England line-up with a back four of John Stones, Marc Guehi, Ezri Konsa and Nico O’Reilly then three of that quartet have played against him in training at Manchester City. They will know his quirks, his triggers and will also know what irks him. That inside knowledge could prove crucial and a determining factor as the Three Lions look to build on Monday morning’s stirring win over Mexico.
While it was not a perfect performance technically, the grit and determination shown by the players, particularly after the sending-off of Jarell Quansah, indicated a close-knit group.
The attacking fluidity still needs work but this appears the perfect game for England to secure a place in the last four.
Prediction: Norway 1-3 England
SUNDAY, JULY 12
Argentina v Switzerland (2am)
Quite how Argentina have reached this stage is a mystery but also says much about their desire to retain the trophy they won in Qatar.
Under-par against Cape Verde and a bit of a shambles for 75 minutes against Egypt, Lionel Scaloni’s side somehow found a way.
Even Lionel Messi looked out of sorts in the round-of-16 clash with the Egyptians before leading a fantastic late comeback to clinch a 3-2 win.
Yes, some of the refereeing calls were dubious and yes, doubts remain about the defence and midfield, but if Messi fires then Argentina will take some stopping.
Are Switzerland good enough to stop them? They certainly won’t give it away, as evidenced once again in the desperately boring goalless draw with Colombia.
It was risk-averse and a dire watch but they got the job done in the penalty shoot-out. They have plenty of experience but do they have the quality?
Prediction: Argentina 1-0 Switzerland
