With only eight teams in fray, the real excitement at the 2018 FIFA World Cup just got started for the ardent football fans. Two-time World Cup champions Uruguay take on 1998 winners France in the first quarter-finals today. In the day’s second last-eight battle to be played at Kazan Arena, five-time World Cup winners Brazil will aim to stop Belgium’s ‘Golden Generation’.
Tomorrow, 1966 World Cup champions England have a date with Sweden, another European side that has impressed the pundits with their daredevil football the last two weeks. The match will be played at Samara Arena, located in the southeastern part of European Russia. In the last quarter-final tomorrow, hosts Russia will look to beat Croatia at Fisht Stadium in Sochi.
Winners of the 1930 and 1950 FIFA World Cup editions, Uruguay must be hoping striker Edinson Cavani is declared fit for the clash against France. Cavani fired a brace against Portugal in the pre-quarters stage when Cristiano Ronaldo failed to spark for the 2016 European champions. Cavani, the 31-year-old PSG star, is suffering from a calf injury but returned to training yesterday.
France, who won the home FIFA World Cup in 1998, will be buoyed by their thumping win over 1978 and 1986 winners Argentina in the quarter-final stage. Kylian Mbappe scored a brace as France romped to a 4-3 win over Lionel Messi’s side that lacked fight when the going got tough.
Also today, all eyes will be on Neymar Jr who scored a goal and assisted in the second as Brazil beat Mexico in the last-16 clash. Neymar scored in the 51st minute before helping Roberto Firmino fired one in the 88th to complete Brazil’s quality 2-0 win. Brazil must play smart if they intend to overpower Belgium, considered the dark horses in Russia.
Last Monday, Belgium broke Asian hearts when they stunned Japan who were leading 2-0 by the 52nd minute. Belgium produced three quality goals to reverse a losing cause into a memorable 3-2 win. The Japanese team left the pitch in tears but won hearts by leaving the dressing room at the Rostov Arena all cleaned up. They also left a “thank you” note in Russian language, a gesture appreciated by FIFA as well as global football fraternity.
With all teams ready for the quarter-finals, one thing is guaranteed: football of the highest quality will be on display today and tomorrow. Stay tuned!
