Eight nations remain in the 2022 World Cup, with only two matches standing between them and a shot at glory in the final 10 days from now. Up next is the quarter final stage, with the competition hotting up after a Round of 16 featuring displays of dominance, shocks and controversy.
England comfortably dispatched Senegal to advance, as did France to Poland, setting up one of the ties of the next round. Similarly, Argentina and the Netherlands managed to do the same in their respective ties against Australia and the USA, bringing up vivid memories for many of that Dennis Bergkamp goal back in France 1998.
2018 finalists Croatia were next to confirm their place, coming from behind to break Japanese hearts in a penalty shoot-out, before Brazil came under fire dancing in celebration of their four first-half goals in a demolition of South Korea.
READ MORE: Arsenal urged to consider Cristiano Ronaldo transfer decision amid Gabriel Jesus replacement
To finish up the round, Morocco sealed their place as tournament heartthrobs by defeating Spain on penalties, before Portugal took the field against Switzerland with Cristiano Ronaldo demoted to the bench, and his replacement, Gonçalo Ramos, scoring a hat-trick in a thumping 6-1 victory.
With all four ties therefore confirmed, there has been a brief hiatus of football for the first time in seventeen days, but only until Friday, as the quarter finals get underway. These are the key details of each tie to be aware of:
Croatia vs Brazil
Date: Friday 9 December
Kick-off: 3:00pm
TV channel: BBC One
Stadium: Education City Stadium
A repeat of the 2014 World Cup's opening fixture, Neymar will be hoping he can inspire his nation once again as he did that day with two goals in São Paulo. If he does so, he would become his country's all-time leading goalscorer.
Croatia were forced to slog it out with Japan in the Round of 16 all the way through the penalties, so can be considered at a disadvantage to an already favoured Brazil side, who got to rotate in the second half against South Korea having scored four before half-time.
All roads point to the Seleção booking their place in the semi finals, but with all five of their tournament exits since 1990 coming at the hands of European nations, there is another potential upset on the cards.
Netherlands vs Argentina
Date: Friday 9 December
Kick-off: 7:00pm
TV channel: BBC One
Stadium: Lusail Iconic Stadium
Two nations who are long overdue World Cup glory have once again been pitted against one another at the tournament's finals, but that is just the nature of the beast.
There is a big opportunity for attacking players on either team to step up to the plate in this one. Lionel Messi has been inspiring his country so far as anticipated, though in the opposite camp so too has one of the break-out stars in Qatar, Cody Gakpo.
Morocco vs Portugal
Date: Saturday 10 December
Kick-off: 3:00pm
TV channel: ITV1
Stadium: Al Thumama Stadium
Many expected to see an Iberian derby in this fixture, but Spain's dramatic implosion from 12-yards allowed Morocco to pass through for what will be their personal best World Cup campaign in history, win or lose to Portugal.
They have only conceded once this tournament, so Saturday's earlier kick-off is set up to be a classic following Portugal's six goals against the Swiss.
What's more is whether Fernando Santos will restore Ronaldo to the side, or stay faithful to rising talent Ramos.
England vs France
Date: Saturday 10 December
Kick-off: 7:00pm
TV channel: ITV
Stadium: Al Bayt Stadium
The first competitive meeting between these two since 2012 has seen the build up dominated by how Gareth Southgate will set his side up to stop superstar Kylian Mbappé, who is currently the World Cup's top scorer on five goals.
Whilst this will no doubt have a major bearing on the result, the Three Lions should still fancy their chances as they have shown goalscoring ability throughout the side with eight different players who have found the net so far.
Supporters will be hoping to see Southgate remain resilient in his team selection by putting faith in young guns Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka and Phil Foden to get the job done.
READ NEXT
Richarlison copies Raphinha trick as Ronaldo learns Tottenham star's dance moves
Brazil boss Tite hits back at Roy Keane over 'disrespectful' comments after Richarlison dance
Why Kylian Mbappe missed France training ahead of England World Cup quarter-final
When England will play World Cup quarter-final and who they will face after Senegal win
Gary Neville and Ian Wright deliver brutal verdict on Cristiano Ronaldo after Portugal punishment
