By Razeen Gutta
The Fifa World Cup field is down to eight; and from Thursday to Sunday, the race for glory gets serious with four blockbuster quarter-finals.
Before Wednesday’s break from action, the world watched on as defending champions Argentina came back from two goals down to beat Egypt 3-2.
African hearts were broken as Lionel Messi scored and assisted in an incredible ten minute burst towards the end of the game in Atlanta.
Whether you are backing Messi and company to go all the way, rooting for the African stars of Morocco or watching on with hope for England following 60 years of hurt — the weekend’s action is sure to entertain.
Here are the games on the radar for the last eight.
France vs Morocco
Didier Deschamps’ France have looked every bit the favourites. Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele and playmaker Michael Olise powered past Sweden before edging Paraguay.
Standing in their way are unbeaten Morocco, who defeated the Netherlands on penalties before thrashing co-hosts Canada 3-0.
The Atlas Lions reached the semi-finals in 2022 — the first African side to do so — and will want revenge in Boston after losing to France in Qatar.
Spain vs Belgium
Spain made history with a 1-0 win over Portugal, posting six straight World Cup clean sheets.
Efficient and composed under Luis de la Fuente, they have relied on goals from Mikel Oyarzabal, with Lamine Yamal adding the flair.
Belgium arrive in Los Angeles after a 4-1 win over the USA and a dramatic 3-2 extra-time comeback over Senegal. For the likes of Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku from the golden generation, this could be a final shot at a trophy.
Norway vs England
England, led by Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham who have 10 of the team’s 11 goals, survived with 10 men to beat Mexico 3-2 in one of the game’s of the tournament..
Next up in Miami is Erling Haaland’s Norway. The City striker has seven goals and has scored in 14 straight competitive games for his country, including a brace as they stunned Brazil to make the last eight.
Argentina vs Switzerland
Messi’s Argentina survived Cape Verde and Egypt to reach Kansas City. Switzerland, into the last eight for the first time since 1954 after beating Colombia on penalties, will be tough and organised.
All the action will be broadcast live on SuperSport.
Pictured above: Lionel Messi
Source: @we.are.messi
