The last two quarter-finals of the World Cup in Qatar are scheduled for this Saturday. First of all, Morocco wants to create something historic in the duel against Portugal (4 p.m. CET/ZDF and MagentaTV) and be the first African team to reach a World Cup semi-final. England or France would be waiting there, who would meet in the evening game (8 p.m. CET/ZDF and MagentaTV).
Quarter-finals: Morocco – Portugal (4 p.m. / ZDF and MagentaTV)
Coach Walid Regragui’s team can become the first African team to reach a World Cup semi-final. In the round of 16 coup against Spain, defensive aces Noussair Mazraoui from FC Bayern and Nayef Aguerd from West Ham had to leave. But the coach said: “No matter who plays, we will all do our best and make no excuses.” The North Africans also rely on their strong defensive work against Portugal: In four World Cup games they conceded only one goal in the 1-2 draw with Canada – and that was an own goal.
Portugal coach Fernando Santos has respect for the opposition: “They are a very well organized team with great potential,” he said. “Their players play at the best clubs in the world, Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich. It won’t be an easy game for Portugal.” Whether superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, who was last on the bench and was the big topic of the past few days, will be allowed to play from the start remains open. “Every coach sets up his team as he sees fit and adapts the strategy to the opposition. That’s exactly what I’m going to do,” said Santos.
Quarter-finals: France – England (8 p.m. / ZDF and MagentaTV)
The duel between France and England is all about the superstars Kylian Mbappé and Harry Kane. “I’m sure England will have prepared for Mbappé, but he can make the difference,” said France coach Didier Deschamps. “He didn’t show his best form in the last game – and he was still decisive.” That was in the 3-1 win against Poland, now Deschamps expects more resistance. When asked about the weaknesses of the Three Lions, the success coach only said: “They don’t have any.”
The sovereign 3:0 of the English against Senegal speaks for Deschamps’ statement. England boss Gareth Southgate has no reason to change. The addition of Kyle Walker was probably an anticipation of France and Mbappé because of his pace. Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham should continue to act as an attacking midfielder. And Captain Kane again as a driver and assist provider. Southgate is looking forward to the game against France: “It’s the biggest test we can expect. They’re world champions, they have depth, they have talent, they have outstanding players. It’s a fantastic challenge,” he said.
