​The World Cup has narrowed to eight contenders, and an elite quartet is prepared to clash in the quarter-finals starting Thursday, all on American soil. AFP Sport breaks down the match-ups, with the action all taking place in the United States.
France versus Morocco
France have lived up to their status as favorites, cruising through the group stage and dispatching Sweden before edging Paraguay in the last 16. It would be hard to contain Didier Deschamps’ attack, which boasts a wealth of talent such as Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, Bradley Barcola, and the brilliantly inventive Michael Olise. Yet unbeaten Morocco will not be fazed by champion France, having defeated the Netherlands on penalties and crushed co-host Canada 3-0 in the last 16. The North Africans will arrive in Boston seeking revenge for their 2022 semi-final loss to France, after creating history by becoming the first African side to reach the World Cup semi-finals. They will be eager to replicate that landmark achievement when they face the two-time world champions.
Spain versus Belgium
Spain’s 1-0 victory over Portugal on Monday made history as they became the first team ever to post six consecutive World Cup clean sheets. Under Luis de la Fuente, the European champions may not always thrill, but they are exceptionally efficient and comfortable on the ball. Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal has found the net just once in five games, while Mikel Oyarzabal has scored four times, including a brace in a 3-0 win over Austria in the last 32. Belgium head to Los Angeles following a 4-1 thrashing of co-hosts the United States. Their triumph came after they recovered from a two-goal deficit in the last 32 to beat Senegal 3-2 in extra time. This could be one of the final big performances for Belgium’s much-praised Golden Generation, including Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku, who will be keen to bow out on a high.
Norway versus England
England’s back line faces a stern test against Norway’s star striker Erling Haaland, a Premier League rival they know well, but one who presents an ongoing challenge. Thomas Tuchel’s side arrived in the United States among the leading contenders to win the tournament for only the second time in their history. Captain Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham have been the standout performers, contributing 10 of England’s 11 goals, including all three in a dramatic 3-2 victory over Mexico. England, who were reduced to ten men in that win, had to battle to defeat the co-hosts, a result that will embolden them ahead of the clash with Norway. However, they will be facing a Miami-based Norwegian team led by the irrepressible Haaland, who has seven goals so far and is chasing the Golden Boot. The Manchester City forward has found the net in each of his last 14 competitive matches for Norway, totaling 27 goals, and his presence promises to create significant trouble for England’s vulnerability in defense.