The Qatar World Cup 2022 is down to the final eight teams and it has been an exhilarating tournament so far.
Portugal and Brazil stormed into the last eight with commanding 6-1 and 4-1 victories respectively, while England and France proved too good for their respective opponents in Senegal and Australia.
There was a dream full World Cup debut for Goncalo Ramos, who smashed a hat-trick against Switzerland, with Cristiano Ronaldo relegated to the bench.
Equally amazing was Morocco becoming only the fourth African country and first Arab nation to reach the quarter-finals after defeating Spain in a penalty shootout, with Achraf Hakimi converting the decisive spot kick with a “Panenka”.
Gareth Southgate's England have impressed so far but run into the unstoppable Kylian Mbappe and his French teammates in the quarter-finals. Mbappe is the tournament's leading scorer with five goals.
Croatia too face an uphill battle in their quarter-final against Brazil after the five-time champions thrashed South Korea 4-1. The South Americans are close to fielding a full-strength team after a number of injury problems; talisman Neymar and key defender Danilo returned against South Korea after missing two games due to ankle problems.
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Goncalo Ramos celebrates scoring Portugal's fifth goal and his hat-trick in the 6-1 Round of 16 win against Switzerland at the Lusail Stadium on December 6, 2022. PA -
Goncalo Ramos scores Portugal's fifth goal. AP -
Portugal's Goncalo Ramos celebrates. PA -
LUSAIL CITY, QATAR - DECEMBER 06: Goncalo Ramos of Portugal celebrates after scoring the team's fifth goal and their hat trick during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Round of 16 match between Portugal and Switzerland at Lusail Stadium on December 06, 2022 in Lusail City, Qatar. (Photo by Alex Pantling / Getty Images) -
Portugal's Goncalo Ramos celebrates after scoring the third goal. AP -
Raphael Guerreiro celebrates scoring Portugal's fourth goal. PA -
Goncalo Ramos scores his side's third goal. AP -
Portugal's Pepe, left, celebrates after scoring the second goal. AP -
Pepe celebrates scoring his side's second goal. AP -
Raphael Guerreiro scores the fourth goal. PA -
Portugal's Pepe scores against Switzerland. AP -
Goncalo Ramos celebrates after scoring Portugal's first goal in the Round of 16 match against Switzerland at Lusail Stadium on December 6, 2022. Getty -
Goncalo Ramos scores Portugal's first goal. Getty -
Portugal's Goncalo Ramos celebrates scoring with teammates. Reuters -
Cristiano Ronaldo did not look happy about starting the game on the bench. Getty -
Manuel Akanji scores for Switzerland. Getty -
Cristiano Ronaldo pours water on his head. AFP -
Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo came on as a sub. PA -
Portugal's Rafael Leao celebrates scoring their sixth goal. Reuters -
Rafael Leao celebrates scoring their sixth goal with Diogo Dalot and Ruben Dias. Reuters
World Cup 2022 quarter-finals date and time
Friday, December 9
Croatia v Brazil, 6pm local time (7pm UAE), Education City Stadium
Netherlands v Argentina 10 pm (11pm UAE), Lusail Stadium
Saturday, December 10
Morocco v Portugal (7pm), Al Thumama Stadium
England v France (11pm), Al Bayt Stadium
Where to watch matches in the UAE?
The World Cup 2022 is being shown live on beIN Sports. Those interested in having a bit more fun and a taste of the outdoors while watching the games have many options to select from.
In Abu Dhabi, you can catch all the live action while enjoying the sights and sounds of Emirates Palace's fan zone at Oriental Cafe. Or head out to VOX Cinemas for live screening of the games. There is a place to suit your needs all across Abu Dhabi this World Cup season.
Dubai is full of happening football spots as well. There is the excellent ambience at Expo City, JBR Football Village, City Centre Mirdif Stadium, and many more such venues.
