The 2022 World Cup has been one of the most entertaining tournaments in recent memory and the drama is sure to continue on the second day of the quarter-finals in Qatar.
The first quarter-final produced a shock result - Croatia knocked out pre-tournament favourites Brazil on penalties after a nail-biting match finished 1-1 at the end of extra time.
The second quarter-final also went to penalties following late drama. Argentina were 2-0 up but were pegged back to 2-2 in the dying seconds by the Netherlands.
However, the South American side won the penalty shootout 4-3.
That means Argentina will now face Croatia in one semi-final.
Morocco v Portugal and England v France
The other semi-final will be decided today.
Four teams are vying for a spot: Morocco take on Portugal, while England face France.
Title holders France have been in fantastic form, led by the irrepressible Kylian Mbappe.
Mbappe, 23, scored twice as Les Bleus defeated Poland 3-1 in the last 16, taking his tally to five goals in Qatar and nine overall at the World Cup.
England haven't fared too badly either after easing into the last eight after a comfortable 3-0 win over Senegal.
As expected, all focus is on Mbappe. The PSG megastar missed regular training on Wednesday, choosing instead to do individual recovery two days after the win over Poland.
He is likely to be marked by England defender Kyle Walker, who insisted his team won't obsess over Mbappe, who is the tournament's top scorer.
"I know he's a top player but we're not playing tennis. It's not a solo sport, it's a team game," the Manchester City defender said.
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From left: France's Adrien Rabiot, Antoine Griezmann and Olivier Giroud during a training session at the Jassim-bin-Hamad Stadium in Doha on Tuesday night, December 6, 2022. AFP -
France's forward Ousmane Dembele and teammates attend a training session in Doha ahead of their World Cup 2022 quarter-final against England. AFP -
France's Olivier Giroud, Antoine Griezmann and Adrien Rabiot attend a training session at the Jassim-bin-Hamad Stadium. FP -
France's Kingsley Coman with teammates during their training session in Doha. France will face England in the World Cup 2022 quarter-final on Saturday. EPA -
France's Hugo Lloris jokes with a teammates during training. AFP -
France players warm up before their training session at the Jassim-bin-Hamad Stadium in Doha. AFP -
France coach Didier Deschamps oversees training in Doha. EPA -
France's Matteo Guendouzi fights for the ball with Jordan Veretout during training. AFP -
France's Jules Kounde and teammates attend a training session in Doha. EPA -
Benjamin Pavard takes part a training session at the Jassim-bin-Hamad Stadium in Doha. AFP -
France's Olivier Giroud stretches at the end of the training session in Doha. AFP -
Players of France during training session in Doha. EPA -
France's Ibrahima Konate, left, Antoine Griezmann, and Adrien Rabiot during training. AP -
France's goalkeeper Steve Mandanda, Olivier Giroud and Matteo Guendouzi during a training session. PA -
France's Raphael Varane during training session. PA -
France's Olivier Giroud during training. Reuters
"We know he's a great player and that's why he's the focus of all questions. But let's not forget (Olivier) Giroud, who has scored countless (goals), (Ousmane) Dembele, for me just as good on the other wing."
Walker has come up against Mbappe for City in the Champions League and said the lesson was not to focus too much on the talisman.
"When we played Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League, we were not just thinking of Mbappe and it's going to be the same on Saturday," he said. "Yes, he's a tool in their armoury - and a very good one - but you can't underestimate their other players."
Fixture
England v France, World Cup 2022 quarter-final
When is the match?
Saturday, December 10, from 11pm UAE time
Where is the match being played?
The quarter-final will be held at the Al Bayt Stadium. It is one of the biggest venues of the 202 World Cup with a capacity of over 60,000.
How to watch World Cup 202 live in the UAE?
Fans can catch all the action live on beIN Sports. But you can do so much more than just watch it at home.
In Abu Dhabi, why not head to the Abu Dhabi fan zone at Yas Links, VOX Cinemas or Emirates Palace fan zone to enjoy the ambience and lice football?
Or how about Dubai? You can enjoy the game from the comforts of Expo City fan zone, Dubai Media City Amphitheatre, or a number of other facilities.
