ᑕ❶ᑐ World Cup 2022: Croatia v Brazil and Netherlands v Argentina on BBC’s Great Friday

Croatian playmaker Luka Modric, Brazilian talisman Neymar, Argentina captain Lionel Messi and Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal expect to win the World Cup quarter-finals on Friday.

Host country: Qatar Destination: November 20 – December 18 Cover: Live on BBC TV, BBC iPlayer, BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Sounds and the BBC Sport website and app. Daily TV programs – Full coverage details

If two mouth-watering clashes kicking off the World Cup quarter-finals doesn’t give you that ‘Friday feeling’, nothing will.

Tournament favorites vs 2018 finalists.

Then a repeat of the 1978 final in another enthralling match.

Croatia v Brazil (15:00 GMT)
Netherlands v Argentina (19:00 GMT)

The first two quarter-final games will be shown live on BBC TV, radio and online on ‘Fabulous’ Friday, meaning you can spend most of the day following our coverage.

Both matches will be shown on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

Radio commentary of the two quarter-finals will also be broadcast live in the UK on BBC Sounds, the BBC Sport website and app.

Here’s a rundown of what we’ve got to look forward to…

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Can Croatia stop ‘terrorizing’ the Brazilian carnival?

Brazil has long been a fascinating attraction for football fans and they are once again delighting their supporters as well as many neutrals around the world with their fluid action in Qatar.

The Selecao tore apart South Korea with a devastating attacking performance in the Round of 16, underscoring why Tite’s side look favorites to lift the trophy on December 18.

Even the manager enjoyed the show, joining his players in dancing in celebration for the 4-1 win. Now they aim to provide more entertainment on Fridays.

Dancing Brazil ‘makes no apologies’ for having fun
Worlds like glittering Brazil, carnival and showboats light up Qatar

“What I’ve seen so far, looking at their players, their quality, their skills and their value, it’s really terrible,” said Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic.

“We have to go into the game with a lot of confidence, self-belief and look for our chances, take advantage of the opportunity to play against Brazil, that’s all. »

Croatia, Five-time champions Brazil, who lost to France in the 2018 World Cup final, will be the toughest test yet.

Their progress was once again led by Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric, 37, who has indicated this will be his last major tournament before arriving in Qatar.

“When you see people like Luka Modric running and dying on the pitch, it gives young players extra energy to run,” said Croatian defender Josip Juranovic.

Messi or Van Gaal to the World Cup farewell?

perspective The Netherlands and Argentina Reuniting at the World Cup evokes vivid memories between different generations.

It was Mario Kempes who inspired Argentina to victory in the 1978 final. this sublime touch and Completed by Dennis Bergkamp Whether it’s the 1998 semi-final that took the Dutch or the lackluster 2014 encounter that ended with Argentina goalkeeper Sergio Romero becoming a penalty shootout hero, there’s a long-standing rivalry that adds romance between the nations.

This event should be no different.

It may be the last time we see Argentina’s Lionel Messi – considered by many to be the greatest player of all time – on the biggest international stage of them all.

It will also be the last time we see Dutch coach Louis van Gaal in the dugout.

Van Gaal defies critics with Qatar race

Messi, 35, carries his nation’s hopes as he aims to win a title that has so far eluded him, while 71-year-old Van Gaal, who recovered earlier this year from prostate cancer and expects to retire after the Mondial Cup, is trying to win it. triple finalists to finally go further.

A large part of the veteran coach’s plan could center on taming Messi and getting Argentina back on the break as the Dutch look to avenge their 2014 semi-final defeat.

“We can surprise teams with our plan. We were a better team at that time and Messi didn’t see the ball as much,” said Van Gaal, whose upbeat performance added to the anticipation of the game.

Wherever you are, whatever you’re doing, this Friday promises to be a World Cup not to be missed.