2022 FIFA World Cup, Quarterfinals Day 2: Match thread and discussion

The second day of quarterfinals at the 2022 FIFA World Cup is today, and they feature one of the best matchups of the tournament so far. After today, we’ll have our final four teams in the tournament, and that should make today’s action highly entertaining.

Photo by JUAN MABROMATA/AFP via Getty Images

World Cup rooting guide

We know that most of you already have a rooting interest in the World Cup. But that’s probably just habit. SB Nation has devised a quiz based on your style of sports fandom that will scientifically* decide which team you really should be rooting for. Take it here!

*no actual science was used, your mileage may vary

In the first match, upstarts Morocco will take on Portugal. Morocco has become only the 4th African nations to reach the quarterfinals, and they did it with just sheer hard work. They have some firepower on their team in Achraf Hakimi and Hakim Ziyech, but they’ve worked hard to keep their opponents off the scoreboard. They’ve only allowed 1 goal in this tournament, and that includes the penalties they had with Spain in the Round of 16. Morocco won that penalty shootout 3-0, furthering the evidence that it will take a lot for someone to score on them. Also, Morocco will have their tens of thousands of fans on their side, which will make the atmosphere incredible.

On the other hand, Portugal might be going through its own issues involving captain Cristiano Ronaldo, who did not start in their Round of 16 match against Switzerland. However, it was a coming out party for Gonçalo Ramos, who replaced Ronaldo in the lineup and logged a hat trick, the first of this World Cup. They destroyed Switzerland 6-1, and it only kept the focus on whether Cristiano Ronaldo would return to the lineup or stay on the bench. With Bruno Fernandes and João Felix, Portugal can put some numbers on the board.

In the second game, it could be one of the best matchups of the whole tournament when England take on France. England made easy work of Senegal in the Round of 16 to get to this point, and they’ve proven they can score in bunches. Their scoring can come from anywhere, and they’ve received production from their starting forwards and contributions off the bench. Their questions are on the defensive end. For France, Kylian Mbappê has scored more goals than anyone at the World Cup, and he doesn’t show any signs of slowing down. Couple that with production from forwards like Olivier Giroud and France can also do some damage in a hurry. The key to this battle could be in the midfield and who can win the ball and push it towards their lethal attackers.

All of this comes on what will continue to be a very sad day for the American soccer family as they mourn the tragic loss of legendary writer Grant Wahl, who collapsed suddenly while covering the Argentina-Netherlands match yesterday in Doha and was later pronounced dead. It sent a tremendous shock through the soccer community, as Grant was a legend in the game not just for his writing but for his infectious and warm personality and his willingness to lift others up in this space. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family and all of his friends who knew him well.

How to watch

Morocco vs. Portugal

Location: Al Thumama Stadium, Doha

Kick-off time: 10:00am Eastern, 7:00am Pacific

Available TV: Fox (English), Telemundo (Spanish)

Available streaming: Fox Sports Go (App/Website), Telemundo (Website), Peacock (Website), FuboTV (Free Trial), SiriusXM FC (Radio)

England vs. France

Location: Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor

Kick-off time: 2:00pm Eastern, 11:00am Pacific

Available TV: Fox (English), Telemundo (Spanish)

Available streaming: Fox Sports Go (App/Website), Telemundo (Website), Peacock (Website), FuboTV (Free Trial), SiriusXM FC (Radio)

This thread will be your match thread. We don’t have many rules here. We just ask that you don’t insult each other personally and treat each other with respect. Debates can get heated and that’s fine, but name-calling and petty insults will get you banned. If you see a comment that you feel is out of line, please report it and it will be dealt with.