England is all set to face the ‘biggest test’ of their WC ambitions on the upcoming weekend as they face holders France in the QF on Saturday. Southgate’s side recovered from a nervous start and proved its mettle on Sunday in the round of 16 fixture against Senegal 3-0 at Al Bayt Stadium. They will return to Al Khor.
Meanwhile, France, title defenders since Brazil in 1958 and 1962 stormed into the QFs as strat forwards Kylian Mbappe and Olivier Giroud scored to beat Poland 3-1 at the Al Thumama stadium on Sunday. The lead was achieved just before the HT as Olivier become the men’s all-time leading scorer. The second half was dominated by Mbappe who beat Szczesny with two ferocious shots.
Today, in the Round of 16 fixture, Japan will face Croatia at Al Janoub stadium. Japan qualified for the round of 16 after winning Group E. Picking six points from three games beating Germany (2-1) and Spain (2-1) to finish in first place despite losing to Costa Rica (1-0) Japan made it through. Croatia qualified for the round of 16 after finishing second in Group F. They took five points from three games with a win over Canada (4-1) and scoreless draws to Morocco and Belgium. They finished two points behind Morocco but, crucially, one clear of Belgium.