World Cup braces for quarter-finals as Spain sack coach

DOHA: Brazil were gearing up for a showdown with Croatia while Argentina prepared to face the Netherlands as anticipation mounted Thursday on the eve of the World Cup quarter-finals. After three weeks of pulsating action, just eight teams are left standing as the 32-nation tournament heads into the final rounds of knockout competition after a two-day break. A blockbuster set of quarter-finals gets under way on Friday when five-time champions Brazil face 2018 runners-up Croatia.

That clash is the appetiser for another heavyweight World Cup collision between Lionel Messi’s Argentina and three-time losing finalists the Netherlands. On Saturday, Morocco will carry the flag for African football in their quarter-final clash with Portugal before holders France face England in an eagerly anticipated showdown. Wins for Argentina and Brazil on Friday would set up a titanic semifinal between the two South American heavyweights.

For now though Brazil are looking no further than Friday’s assignment against Croatia at the Education City Stadium in Doha. “They have individual quality and collective quality as well as a resilience and persistence,” Brazil coach Tite said of Croatia. “We are aware of their virtues but my focus is on maintaining our standards and whoever plays best will go through.” Croatia captain Luka Modric said Thursday that his side were determined to progress beyond the last eight.

“We did a great thing by going to the quarter-finals, but regardless of that we would like to do more,” the Real Madrid midfielder said. “We have to play our best match. And if we do that we have a chance of winning.” Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni is optimistic that Angel Di Maria and Rodrigo De Paul will be available for his side’s