ENTERING THE FINAL COUNTDOWN OF THE FIFA WORLD CUP
Things are getting tight in the 2018 Fifa World Cup as we approach the quarter-finals and, if you have not planned your viewing schedule yet, you better have a read to catch up on the times and dates that the games are taking place.
Uruguay vs France (06 July, 16:00)
The two sides are familiar foes in this tournament with three meetings at the showpiece. The two teams have seen draws in their games and the South Americans won the first encounter back in 1966.
However, the most recent encounter has probably been wiped from everyone’s memory. It came on a bitterly cold day in Cape Town back in 2010. And it was pretty horrendous.
A painful 0-0 draw described by the BBC as "truly awful". Neither side ever sprung into life, barring a few moments of fleet-footed trickery. Uruguay’s got the defence, France has got the pace so buckle up and hope for some fun.
Ready for this one @Uruguay and @FrenchTeam fans?#URUFRA // #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/CNodyHTsB0
— FIFA World Cup 🏆 (@FIFAWorldCup) July 6, 2018
Brazil vs Belgium (06 July, 20:00)
Brazil has lost one match to Belgium: a friendly way back in 1963. They have won all three subsequent fixtures, including a 2-0 victory at the 2002 World Cup in the last 16.
Both teams are on impressive unbeaten runs, Brazil hasn't lost in 16 competitive games, compared to Belgium's 22-match streak.
Did you know that a Brazilian player hasn't scored a #WorldCup hat-trick since 1958? 🇧🇷
— FIFA Museum (@FIFAMuseum) July 6, 2018
At just 17 @Pele scored his only one in a semi-final against France ⚽️⚽️⚽️
In our collection we have Pele's team tracksuit which he wore during the tournament in Sweden 🇸🇪 #BRABEL pic.twitter.com/wpwgomLs8K
Sweden vs England (07 July, 16:00)
England and Sweden go head-on-head in the World Cup's third quarterfinal, and no matter which team advances, it will be hugely significant due to the fact neither side has made it this far at a FIFA World Cup for almost quarter of a century.
These teams have met 23 times in history and they share seven wins and nine draws. Their first ever match against each other was on 21 May 1923 in Stockholm when England won 4-2. Their most recent head-to-head was on 14 November 2012 when Sweden won the same 4-2 scoreline in the match.
Russia vs Croatia (07 July, 20:00)
Russia meets Croatia on Saturday in the last match to be played in Sochi at this year's FIFA World Cup. Both teams came through tough battles in the Round of 16, in matches held only a few hours apart.
It remains to be seen which of the two teams will take the win. The Russians will be looking to draw on every ounce of support that their fervent fans can muster in order to overcome Croatia's individuals as a collective talent.
Out of their five World Cup campaigns, this is the third time that Croatia has come up against the hosts. They have not had much luck previously, however, with a 2-1 defeat against France in the semi-finals in 1998 being followed by a 3-1 loss to Brazil in the Opening Match of the 2014 edition.
The Round of 16. Wow.
— FIFA World Cup 🏆 (@FIFAWorldCup) July 4, 2018
Who's ready for the quarter-finals? #WorldCup
Full round-up: https://t.co/1ZpB3j3qbA pic.twitter.com/Duf0LiIXuX