World Cup glory is within touching distance for the remaining teams at Qatar 2022, and we are down to just four.
After heavyweights Brazil went out to Croatia in penalty drama on Friday, the path to glory has opened up for those teams who are left.
And that list still includes surprise candidate Morocco, who knocked Portugal out in stunning fashion in their quarterfinal on Saturday, to become the first-ever African nation to reach the semifinals.
Cristiano Ronaldo was left in tears, as Portugal exited courtesy of Youssef En-Nesyri’s goal, while Morocco fans celebrated jubilantly history for their nation, and their continent.
Cristiano Ronaldo was in tears as he walked down the tunnel after Portugal’s loss. pic.twitter.com/FS6C7WMxbd
There were contrasting emotions in the last quarterfinal, too, as England suffered heartbreak yet again, and France marched on to becoming only the third team ever to defend the World Cup.
Harry Kane’s missed penalty — after he had already scored from the spot once to level — cost the Three Lions dear, as they crashed out in a game they perhaps shaded.
That means the semis are set, but there is no action in Qatar on Sunday, as all four teams enjoy a well-earned rest and recuperate ahead of their last-four games.
The action resumes on Tuesday, with Argentina and Croatia first up, at Lusail Stadium. Then, 24 hours later, France meet Morocco.
MORE: World Cup semifinal bracket, fixtures and schedule
Today is a rest day in Qatar, but the action resumes with the semifinals on Dec 13/14th.
