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The eight most important players in the quarterfinals

With just eight teams left at the 2022 World Cup, we keep it simple: these are the eight players who could have a major influence on the quarterfinals, from Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi to -- you guessed it -- Lionel Messi.

17hRyan O'Hanlon
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What to know about each team, predictions, schedule and more

With the quarterfinals set, we bring you one key factor and player to know ahead of the matchups, plus predictions.

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TRANSFERS

LIVE Transfer Talk: Barcelona eye Dortmund's Moukoko as Real Madrid near Endrick deal

Barcelona could move for Borussia Dortmund striker Youssoufa Moukoko after missing out on talented youngster Endrick. Transfer Talk has the latest.

24mESPN
Adam Nurkiewicz/Getty Images

Why it's time for Joao Felix to leave Atletico Madrid

Alex Kirkland feels it may be best for all parties if Joao Felix is to leave Atletico Madrid.

3d
1:18

THE RONALDO DILEMMA

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Ronaldo's latest row with his coach is nothing new; he has a long history of them

Cristiano Ronaldo's angry reaction to being substituted for Portugal is far from the first high-profile row of his two decades at the top.

1dAlex Kirkland
Hector Vivas - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images

FIFA WORLD CUP

QUARTERFINALS

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World Cup quarterfinals preview: what to know about each team, predictions, schedule, and more

With the 2022 World Cup quarterfinals set, we bring you one key factor and one player to know ahead of the matchups, plus predictions.

1dESPN
Alex Livesey - Danehouse/Getty Images

PAYING THE PENALTY

What's it like to take a penalty at the World Cup? 'No joy, just pure relief'

After two hours of play, with the hopes of a nation weighing on you, it can come down to one kick from 12 yards. It's not for the faint of heart.

1dRob Dawson
RODRIGO ARANGUA/AFP via Getty Images

Your guide to penalty shootouts: best takers left at World Cup, keeper stats, more

As the 2022 World Cup enters the quarterfinals, the chances of a game being decided from the spot increase exponentially. Ryan O'Hanlon breaks down the numbers on how to win a penalty shootout.

2dRyan O'Hanlon
Dan Mullan/Getty Images
2022 FIFA World Cup

'The best in the world': Why Brazil's Casemiro is essential to their World Cup hopes

Casemiro, Brazil's midfield anchor, is cementing his status as one of the game's greats. Can he lead his country to its sixth World Cup title?

1dTom Hamilton
Getty Images

Why Brazil vs. Croatia is also a battle of iconic kits and deeper meaning

Brazil-Croatia isn't just a big match. It's a time to celebrate their amazing kits and the backstories behind them.

23hSam Borden
    2022 FIFA World Cup

    What motivates Van Gaal for his last dance with Netherlands at World Cup?

    Taking Netherlands to a World Cup at 71 years old, not long after battling cancer, is one of many things to marvel at about manager Louis van Gaal.

    2dTom Hamilton
    Sarah Stier - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images

    Emiliano Martinez is crucial to Argentina's World Cup hopes

    Emiliano Martinez's quick reflexes -- and his big personality -- are going to be important if Argentina are to win the World Cup.

    2dTim Vickery

      WORLD CUP'S BEST

      World Cup Best XIs: Our writers pick their stand-out teams so far

      England's Jude Bellingham is one of the consensus picks among ESPN's writers in Qatar, but who else makes it in our World Cup Best XI lists so far?

      2dESPN
      Anthony Stanley ATPImages/Getty Images

      How will England look to stop Mbappe in the World Cup quarterfinals?

      22h
      2:15

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