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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.
Youssef Loulidi/Fantasista/Getty Images
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.
TOP HEADLINES
WORLD CUP DAILY
Messi faces tough test vs. Dutch, Neymar nears Pele's record: World Cup daily
It won't matter if the Netherlands beat Argentina or if Brazil oust Croatia, there will be heartbreak. Here's the latest from Qatar.
Liu Lu/VCG via 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?
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.
RONALDO'S NEW ROLE WITH PORTUGAL
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.
Hector Vivas - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
THIS COULD BE A HISTORIC MATCHUP
Why a Brazil-Argentina semifinal is what the soccer world wants
The prospect of Argentina and Brazil meeting in the semifinals of the 2022 World Cup is a historic matchup soccer fans are hoping for.
(Photo by CARL DE SOUZA,NELSON ALMEIDA/AFP via Getty Images)
MEXICO'S UNLIKELY LEGACY
How tacos, homemade salsas and Mexican cuisine are feeding hungry World Cup fans
With the World Cup bringing together cultures from around the globe, Mexican cuisine has made an unexpected impact in Qatar.
Cesar Hernandez/ESPN
FIFA WORLD CUP
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.
RODRIGO ARANGUA/AFP via Getty Images
2022 FIFA World Cup
England rewriting their haunted World Cup history, drawing parallels with 1966 win
England haven't won the World Cup since 1966. If they can beat France on Sunday, they'll have cleared a hurdle that's stood in their way ever since.
Dan Mullan/Getty Images
Griezmann thriving in new midfield role thanks to trust of Deschamps
When France lost most of their key midfielders before the World Cup, up stepped an unlikely solution: Antoine Griezmann.
TRANSFERS
LIVE Transfer Talk: US's Yunus Musah on Inter Milan radar
US star Yunus Musah is attracting interest from Inter Milan following his string of World Cup performances. Transfer Talk is LIVE with the latest.
Marvin Ibo Guengoer - GES Sportfoto/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.
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Top Headlines
- PSG chief bullish on Messi stay, keen on Rashford
- WC chief on worker death: 'Natural part of life'
- Sources: Real, Palmeiras agree deal for Endrick
- Sources: Qatari royals not interested in Liverpool
- Chelsea held by Real Madrid in UWCL
- Arsenal beat Lyon 3-0 in Dubai friendly
- Van Gaal entertains in lively Netherlands presser
- Tite defends dancing: 'Respect Brazilian culture'
- Ronaldo exit threat rumours false - Portugal FA
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