The quarterfinals of the FIFA World Cup in Qatar will kick off on Friday between Croatia and Brazil as well as Argentina and the Netherlands.
Croatia are definitely the underdog against Brazil, but they have the richest experience of hanging there in tough competitions and then beating their opponents.
Brazil must be happy to watch Neymar play like a part of the team, but when they have to wrestle with Croatia in the mud, they may need Neymar and his sparkle on the field.
Both Argentina and the Netherlands knocked each other out in the World Cup before. When Argentina won, they either won the championship (in 1978), or reached the final (in 2014).
Luka Modric (L) of Croatia and Neymar of Brazil pose for a portrait for the FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Their teams will meet in the quarterfinals at Education City Stadium in Qatar on December 9. /CFP
Virgil van Dijk (L) of the Netherlands and Lionel Messi of Argentina pose for a portrait for the FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Their teams will meet in the quarterfinals at Lusail Stadium in Qatar on December 9. /CFP
Host: Li Xiang
Guest: Josh McNally
Cover designer: Feng Yuan
Chief editor: Chen Ran
Supervisor: Zhang Shilei