FIFA World Cup, December 6 schedule: Which Round of 16 matches happening in Qatar today?

Morocco vs Spain

Luis Enrique is the best coach on the town along with his Guardiola-like high-fashion look of chinos and full-sleeve round-neck tees in stable colors. He cycled within the Spanish mountains whereas asserting his World Cup squad and runs a Twitch vlog alongside his teaching duties. However Enrique can also be single-minded, his working fashion crucial, the outcomes generally change into secondary because the Spanish coach nitpicks in regards to the system his workforce ought to play. 

“Spain should do what it proposes in every sport. Now we have a really clear concept; we’re not going to vary it all through the championship. though that doesn’t imply that we all the time must dominate,” the previous Barcelona coach reiterated within the pre-game media interplay. 

The penchant to play from the again has already price him expensive, goalkeeper Unai Simon slipping in an personal purpose on the EURO towards Croatia and was once more at fault for Japan’s opening purpose within the 2-1 loss. Morocco with its speedy full-back pairing of Achraf Hakimi and Noussair Mazraoui will look to use this tendency and press the Spanish ‘keeper and the defence onerous to win the early balls within the opposition half. 

Spain’s fear could be compounded additional if the skilled Cesar Azpilicueta misses out due to a calf harm however Dani Carvajal will be an in a position deputy at right-back. Dani Olmo additionally was absent from the coaching session, however Enrique will certainly recall Ferran Torres and Jordi Alba to the beginning XI after the duo sat out the Japan sport. Alvaro Morata with three targets in three video games will really feel assured of retaining his place and provides Spain a sturdier goal-scoring risk towards Morocco, which has conceded simply as soon as in its three video games. 

“Every match is a closing for us, and we are going to create a shock towards Spain,” Morocco supervisor Walid Regragui mentioned in his pre-match press convention. “Spain has the expertise that we don’t have within the World Cup. It’s a sport we haven’t performed in 36 years. We will go down in historical past. It’s value giving the utmost and having no regrets. It’s crucial sport in our historical past.” 

Enrique, regardless of the array of abilities in his squad, acknowledged Morocco’s well-worked defence received’t be straightforward to crack. His philosophy for the sport, nonetheless, stays easy. “The target from the start is to play seven video games. I purchase the whole package deal each successful and shedding. Soccer is a really complicated sport. When you lose for no matter cause… properly, we are going to congratulate the opponent himself and nothing occurs,” he mentioned. 

Spain loved 82 per cent possession within the 7-0 win over Costa Rica and 83 per cent within the loss to Japan however has received simply 13 corners in its three group video games, showcasing its reluctance to play lengthy balls within the opposition field. Morocco, as properly, could be pleased to cede possession and anticipate the Spanish to make errors. 

-Ayon Sengupta

Portugal vs Switzerland

Hypothesis relating to the way forward for Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo and his outburst following his substitution towards South Korea have been in sharp give attention to Monday forward of its World Cup last-16 sport towards Switzerland.

The ahead, who left Manchester United by mutual consent final month following a controversial interview, was linked with a possible transfer to Saudi Arabia however Portugal coach Fernando Santos mentioned he knew nothing about it.

“I’ve not spoken to him about this,” Santos advised a information convention forward of Tuesday’s sport towards the Swiss. “I don’t find out about this. It’s his choice. I didn’t even find out about this and I heard about this after I arrived right here.”

Ronaldo’s future is unclear with a number of golf equipment world wide reportedly desirous about signing him.

“We’re centered on the World Cup. I don’t know something about this different difficulty,” the coach mentioned.

Santos needed to proceed answering questions on his participant, nonetheless, together with his outburst following his substitution within the closing group match towards South Korea with Ronaldo having mentioned it was not directed at his coach however triggered by an opponent’s remark.

“Sure, I didn’t prefer it, under no circumstances. I actually didn’t prefer it and from that second on that difficulty is completed,” Santos mentioned.

The coach additionally refused to touch upon hypothesis again dwelling about whether or not Ronaldo would function in his lineup towards the Swiss on Tuesday or would begin on the bench.

“I don’t learn one of these info. I’m centered on my workforce. We’re specializing in coaching and never taking note of any polls,” Santos mentioned. “What I’ve all the time achieved is give attention to the rapid match. I’m not nervous if info is correct or improper.”

For Santos, what’s necessary is Portugal reaching the final eight for the primary time since 2006.

“There was a protracted hiatus…. what issues is that this match. Portugal all the time have the duty to win,” mentioned Santos, who has been in cost since 2014.

“For us it’s good to really feel this strain. We wish it and we actually wish to win. After every sport, in the event you win the sport you might be nearer to being a favorite,” he added. 

-REUTERS