By DAVIDSON ABRAHAM, Middle East
DUBAI (Sundiata Post) – Goncalo Ramos booked Portugal’s place in the World Cup quarter-finals with a stunning hat-trick as Switzerland were crushed 6-1 in the final round of 16 game. The Benfica striker, 21, only made his debut for the national team in November and grabbed the opportunity provided by his surprise call-up to secure the first treble-goal haul at Qatar 2022.
Next up for the Portuguese are Morocco, who clinched a dramatic penalty shootout win over Spain earlier in the day.
The fiercely contested tie could not produce a goal After extra-time as Spain crumbled when it came to spot kicks, failing to score any of their three, while Morocco converted three out of four to secure the win.
Netherlands kicked off the knockout phase, cruising to a 3-1 victory over the United States. Louis van Gaal’s men will face Argentina in Friday’s late game after Lionel Messi inspired the South Americans to a 2-1 win over Australia.
Olivier Giroud became France’s all-time top scorer as they overcame Poland 3-1, while England saw off Senegal 3-0 following some hairy moments in the first half to set up a clash with Les Bleus on Saturday.
Croatia booked their place in the last eight with a penalty shootout win over Japan, following a 1-1 draw. Their reward is a quarter-final clash with Brazil, who looked majestic as they swept South Korea aside by putting 4 goals past them while conceding just 1.
Qatar 2022 FWC Q/Final Draw, Dates And Venues
Friday, December 9
Croatia vs Brazil (Education City Stadium, Al Rayyan)
Netherlands vs Argentina (Lusail Iconic Stadium, Lusail)
Saturday, December 10
Morocco vs Portugal (Al Thumama Stadium, Doha)
England vs France (Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor)