If the two mouth-watering clashes that kick off the quarter-final stage of the World Cup don’t give you that ‘Friday feeling’, then nothing will.
Tournament favorites against 2018 finalists.
Then a repeat of the 1978 final in another glamorous match.
- Croatia – Brazil (15:00 GMT)
- Netherlands v Argentina (19:00 GMT)
The first two quarter-finals will be shown live on BBC TV, radio and online on ‘Fabulous’ Friday, which means you can spend most of the day following our coverage and making sure you don’t. to lack.
Both matches will be shown on BBC One and the BBC iPlayer.
Radio commentary from the two quarter-finals will also be available in the UK, with live text coverage on the BBC Sport website and app.
Here is a summary of what awaits us impatiently…
Can Croatia stop ‘terrifying’ the Brazilian carnival?
Brazil have long been an alluring attraction for football fans and they are once again delighting their supporters – as well as many neutrals around the world – with their smooth moves in Qatar.
The Selecao tore South Korea apart with a devastating attacking performance in their round of 16, underlining why Tite’s side are seen as favorites to lift the trophy on December 18.
Even the manager enjoyed the show, joining his players as they danced in celebration for the 4-1 win. Now they aim to provide more entertainment on Fridays.
“What I’ve seen so far, when you look at their players, their quality, their skills and their value, it’s really terrifying,” said Croatian coach Zlatko Dalic.
“We have to go into the game with a lot of faith, confidence and look for our chances, take the opportunity to play against Brazil, that’s all.”
Croatia, who lost to France in the 2018 World Cup final, is set to be the toughest test yet for five-time champions Brazil.
Their progress was again orchestrated by Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric, 37, who indicated before arriving in Qatar that this would likely be his last major tournament.
“When you see people like Luka Modric running and dying on the pitch, it gives young players extra energy to run,” said Croatian full-back Josip Juranovic.
Messi or Van Gaal towards the farewell to the World Cup?
The prospect of Netherlands and Argentina coming together again at a World Cup evokes vivid memories across different generations.
Whether it was Mario Kempes who inspired Argentina to victory in the 1978 final, this sublime touch and finishing by Dennis Bergkamp to put the Dutch through to the semi-finals of 1998, or a lackluster 2014 encounter ending with Argentina keeper Sergio Romero becoming the penalty shootout hero, there is a long-running rivalry between the nations that adds romance.
This occasion should be no different.
It could be the last time we see Argentina’s Lionel Messi – considered by many to be the greatest player ever – on the greatest international stage of them all.
It could also be the last time we see Dutch coach Louis van Gaal in the dugout.
Messi, 35, carries his nation’s hopes as he aims to clinch a title that has so far eluded him, while Van Gaal, 71 – who recovered from prostate cancer more early this year and expected to retire after the Mondial Cup – trying to get the three-time finalists to finally go further.
Much of the veteran coach’s plan could focus on taming Messi and bringing Argentina back on the break as the Dutch seek revenge for their semi-final defeat in 2014.
“We can surprise the teams with our plan. We were also the better team at the time and Messi didn’t see the ball much,” said Van Gaal, whose bullish speech further stokes anticipation for the game.
Wherever you are, whatever you are doing, this promises to be a World Cup Friday not to be missed.
