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GUIDE TO REST OF THE LAST 16

Japan v Croatia Tomorrow, 3pm, BBC1 Al Janoub Stadium

Japan boss Hajime Moriyasu has become a hero for making the substitutions that pulled off dramatic comeback victories against Germany and Spain. Yet they struggled against Costa Rica, which makes you wonder which version will turn up against 2018 finalists Croatia.

Expect Croatia to dominate possession with famed midfielders Luka Modric and Mateo Kovacic but their opponents are devastating on the break and Freiburg’s Ritsu Doan, dubbed ‘Japan’s Messi’, has already scored a couple of goals.

KEY MAN: Andrej Kramaric (left) has improved since his struggles at Leicester City and has replaced the legendary Mario Mandzukic as his country’s centre-forward to great effect.

Brazil v South Korea Tomorrow, 7pm, ITV1 Stadium 974

Son Heung-min threw away the mask he has been wearing since an eye operation and set up his side’s dramatic injurytime winner against Portugal to book their place in the last 16. The late drama brought tears to Korean players and fans alike, having been written off earlier in the group.

Nobody will be taking Asian teams lightly and Brazil will be wary after their B-string side got upset by Cameroon in their final game. They must hope Neymar is fit to return after an ankle injury — in his absence, there is a lack of creativity and Gabriel Jesus is also sidelined. KEY MAN: Richarlison (right) was given the night off against Cameroon to keep him fresh and he’s already scored a magical goal with an acrobatic volley against Serbia.

Morocco v Spain Tuesday, 3pm, ITV1 Education City Stadium

Spain collected only one point after putting seven goals past Costa Rica and their passing carousel has looked one-dimensional against stubborn defending. Gavi and Pedri will dominate World Cups one day but there have to be questions whether this is a tournament too early for the youngsters.

Morocco were one of only five unbeaten teams from the group stages and no opponent has scored against them yet, their sole concession against Canada coming from an own goal. They will be roared on by thousands of their fans, making this a virtual home game.

KEY MAN: Hakim Ziyech (left) has returned to the international fold in spectacular fashion after falling out with the previous coach. The Chelsea player’s chip against Canada was brilliantly executed.

Portugal v Switzerland Tuesday, 7pm, ITV1 Lusail Stadium

Cristiano Ronaldo looked disgusted with his team-mates allowing a breakaway winner for South Korea and Portugal will have to raise their game again, having qualified with a game to spare. They have one of the strongest squads in Qatar but getting them to gel is still a concern.

Switzerland have been in the knockout stages for the last three World Cups and their team has bags of experience without being over the hill, like some of the more celebrated players of other teams. Manager Murat Yakin says it is the best Swiss side in their history. KEY MAN: There are signs Bruno Fernandes (right) is stepping out of Ronaldo’s shadows — even if his illustrious team-mate did try to steal a goal off him against Uruguay. He will be instrumental again.

World Cup 2022

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2022-12-04T08:00:00.0000000Z

2022-12-04T08:00:00.0000000Z

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