Summary

  • Second World Cup rest day before quarter-finals

  • England news conference with Kalvin Phillips

  • Sterling to return to Qatar for England v France

  • Enrique leaves Spain manager job

  • Get involved: Tweet #bbcfootball, text 81111 (UK only - standard rates apply) or WhatsApp 03301231826

  1. Quarter-final quizpublished at 13:44 Greenwich Mean Time 8 December 2022

    World CupImage source, Getty Images

    We're still waiting for Kalvin Phillips.

    So why not try out our bumper quarter-finalists quiz?

    Name every one from World Cup history - there are 42 in total.

    Head over here and see if you can do it before Kalvin arrives.

  2. Postpublished at 13:40 Greenwich Mean Time 8 December 2022

    Netherlands v Argentina (Fri, 19:00 GMT)

    Bolo Zenden
    Former Netherlands midfielder on BBC Radio 5 Live

    You always change your tactics to deal with a player like Lionel Messi. We played Barcelona when I was at Liverpool and we had to do the same thing. We set the team up slightly differently so we could deal with the threat but at the end of the day you do it as a team. We did some tactical changes that worked for us so I hope the Dutch will do the same.

    Netherlands will want to stay in the tie as long as possible and then take their chances. It is definitely a tie for going forward as much as going backwards.

  3. Messi's 'still one of the most influential players'published at 13:33 Greenwich Mean Time 8 December 2022

    Netherlands v Argentina (Fri, 19:00 GMT)

    Guillem Balague
    BBC Sport football expert

    If Messi was at his peak right now, would Argentina be a better team, or are they more cohesive and effective given the way he plays now?

    Messi was at his peak in the past and made it to a World Cup final. But not even then was he carrying the team.

    In fact, now that he is not at his peak but is still one of the most influential players in the world, he has produced the best individual performance of the tournament against Australia.

    He will make the side better now, no matter what peak he is in. But he will always need a good team to go far and the one in 2014 had very good individuals, better than today, and became a good team.

    Incidentally, it's 10 years today since Messi broke Gerd Muller's world record of 85 goals in a calendar year. He went on to score 91 in 2012, with 79 for Barcelona and 12 for Argentina. Extraordinary.

  4. Keeping our sensespublished at 13:27 Greenwich Mean Time 8 December 2022

    Media caption,

    Inside World Cup stadium sensory room

    BBC Sport takes a look inside a sensory room at a World Cup stadium in Qatar - it's the first time they have been available at the tournament and have been built for fans who could be overwhelmed by large crowds or loud noise.

  5. 'Netherlands' first few games hurt my eyes a little bit'published at 13:23 Greenwich Mean Time 8 December 2022

    Netherlands v Argentina (Fri, 19:00 GMT)

    Bolo Zenden
    Former Netherlands midfielder on BBC Radio 5 Live

    The first few games did hurt my eyes a little bit. I felt like something was missing. It felt like we didn't play the way we used to play.

    We had a Nations League last year where we played well and that is why people were talking about the Dutch, but it also gives you an expectation, not only from the Dutch but from the other people who love football.

    The first three games were not really good to be honest. Against the USA we saw a performance that was more like it. I hope that the Dutch grow gradually into the tournament.

    It is also important to speak about some of the reasons why: Is it being in mid season? Is it because they only had five days of preparation? Is it the politics?

    I don't know what it is, but the Dutch weren't up to their game in the first three matches.

  6. 'There is always tension and pressure in a shootout'published at 13:17 Greenwich Mean Time 8 December 2022

    Netherlands v Argentina (Fri, 19:00 GMT)

    Netherlands

    Memphis DepayImage source, Getty Images

    Now we're in the knockout rounds of the World Cup, every news conference seems to involve a question about penalty shootouts and how each nation is feeling/preparing for them.

    Memphis Depay has just done his best forward defence to the latest one.

    "I haven't taken a penalty in a shootout myself. I have taken one in a quarter-final in the Champions League, but never in a shootout. I don't have that experience," said Depay.

    "In 2014 I was there, I didn't have to take one, but of course there is a lot of tension and pressure, but then again, we are professional football players and we have to deal with that. We are trying to prepare for that.

    "We hope to win the match in 90 minutes but you never know. We have seen that in this tournament and ultimately there is always one loser. I don't have much to say about the penalties themselves because there is always pressure."

  7. Coming uppublished at 13:12 Greenwich Mean Time 8 December 2022

    Kalvin PhillipsImage source, Getty Images

    Just to mark your card, at 13:30 GMT, we'll be hearing from the England camp and Kalvin Phillips will be on duty.

    Sure he'll have an interesting update on the fitness of fellow midfielder Declan Rice.

    Stick with us.

  8. 'Van Gaal's character is key'published at 13:06 Greenwich Mean Time 8 December 2022

    Netherlands v Argentina (Fri, 19:00 GMT)

    Netherlands

    Netherlands forward Memphis Depay has been speaking about the mentality Louis van Gaal has brought to the team since returning as head coach in August 2021.

    "Our discipline in the team has really tightened since Louis has arrived," said former Manchester United man Depay. "That is really important to getting results, especially in tournaments.

    "Everyone knows his vision and his character, that is one of his biggest characteristics.

    "He is a strong and marvellous head coach. Everyone knows his responsibility and duty.

    "If you play for the Dutch, it is important to bring a team spirit, and particularly for this head coach because he is very demanding.

    "I don't know what he is going to do after the World Cup but it is clear we all want to give him a wonderful tournament."

  9. 'The game will be decided on moments, we hope to catch one'published at 13:03 Greenwich Mean Time 8 December 2022

    Netherlands v Argentina (Fri, 19:00 GMT)

    Netherlands

    Memphis Depay has been asked about that game in 1998 between Netherlands and Argentina, specifically Dennis Bergkamp's iconic winner.

    "It was an amazing moment for the country," he said. "What a goal.

    "The game is going to be decided on moments. We believe we can catch a moment and go through.

    "We obviously want to play a good game, but I also think it would be a tactical game."

  10. Postpublished at 13:00 Greenwich Mean Time 8 December 2022

    Netherlands v Argentina (Fri, 19:00 GMT)

    Shall we check in with the Dutch camp as they gear up for tomorrow's quarter-final with Argentina?

    The two sides have got some serious World Cup history.

    Enjoy the highlights from the last time they met in the last eight back at France 1998.

    Wonderful to hear Barry Davies on comms.

  11. get involved

    Get Involved - England's attackpublished at 12:55 Greenwich Mean Time 8 December 2022

    #bbcfootball, text 81111 (UK only) or via What's App on 03301231826

    I expect Southgate to retain the same side, with Saka / Rashford the only decision. Bellingham & Henderson will press the French midfield hard to disrupt distribution to Mbappe & Dembele so they may not last the distance.

    Mark

    Foden, Kane, Bellingham, Henderson and Rice are a given in the front six. Only question is Saka v Rashford and I'd favour Saka. Seriously hope we don't change to 3-5-2 and invite France onto us. Would be madness

    Rod

    I'd go 3-4-1-2 with Walker sweeping behind the back two, Trippier, Rice, Henderson & Shaw in the middle, Bellingham to go where he wants and Kane and Foden up front. Then plan B would be for Rashford, Saka, Grealish and Trent to come on as and when needed.

    Anon

  12. Aussie striker manages to get Messi shirt after drug testpublished at 12:52 Greenwich Mean Time 8 December 2022

    Mitchell Duke shakes hands with Lionel Messi, Argentina v Australia.Image source, Getty Images

    Australia striker Mitchell Duke has told press how he managed to get Lionel Messi's shirt.

    The Socceroos were eliminated from the World Cup on Saturday by Argentina. Lionel Messi, on his 1,000th career appearance, was the man to provide the spark for his country, as the two-time World Cup winners called time on Australia's journey in Qatar.

    Following the full-time whistle, Duke, 31, was summoned for a drugs test alongside Messi. He describes being "raging" at having to be pulled away from his team.

    "Last game, the way it finished too, all I wanted was to spend time with the boys after the journey we had," he said.

    Nevertheless, Duke says he made the best of the situation by asking Messi, through a translator, whether he could have his shirt. When the Australian forward, who plays in Japan, returned to his dressing room, there was a shirt laid out for him.

    Duke says the jersey will take pride of place in his "man cave".

  13. 'I'll give advice to my team-mates' - Modric on Viniciuspublished at 12:46 Greenwich Mean Time 8 December 2022

    Croatia v Brazil (Fri, 15:00 GMT)

    Croatia

    Luka and Vinicius JuniorImage source, Getty Images

    Croatia's Luka Modric says he will give his team-mates advice on how to minimise the threat of Brazil's Vinicius Junior, who he plays with at Real Madrid.

    "It's been very nice to hear him praising and complimenting me," Modric said. "He's a great guy and we have a good relationship. He's made really good progress since he joined Real Madrid.

    "We have a different task tomorrow to try and stop him. Of course I'll give advice to my team-mates but they all know his qualities.

    "If I can give a few tips to try to neutralise him then I'll do th. We're both here representing and fighting for our countries."

  14. 'I was crying with joy, I was crying with anger'published at 12:41 Greenwich Mean Time 8 December 2022

    Media caption,

    World Cup 2022: LGBT+ England supporter's World Cup experience

    England fan Darce shares his experience of the 2022 World Cup as a gay man travelling in a country where same-sex relationships are criminalised.

  15. get involved

    Get Involved - England's attackpublished at 12:37 Greenwich Mean Time 8 December 2022

    #bbcfootball, text 81111 (UK only) or via What's App on 03301231826

    Go for it like it's a computer game... attacking 4-3-3. Rice CDM, Grealish LAM, Foden RAM, Rashford LW, Kane ST, Saka RW. Game over

    Alex

    Rashford is a must! Their full-backs are shaky so someone like Rashford with his abundance of pace means the central defenders will have to cover the wing-backs more, allowing more space for Kane down the middle to split their backline. Poland hurt them down the wings. I think they are there for the taking.

    Anon

    England need to get stuck into Lloris - one lad in the squad knows how to do that - his passing out is where England can use pace and pressure to get something. With the number of subs we also need a final 30 game plan for hitting them hard with fresh legs Tripps/Rashford etc

    Mike

  16. De La Fuente succeeds Enriquepublished at 12:34 Greenwich Mean Time 8 December 2022

    Luis de la FuenteImage source, Getty Images

    Luis Enrique will be replaced as Spain boss by current under-21 national coach Luis de la Fuente.

    De La Fuente, who has coached a number of Spain's youth sides in recent years, is set to officially take charge next Monday.

    A statement read: "The RFEF has chosen Luis De La Fuente as the new national coach."

  17. Enrique made us Twitchpublished at 12:28 Greenwich Mean Time 8 December 2022

    Luis Enrique's Spain may have faced accusations of being "boring" but his Twitch channel has been anything but.

    Some fans may not miss the football too much now he has gone, but lots will miss Enrique's daily updates on Twitch. There were plenty of jibes about 22-year-old forward, Ferran Torres, who is in a relationship with Enrique's daughter.

    And, for someone adopting a new technology like Twitch, Enrique gave his fans some pretty retro media references too, including a nod to ISS Pro - a video game from 1999 - and a shout-out to Captain Tsubasa, a Japanese manga comic that ran throughout the 80s.

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  18. More on Enrique's departurepublished at 12:23 Greenwich Mean Time 8 December 2022

    Luis EnriqueImage source, Getty Images

    After the departure of Luis Enrique, the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) said a "new project" should start but did not put a time frame on when a new boss would be announced.

    "We would like to thank Luis Enrique and his entire coaching staff," the RFEF said in a statement.

    Read the full story over here

  19. Who will win the Golden Boot?published at 12:19 Greenwich Mean Time 8 December 2022

    Kylian Mbappe is leading the race for the Golden Boot with five goals, but England's Bukayo Saka and Marcus Rashford are on his tail with three each.

    Not to mention Goncalo Ramos whose quickfire hat-trick for Portugal against Switzerland fired him into contention.

    But who do you think will be the World Cup's top scorer?

    Vote now

  20. get involved

    Get Involved - England's attackpublished at 12:14 Greenwich Mean Time 8 December 2022

    #bbcfootball, text 81111 (UK only) or via What's App on 03301231826

    Surely Southgate has to keep the same setup that played v Senegal. Don't ruin a good thing!

    James

    Simple 4-4-2: Kane and Rashford up front, Foden and Trent bombarding from the wings, Henderson and Bellingham providing stability. Let's see them handle that!

    Gregory