BBC One

Afternoon everyone.

The first of Friday's two World Cup quarter-finals is now under way.

So head over to BBC One to watch Croatia v Brazil or follow the live text commentary of that match here.

Image source, Getty Images

We've heard from Didier Deschamps, Fernando Santos and Walid Regragui on this page so far today.

Just Gareth Southgate and England of the quarter-finalists left to go.

That'll be around 16:30 GMT.

Off to brave the cold weather so will hand over to the trusty Steve Sutcliffe to take the reins.

Jurgen Klinsmann
Former Germany head coach

Image source, Getty Images

Teams in this tournament are closing the space between the defensive and midfield lines leading to more goals coming from the wings.

For a forward to find space in this area, the coach must focus on movement off the ball. Teach your players to be constantly moving in order to force defenders to come with them and open space.

If the opposition defend purely in a zone, this will ensure they’re so busy in their minds with indecision that they offer your player a split second more for them to be ready when they do receive the ball.

I think England do that very well, with Phil Foden going from left to right or Bukayo Saka, Raheem Sterling or Marcus Rashford doing the opposite. You want defenders to get insecure about their decision making.

That can give you the time to execute a one-on-one or play a one-two pass that would not otherwise have been possible. Every time you move, you create a new situation – that's the basics.

BBC Monitoring
The world through its media

Image source, HRT

Nikola Magovac, who is 102 years old, will be the "oldest fan" cheering Croatia during the World Cup match against Brazil, according to the country's public broadcaster HRT.

Footage aired last night showed Magovac with fellow residents of a home for the elderly in the small town of Strmac, cheering: "We want victory, we want victory!"

Magovac believes that Croatia can go all the way, and will defend its title at the next World Cup in 2026, the channel also highlighted on its website, external.

His son-in-law Zeljko Kovdic said that he has followed the World Cup since the very start.

“He was only 10 years old when the first World Cup took place, but he has followed all of them and remembers everything." Kovdic said. "He still remembers the winning goal scored by Croatian footballer Branko Zebec for the national team of Yugoslavia against Brazil, external at the 1954 World Cup,” .

He has inspired the younger residents, including the spritely 89-year-old Mijo Krajacic who said. "When we watch Croatia play, we are all tense and thrilled."

Guy Delauney
BBC Balkans correspondent, in Zagreb

There's nothing new about Croatia reaching the quarter-finals of the World Cup.

Four years ago in Russia, they went all the way to the final, eventually losing to France. But this time round, the atmosphere in Croatia's capital Zagreb is quite different.

The city's renowned Advent celebrations - voted Europe's best so often that Zagreb was eventually excluded from the competition - are the main focus of attention rather than the football.

Back in 2018, the main square - Ben Jelacic - was seething with supporters as fans basked in the summer heat cheered on their side. But it is not basking weather today.

The cold, damp conditions mean that most Croatians will be hunkering down at home - or in bars and cafes. Still, the hardier element of the support are taking up positions in front of big screens set up in the city centre.

Karlo and Filip are among a huddle of supporters on European Square, taking shelter in front of a hot chocolate stand.

"We have to come out and support Vatreni," says Karlo. "And of course Croatia will win," adds Filip, with a grin. If they don't, solace will not be too far away - in the form of the mulled wine and hot gin stands.

Check this out from one of England's finest centre-forwards.

Too easy.

BBC One

The TV coverage is getting going on BBC One right now.

But flip over to our live text page and you can watch the game there too.

Katy Watson
South America correspondent in São Paulo

Brazilians take World Cup match days very seriously.

It’s not given as an official holiday but, apart from essential services, everything shuts down during the game - pharmacies close, supermarkets, shops and offices.

You’d have to be a pretty mean employer to ask your workers to carry on through the games. It’s just culturally unacceptable.

Today though, Brazilians have taken it to a whole new level. The match starts at midday here in Sao Paulo - so few people have turned up to work at all.

The biggest city in the southern hemisphere is dead - there were hardly any cars on the roads even with three hours still to go.

Most schools are shutting early, everyone is dressed in the Brazilian colours and they’re getting ready to support their team.

This is more than just football, this is heart-warming national unity at its finest.

BBC Monitoring
The world through its media

Image source, Getty Images

Brazil winger Vinicius Junior was complimentary of Real Madrid team-mate Luka Modric, his teammate at Real Madrid.

“Modric has always taught me a lot and continues to teach me every day, he does everything to keep me evolving," he told Brazilian newspaper Folha de Sao Paulo.

"I use him as a mirror, a 37-year-old playing at this level is something rare.”

Despite the presence of Modric, Brazilian media do not seem to be overly concerned about Croatia.

Exame magazine noted that “in four match-ups, the Croatian team has never beaten Brazil”, having played in 2006, 2014 and 2018.

But left-back Danilo warned against underestimating their opponents.

“Croatia has players of the calibre of Modric, players like Kovacic, Perisic, Brozovic, who are used to making big decisions," he told Globo Esporte. "It is going to be a game that demands us to be at maximum concentration and effort.

"[Croatia] is an opponent that is going to meet us head-on in every way.”

Check out this cracking piece from Lukas Vrajlik on the Croatia maestro's enduring magic.

They'll have some interesting stories to share when they return to Manchester in 10 days' time.

Croatia boss Zlatko Dalic makes two changes from the side that edged past Japan on penalties. Borna Sosa replaces Borna Parisic on the left side of defence. Former Chelsea midfielder Mario Pasalic also comes in for Bruno Petkovic.

Croatia XI: Livakovic, Juranovic, Lovren, Gvardiol, Sosa, Modric (capt), Brozovic, Kovacic, Pasalic, Kramaric, Perisic

Hardly surprising but it's an unchanged side for Brazil.

As the Selecao's only left-back, Alex Sandro would have been given every chance but he must not be fit enough so utility man Danilo continues in that role.

Brazil XI: Alisson, Militao, Silva (capt), Marquinhos, Danilo, Paqueta, Casemiro, Neymar, Raphinha, Richarlison, Vinicius Junior

Image source, Getty Images

If you want to zoom in on just this game, Jonathan Jurejko is spearheading our live text coverage over here.

You can watch and listen there too.

Of course, we'll keep you on top of the score here if you're staying with us.

Brazilian legend Pele will no doubt be keeping a close eye on Brazil's quarter-final with Croatia this afternoon - but he has also had some kind words for Kylian Mbappe, who broke another of Pele's records on Sunday.

Pele was admitted to hospital last week and a report followed in Brazil that the 82-year-old was beginning end-of-life care after not responding to chemotherapy.

On Saturday, the three-time World Cup winner reassured fans that he is "strong with a lot of hope". Meanwhile, Mbappe, 23, tweeted his support for the icon.

Pele responded on Thursday to say thanks and to offer congratulations to the Paris St-Germain forward on his World Cup exploits.

Mbappe's two goal's against Poland on Sunday helped him to surpass Pele's record of scoring seven World Cup goals before the age of 24.

Image source, Getty Images

In one of the stranger statements in this World Cup so far, former Brazil midfielder Kaka has attempted to defend Selecao legend Ronaldo's legacy and managed to also insult him in the process.

Speaking on broadcaster BeIn Sport, Kaka claimed Ronaldo was looked on more fondly around the world than he is at home, claiming many just see him as a "fat man walking down the street".

Ronaldo, who has an astonishing record of 15 World Cup goals in 19 games, is regarded as one of the greatest players of all time - so this claim does seem an odd defence (leaving aside the rudeness about his weight).

Kaka was also speaking about Brazil fans' views of Neymar, arguably the team's star and best player, but a divisive figure for many.

"At the moment, a lot of people in Brazil are talking about Neymar, but in a negative way," he said.

His claims, which also included that "many Brazilians don't support Brazil", appear to come in the context that contentious domestic politics have become intertwined with the team and its success.

The players have arrived at Education City Stadium before the first quarter-final of the World Cup.

Circa 80 minutes to go - naturally we'll have team news as soon as it filters through.

By the looks of it, Canarinho Pistola (Brazil's mascot) has some moves as well.

In other news former Manchester City striker Wilfried Bony could be about to seal a move to League Two side Newport after scoring in a friendly for them this week.

The 33-year-old had a fine season with Swansea back in 2015 - he must love the South Wales air.

Image source, Getty Images

We dropped this in earlier but Jack Skelton has done a comprehensive job on the future of Stadium 974 - currently being demolished in Qatar.

Read what the future holds for a ground that hosted a World Cup game as recently as Monday.

Image source, Getty Images

Aside from their star player, Lionel Messi, the Argentina squad is "not so great", says former Dutch international Rafael van de Vaart. The 39-year-old retired midfielder also believes that Messi has slowed down.

Van der Vaart, who won 109 international caps, was speaking to Dutch publication Op1 on Thursday about his country's chances against Argentina in the quarter-finals. He recalled facing Messi, 35, when he was at Real Madrid.

“I played against him, but you couldn't catch him," Van der Vaart said. "He was so fast. You wanted to kick him, but he was gone before you could kick him.”

He described the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner as "a bit slower now," but conceded, "he can still give that decisive ball and shoot free kicks."

Despite Messi's obvious threat, Van der Vaart is bullish about the Netherlands' chances.

“We can also play good football, we just haven't shown it yet in this tournament," he said. "And Messi doesn't do anything defensively, so of course you can also benefit from that.

“We are so focused on Messi now, but in the end we also have very good players."

Summing up the rest of Argentina's squad, Van der Vaart said they are, "not so great.”

There's nothing like a bit of extra motivation eh, Rafael.