Qatar 2022 World Cup daily schedule: who plays today, 9 December?
We're over halfway through the four weeks of action at the FIFA showpiece tournament, as we head into the business end.
Update: December 9th, 2022 12:32 EST
LEE SMITHREUTERS
It's Friday 9 December and we're in the midst of the 2022 World Cup competition that has been making many of the headlines over the last couple of weeks. Since the opener between hosts Qatar and Ecuador, a total of 58 games have come and gone, with plenty of surprises along the way.
Follow Netherlands vs Argentina live online Qatar World Cup 2022
Now there are just eight games remaining (yes, there is a play-off between the two losing semi-finalists to decide who gets third place, often of less interest to players but more so for fans in a sweepstake!). And after a two day break we have the two big boys of South American football taking to the field today.
When can I watch more World Cup action?
For those with an insatiable appetite for these international clashes, you'll hopefully have found ways to keep yourself amused for the last couple of days but fear not, your Beautiful Game rush is on its way. The samba boys of Brazil led by Neymar will face up to the European mavericks Croatia with Luka Modric pulling the strings. After that, Lionel Messi is back in action, as he takes a hot-and-cold Argentina into battle against a very decent Netherlands side with Cody Gakpo catching the eye so far. (Joe Brennan compares the two stars).
Argentina's Lionel Messi takes part in a training session at Qatar University in Doha on December 8, 2022.JUAN MABROMATAAFP
Here's how the rest of the tournament will play out.
9 December: Education City Stadium: Croatia-Brazil 10:00 am ET / 07:00 am PT (1)
Kovacic: "Brazil, favourites? We're ready for them"
9 December: Lusail Stadium: Netherlands-Argentina 2:00 pm ET / 11:00 am PT (2)
Van Dijk: "We're playing against Argentina, not just Messi"
10 December: Al Thumama Stadium: Morocco-Portugal 10:00 am ET / 07:00 am PT (3)
Morocco dedicate World Cup win to Nouri
10 December: Al Bayt Stadium: England-France 2:00 pm ET / 11:00 am PT (4)
England face sternest test yet in Qatar
Jude Bellingham, one of the stars of Qatar.KAI PFAFFENBACHREUTERS
Semi-finals
13 December: Lusail Stadium: Winner QF2-Winner QF1 2:00 pm ET / 11:00 am PT (1)
14 December: Al Bayt Stadium: Winner QF4-Winner QF3 2:00 pm ET / 11:00 am PT (2)
Third Place play-off
17 December: Khalifa International: Loser SF1-Loser SF2 10:00 am ET / 07:00 am PT
18 December: Lusail Stadium: Winner SF1-Winner SF2 10:00 am ET / 07:00 am PT
Quarter-finals start with a bang!
World Cup 2022, Argentina vs Netherlands: Everything you need to know