World Cup Daily: Matches and storylines for July 9
On Thursday, France meets Morocco in the first of four quarterfinal matches. This one is a quarterfinal that could (and maybe should) be a final.
The quarterfinals are upon us! And while a number of fan bases are disappointed to not be in the mix — certainly all three host nations are ruing what could have been, and Egypt and Colombia in particular are smarting from still-fresh heartbreaking exits — there's also an intriguing mix of expected entrants and surprise quarterfinalists remaining (though it is all tipping a little too heavily UEFA for many people's tastes, perhaps).
Here on Thursday, we start with the quarterfinal that could have been a final: France, fulfilling all the pre-match projections they would win it all with five wins in five matches, against Morocco, which met France in the 2022 semifinals and would return to the semis for a second straight cycle with a win. With their World Cup performances being what they are in the ever-shifting rankings, France is now the best team in the world, having leapfrogged Argentina, while Morocco is No. 6. This has all the makings of a classic.
Then, we get one match on Friday and two on Saturday to set up the final four. It's getting good, but it's also almost close to over.
Round of 32
Sunday, June 28
Canada 1, South Africa 0
Monday, June 29
Brazil 2, Japan 1
Paraguay 1(4), Germany 1(3)
Morocco 1(3), Netherlands 1(2)
Tuesday, June 30
Norway 2, Côte d'Ivoire1
France 3, Sweden 0
Mexico 2, Ecuador 0
Wednesday, July 1
England 2, DR Congo 1
Belgium 3, Senegal 2
United States2, Bosnia and Herzegovina 0
Thursday, July 2
Spain 3, Austria 0
Portugal 2, Croatia 1
Switzerland 2, Algeria 0
Friday, July 3
Argentina 3, Cabo Verde 2
Colombia 1, Ghana 0
Egypt 1(4), Australia 1(2)
Round of 16
Saturday, July 4
Morocco 3, Canada 0
France 1, Paraguay 0
Sunday, July 5
Norway 2, Brazil 1
England 3, Mexico 2
Monday, July 6
Spain 1, Portugal 0
Belgium 4, United States 1
Tuesday, July 7
Argentina vs. Egypt, 11 am, Atlanta
Switzerland vs. Colombia, 3 pm, Vancouver
Quarterfinals
Thursday, July 9
France vs. Morocco, 3 pm, Foxborough, Mass.
Friday, July 10
Spain vs. Belgium, 2 pm, Inglewood, Calif.
Saturday, July 11
Norway vs. England, 4 pm, Miami Gardens, Fla.
Argentina vs. Switzerland, 8 pm, Kansas City
Semifinals are Tuesday, July 14 and Wednesday, July 15.
Where to watch
This could be your last shot at a Justine's watch party, and there's also a watch party at East End Ballroom practically next door; Easy Tiger at the Linc has been for the French fans throughout the tournament as well.
What to read
Egypt has an argument about its match with Argentina, including an allegation of racism that's alarming. Not everyone agrees with Egypt's concerns, though.
Verde All Day is a reader-supported online publication covering Austin FC. Additional support is provided by Austin Telco Federal Credit Union. For more coverage, check out Emergency Podcast! (an Austin FC Podcast) wherever you get your podcasts.
Austin FC has a sixth straight Decision Day that doesn't impact its playoff chances. But its opponent from the Pacific Northwest has many scenarios to get into the postseason.
Brad Stuver was a surprising opening day starter in 2021, en route to becoming a six-year fixture in goal. For the last five years, he's been measurably one of MLS' best.
The 17-year-old Finnish youth international midfielder has officially signed with Verde through the 2030-31 season. What does it mean for a team that's most definitely rebuilding?
Austin FC let in four goals, making it the worst of Damian Las' six starting outings this season. However, Micah Burton and Ervin Torres connected on a goal that portends good things for the future.
The quarterfinals are upon us! And while a number of fan bases are disappointed to not be in the mix — certainly all three host nations are ruing what could have been, and Egypt and Colombia in particular are smarting from still-fresh heartbreaking exits — there's also an intriguing mix of expected entrants and surprise quarterfinalists remaining (though it is all tipping a little too heavily UEFA for many people's tastes, perhaps).
Here on Thursday, we start with the quarterfinal that could have been a final: France, fulfilling all the pre-match projections they would win it all with five wins in five matches, against Morocco, which met France in the 2022 semifinals and would return to the semis for a second straight cycle with a win. With their World Cup performances being what they are in the ever-shifting rankings, France is now the best team in the world, having leapfrogged Argentina, while Morocco is No. 6. This has all the makings of a classic.
Then, we get one match on Friday and two on Saturday to set up the final four. It's getting good, but it's also almost close to over.
Round of 32
Sunday, June 28
Monday, June 29
Tuesday, June 30
Wednesday, July 1
Thursday, July 2
Friday, July 3
Round of 16
Saturday, July 4
Sunday, July 5
Monday, July 6
Tuesday, July 7
Quarterfinals
Thursday, July 9
Friday, July 10
Saturday, July 11
Semifinals are Tuesday, July 14 and Wednesday, July 15.
Where to watch
This could be your last shot at a Justine's watch party, and there's also a watch party at East End Ballroom practically next door; Easy Tiger at the Linc has been for the French fans throughout the tournament as well.
What to read
Egypt has an argument about its match with Argentina, including an allegation of racism that's alarming. Not everyone agrees with Egypt's concerns, though.
Verde All Day is a reader-supported online publication covering Austin FC. Additional support is provided by Austin Telco Federal Credit Union. For more coverage, check out Emergency Podcast! (an Austin FC Podcast) wherever you get your podcasts.
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