Match previews

CROATIA and Morocco are set to battle in the one match which all teams participating in the World Cup hope to avoid – the third place play-off.Luca Modric and Co were the first team slip into the play-off having fell victim to a remarkable Argentina side inspired by Lionel Messi.
Luka Modric failed to guide his nation to another World Cup finalCredit: Getty
Morocco were beaten by reigning champions France in the semi-finalCredit: Getty
And they were joined by a history making Moroccan side 24 hours later who lost their mouth-watering semi-final against France.
England were comfortably beaten by Belgium in the 2018 third place play-off edition.
But the 2022 World Cup final warm-up event is expected to be a tighter affair and SunSport has all the information needed.

When is Croatia vs Morocco?

The World Cup third place play-off between Croatia and Morocco is taking place on Saturday, December 17.
It is expected to get underway from 3pm UK time
Khalifa International Stadium in Doha is the allocated arena for this huge fixture and it can host approximately 45,000 spectators.
Belgium beat England 2-0 in the 2018 third place play-off contest.

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What TV channel is Croatia vs Morocco on and can it be live streamed?

Croatia’s encounter against Morocco will be shown LIVE on BBC One in the UK.
Coverage is set to commence from 2:30pm UK time – 30 minutes before kick-off.
Viewers also have the option to stream the entire action through the BBC iPlayer app or BBC Sport website.

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Can the third place play-off match be watched for free?
YES! The third place play-off encounter can be watched for FREE as long as you hold a valid TV license in the UK. More

CANCEL your Sunday afternoon plans football lovers as Argentina are set to take on France in a mouth-watering World Cup final clash – and it’s not to be missed!Croatia fell victim to a Lionel Messi masterclass in Tuesday’s dominant semi-final encounter.
Lionel Messi can seal his international career with a World Cup triumphCredit: Getty
France have booked their spot in the World Cup finalCredit: AFP
The Argentinian legend opened up the scoring with a expertly-taken penalty, and went on a mesmerising run before setting up Julian Alvarez for their third on the night.
But things will certainly be tougher for the little magician as he will be taking on a French side that managed to stop high-flying Morocco in their semi-final.
Messi has created a thrilling final chapter to his international career and the magician will arguably go down as the greatest footballer EVER should he replicate what Diego Maradona did in 1986.
However, a win for Les Bleus would see them become the first nation in 60 years to achieve successive World Cup triumphs.
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When is Argentina vs France?

Argentina’s eye-catching World Cup final contest against France will take place on Sunday, December 18.
It is scheduled to kick off at 3pm UK time.
Lusail Iconic Stadium in Qatar is the allocated arena for this mammoth final fixture and it can host a whopping 88,966 spectators.
Kylian Mbappe’s second-half double sent Argentina crashing out of the World Cup when the sides last met in 2018.

What TV channel is Argentina vs France on and can it be live streamed?

The World Cup final between Argentina and France will be shown LIVE on both BBC One and ITV 1.
Coverage on BBC One is set to commence from 2pm UK time while ITV 1 get their show on the road from 1:30pm UK time.
Viewers can also head to BBC iPlayer or ITV X if they prefer to stream the action online via tablet and mobile devices.

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Can I watch the World Cup final for free?
YES! The mouth-watering World Cup final in Qatar can be watched for FREE on both channels as long as you hold a valid TV license in the UK. More

IT’S almost time for the match which all teams participating in the World Cup hope to avoid – the third place play-off.Croatia were the first team to book their spot having fell victim to a remarkable Argentina side inspired by Lionel Messi.
Luka Modric failed to guide his nation to another World Cup finalCredit: Getty
And the Croats will be keeping an eye on France’s mouth-watering semi-final against Morocco as the losers join Croatia in the bronze medal contest.
England were comfortably beaten by Belgium in the 2018 third place play-off edition.
But the 2022 World Cup final warm-up event is expected to be a tighter affair and SunSport has all the information needed.
When is the World Cup 2022 third place play-off?
The World Cup third place play-off is taking place on Saturday, December 17.
Read more on World Cup
It is expected to get underway from 3pm UK time
Khalifa International Stadium in Doha is the allocated arena for this huge fixture and it can host approximately 45,000 spectators.
Belgium beat England 2-0 in the 2018 third place play-off contest.
What TV channel is the third place play-off match on and can it be live streamed?
Croatia’s encounter against the loser of France vs Morocco will be shown LIVE on BBC One in the UK.
Coverage is set to commence from 2:30pm UK time – 30 minutes before kick-off.
Viewers also have the option to stream the entire action through the BBC iPlayer app or BBC Sport website.
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Can the third place play-off match be watched for free?
YES! The third place play-off encounter can be watched for FREE as long as you hold a valid TV license in the UK. More

THE 2022 World Cup is coming to an end, and what a tournament it has been in Qatar.We have seen some incredible upsets from Germany being knocked out in the group stage after defeat to Japan.
Morocco have made history as the first African team in a World Cup semi-finalCredit: Splash
France knocked England out of the World CupCredit: Getty
Morocco have shocked the world and made it to the semi-finals after knocking out Spain and Portugal.
And there could be a first time winner of the tournament as France, Morocco, Croatia and Argentina all battle it out for a place in the final.
SunSport has all the details ahead of what promises to be a historic occasion as the final in Qatar approaches.
When is the World Cup 2022 final?

The World Cup final will take place on Sunday, December 18.
The match will get underway from 3pm UK time.
Lusail Stadium in Qatar will host the affair.
The winners of Argentina vs Croatia and France vs Morocco will play in the last match of the tournament as they search for World Cup glory.

What TV channel and live stream is the 2022 World Cup final on?

The World Cup final will be broadcast on both ITV 1 and BBC One.
UK fans can watch the game as it is live streamed on both ITV X andBBC iPlayer.
Both ITV and BBC are free-to-air for those in the UK with a valid TV licence.

What are the recent World Cup results?
Quarter-finals
Friday, December 9

Saturday, December 10
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FRANCE will take on Morocco in an incredible World Cup semi-final.Didier Deschamps’ side came out victors over England, breaking the hearts of the nation as Harry Kane’s goal was not enough for the Three Lions.
France celebrate their win over EnglandCredit: AP
Morocco have shocked the world and now await the winner of England vs France in the semi-final of the World CupCredit: Getty
Morocco, on the other hand, have been remarkable during the competition as a host of upsets have seen them mount an impressive run into the last-4.
Beating Belgium in the group to finish top ahead of Croatia, Morocco continued their form into the knockout stage as they beat Spain in the last-16 before coming out victors against Portugal.
Hakim Ziyech and co will now come up against the world champions in a HUGE semi-final clash.
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When is France vs Morocco?
France vs Morocco will take place on Wednesday, December 14.
The big clash will kick off at 7pm UK time.
The Al Bayt Stadium plays host to the occasion.
What TV channel and live stream is France vs Morocco on?
France vs Morocco will be broadcast live on either ITV 1 or BBC One.
The channels have yet to reveal what game they are showing of the two semi-finals.
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The match will be live streamed on either ITV X or BBC iPlayer.
Both ITV and BBC are free-to-air for those in the UK with a valid TV licence.

World Cup 2022Everything you need to know about the World Cup

What are the recent World Cup results?
Quarter-finals
Friday, December 9

Saturday, December 10

Semi-finals
Tuesday, December 13

Read More on The Sun
Wednesday, December 14

Match 62: France vs Morocco (7pm) More

ENGLAND face a date with destiny as Gareth Southgate’s men come up against the world champions France in their quarter-final clash TOMORROW.The nation will be on tenterhooks as they see whether Southgate’s troops have what it takes to upset the odds.

Southgate has some huge calls to make on his team selection – notably whether to go toe-to-toe with Les Bleus.
The Three Lions have a stunning array of attacking talent, with the likes of Raheem Sterling, Phil Foden, Bukayo Saka and Marcus Rashford battling for two supporting roles for Harry Kane.
But the squad will be buoyed by the return of winger Sterling after the sickening burglary at his home in Surrey.
And undoubtedly the eyes of the world will be on wonderkid Jude Bellingham, with his club Borussia Dortmund facing a huge battle to keep hold of him in summer.
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How did they get here?
England overcame Senegal to sail into the quarters courtesy of a 3-0 victory.
Southgate’s lads topped their Group B thanks to wins over Iran and Wales, 6-2 and 3-0 respectively, and a dour 0-0 draw against USA
France made it through to the quarters after a 3-1 win over Poland, in which Olivier Giroud became their record scorer of all time.
The World Cup’s top scorer Kylian Mbappe added the second and third. They beat Australia 4-1 and Denmark 2-1 in Group D before a shock 1-0 defeat to Tunisia.
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What is the team news and any injuries to worry about?
England fans had cause for concern earlier in the week when Declan Rice was reportedly suffering with illness – but he thankfully rejoined in the training sessions.
John Stones and Callum Wilson are also being bothered with niggles but should both make the team at least. Raheem Sterling is back from his leave of absence after his house was burgled.
France were hit with some BIG injury news before a ball was even kicked with star striker Karim Benzema ruled out with injury.
Lucas Hernandez has also fallen to the treatment table after doing his ACL.

Who will be the star men?
Jude Bellingham has the world in awe with some stunning performances for England this winter.
Harry Kane finally got the goal his all-round play has deserved – he may even be planning a late run for the Golden Boot.
For France, look no further than the tournament top scorer Kylian Mbappe. He has looked virtually unplayable.
Olivier Giroud became his country’s record goalscorer this World Cup – and he offers a very different threat up top to his partner in crime Mbappe.
What’s the head to head?
England have a brilliant record against France.
The Three Lions have won 17 of the 31 games they have faced each other, with France triumphant in nine and five draws.
But the most recent clash wasn’t so great for England – Deschamps guided Les Blues to a 3-2 win in a 2017 friendly.

SunSport prediction
Ok, we are simply letting our heart rule here.
England face a monumental task to try and dump out Mbappe et al but their is a wave of euphoria sweeping over the nation…
Go on Gareth and the lads, YOU CAN DO IT!
England 1 France 1 (Eng win on pens)
When is England vs France?

England vs France takes place TOMORROW – Saturday, December 10.
The match kicks off at 7pm UK time.
The Al-Bayt Stadium plays host.

What TV channel and live stream is England vs France on?

England vs France will be broadcast live on ITV 1.
It will be live-streamed on ITV X , the mobile app which is available for download.

QUARTER-FINALS
Friday, December 9

Saturday, December 10

SEMI-FINALS
Tuesday, December 13

Match 61: Croatia vs Argentina (7pm)

Wednesday, December 14

Match 62: Winners of Match 59 vs England or France (7pm)

THIRD PLACE PLAY-OFF
Saturday, December 17

Losers of Match 61 vs Losers of Match 62 (3pm)

Read More on The Sun
FINAL
Sunday, December 18

Winners of Match 61 vs Winners of Match 62 (3pm) More

PORTUGAL will have their hands full when they face high-flying Morocco in the quarter-finals of the World Cup TOMORROW.The North African side were epic in their penalty shootout win over Spain, having conceded just once all tournament.

But Portugal are in top form after thrashing Switzerland 6-1 in the last of the round of 16 clashes.
Goncalo Ramos scored a brilliant hat-trick after coming into the XI for Cristiano Ronaldo.
But they can’t get too complacent against Morocco, who have the likes of Achraf Hakimi, Hakim Ziyech and Sofiane Boufal in their ranks.
How did they get there?
Morocco are the surprise outfit so far at this year’s tournament – but deserve all the plaudits.
Read More World Cup News
They drew their Group B opener with Croatia 0-0, but then defeated Belgium 2-0 and Canada 2-1 to top the pile.
In the last-16 they held their nerve to sensationally defeat Spain on a penalty shootout.
Portugal flopped in their final Group H game, losing 2-1 to South Korea. That came after they beat Ghana 3-2 and Uruguay 2-0 respectively.
But they found their shooting boots in some style to wallop Switzerland 6-1 in their last-16 clash. Cristiano Ronaldo’s replacement Goncalo Ramos cracked a hat-trick.
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What is the team news and any injuries to worry about?
Morocco have big injury doubts over defender Nayef Aguerd who is battling a groin injury.
Former Wolves man Roman Saiss is also facing a race to be fit as he suffers a tight hamstring.
For Portugal, Nuno Mendes and Danilo Pereira are still out – the former for the rest of the tournament.
Manager Santos is set to once again have Cristiano Ronaldo sat on the bench after Ramos’ heroics against Switzerland.

Who will be the star men?
After his sensational return to the fold, Chelsea star Hakim Ziyech will be looking to continue his stunning form in the World Cup for Morocco.
Achraf Hakimi has proved himself to be one of the best full-backs in the world, as well as ice-cool at penalties with a superb Panenka against Spain.
For Portugal, Goncalo Ramos proved it was the CORRECT decision to play him up front at the expense of Cristiano Ronaldo with a brilliant hat-trick against Switzerland.
Bruno Fernandes is enjoying a fine World Cup, with the Manchester United man still in the running for the Golden Boot.
What’s the head to head?
The two teams have played just twice before, with a win apiece.
In the 1986 World Cup, Morocco triumphed 3-1 in their Group F clash.
But the most recent clash at the 2018 World Cup in Russia saw Ronaldo win it with a fourth-minute strike.
SunSport prediction
Morocco have been brilliant, and thoroughly deserve their spot in the quarter-finals.
But Portugal just seem to have the know how in the latter stages of premier competitions, and they should sneak home.
Morocco 1 Portugal 2
When is Morocco vs Portugal?

Portugal’s clash with Morocco will take place TOMORROW – Saturday, December 10.
The game will be held at the Al Thumama Stadium in Doha.
Portugal vs Morocco will get underway from 3pm GMT.

What channel is it and can it be live streamed?

Morocco vs Portugal will be shown live on ITV 1 in the UK.
You can live stream the action from the ITV X app, which is available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.
Coverage of the game will get going from 2pm UK time.

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Can I watch for FREE?
Yes, you can watch Morocco vs Portugal for FREE, so long as you have a valid TV licence.
Read More on The Sun
Odds

Morocco – 5/1
Draw – 11/4
Portugal – 4/7

*Odds courtesy of Betfair and correct at time of publication More