Who will Portugal play against in the quarter-finals of the 2022 World Cup?

Portugal made it through to the 2022 World Cup quarter-finals in style after putting in one of the best performances of the tournament in a 6-1 thrashing of Switzerland in the round of 16. Manager Fernando Santos controversially decided to start the game without Cristiano Ronaldo, the nation’s all-time top goalscorer and captain, but will feel completely vindicated after a superb display from Ronaldo’s replacement, Gonçalo Ramos, who netted a hat-trick in his just his fourth appearance for A Seleção.

Despite presiding over Portugal’s Euro 2016 triumph, Santos has often been criticised for failing to get the best out of his attacking players but that was in no way the case on Tuesday as the Portuguese put on a dynamic display characterised by clever movement and quick, one-touch passing. Should this be their blueprint for the remainder of the tournament? Ronaldo’s detractors, of which there are an increasing amount, will argue that that performance was proof of why he may no longer be an indispensable figure in the Portugal set-up. The former Manchester United man did come off the bench in the closing stage against the Swiss, and may have to settle for a similar role going forward.

Who will Portugal play in the quarter-finals?

Portugal will take on 2022 World Cup surprise package Morocco in the quarter-finals. Few would have predicted the Atlas Lions to top a group containing 2018 finalists Croatia and Belgium, ranked second in the world going into the tournament. But that’s exactly what they did, keeping clean sheets in a draw with the Croats and a ‘shock’ victory against the Belgians, which preceded another win versus Canada. Walid Regragui’s side, who have been back by a sizeable, vociferous support throughout the competition, then saw off Spain in the round of 16, courtesy of a penalty shootout after a goalless draw.

Portugal will be firm favourites to progress to the semi-finals but given that Morocco have conceded just one goal in four games against some high-quality opposition, the North Africans should in no way be underestimated.

When is the Portugal vs Morocco quarter-final match?

Portugal will play Morocco in the quarter-finals on Saturday, 10 December 2022, with kick-off at 10am ET. The match will take place at Al Thumama Stadium in Doha.