Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: The quarterfinal matches of the 2022 World Cup begin today.
Five-time champions Brazil takes on last edition’s finalist Croatia in the first quarterfinal at the Education City Stadium, while Argentina plays against the Netherlands at Lusail Iconic Stadium in the second match.
Brazil vs Croatia
This is the third encounter between Brazil and Croatia in the World Cup.
Brazil has won both their prior matches – by 1-0 in 2006 and by 3-1 in 2014. However, both matches were in the group stage. This will be the first encounter between the two sides in the knockout rounds.
Croatia beat Japan in the penalties after both sides played a 1-1 draw and nothing could separate them in the extra 30 minutes of their last 16 tie. Brazil, on the other hand, ended South Korea’s swansong with an easy 4-1 victory.
Argentina vs the Netherlands
Argentina and the Netherlands are meeting each other in the World Cup for the sixth time.
Both sides have won twice. Argentina defeated the Netherlands in the final of 1978 and the semifinal of 2014. Similarly, the Netherlands got the better of the South American side in the group stage of 1974 and the quarterfinal of 1998. The old foes played a goalless draw in the group stage of 2006.
Argentina defeated Australia 2-1 in the last 16, while the Netherlands decimated the USA 3-1 with a commanding display.
First Quarterfinal
Brazil vs Croatia
Education City Stadium
8:45 pm NST
Second Quarterfinal
Argentina vs the Netherlands
Lusail Iconic Stadium
00:45 NST
