The teams are out
Pop star Tate MacRae has delivered the ball for this match. She’s Canadian so it’s anyone’s guess who she’s cheering for this morning. Actor Javier Bardem is once again in attendance as a loyal Spaniard.
The teams are out to sing anthems now and the cameras are again focusing on Spain’s teen sensation Lamine Yamal. We’re yet to see the 18-year-old at his best in this tournament, after he returned from injury. Hopefully, we’re in for a show today.
A reminder of who is left to play
With Morocco knocked out yesterday, here are the teams still to compete for a semi-final spot:
Doku starts for Belgium
Spain manager Luis de la Fuente made one change for Friday’s World Cup quarter-final against Belgium, dropping Pedri to the bench for Fabian Ruiz, while Rudi Garcia recalled Kevin De Bruyne and Jeremy Doku in two Belgium changes.
Fabian joins Rodri and Dani Olmo in Spain’s midfield, with Pedri surprisingly left out after the win over Portugal. Spain’s attack is unchanged, with Lamine Yamal, Alex Baena and Mikel Oyarzabal starting.
De Bruyne replaces Amadou Onana, who ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament against the United States. Jeremy Doku also starts for Belgium, with Dodi Lukebakio dropping to the bench.
Lineups:
Good morning!
Hello and welcome to day two of the quarter-finals and who knows what day of the tournament – it’s the fifth Saturday of the World Cup and I’m delirious. But then so are you to be up this early.
This morning, kicking off at 5am (AEST), Spain and Belgium face off in Los Angeles Stadium. We’ll bring you the team news shortly.
Until then, why not catch up on yesterday’s match between France and Morocco.
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: www.smh.com.au
