Brazil coach Tite has explained that joining in with his team's celebrations against South Korea was not an act of disrespect to the opposition.
The Selecao ran out 4-1 winners against South Korea on Monday as they sealed their place in the World Cup quarter-finals in style.
Vinicius Junior opened the scoring before Neymar converted a penalty after a foul on Richarlison, who added a sublime third prior to Lucas Paqueta rounding off Brazil's haul.
After Richarlison's goal, which capped a superb move, Tite celebrated with the Tottenham forward by performing the 'pigeon' dance.
He was criticised by some sections of the media, but Tite has explained he meant no disrespect.
"We try to adapt to the athletes' characteristics. They are young, I have to get closer to their language," he said.
"One day we were training and I said to Richarlison 'if you score a goal, I'll dance'.
"I told the players to hide me a little, I know about the visibility.
"I didn't want it to have any other interpretation than the joy of the goal, the result, the performance, but not disrespect for the opponent or Paulo Bento, who I have great respect for."
With his goal, meanwhile, Neymar matched Pele and Ronaldo as the third Brazil player to score at three different World Cups.
The Paris Saint-Germain star is also just one short of matching Pele's record goal haul of 77 for Brazil.
"Achieving marks is a great source of pride," Neymar said.
"I reached numbers that I would never have imagined reaching, that's always very good. It makes me very happy."
Croatia stand between Brazil and a place in the last four.
Brazil have never lost in four previous meetings with Croatia, with this their first meeting since a 2-0 friendly win in June 2018.
Brazil are looking to reach the World Cup semi-final for the ninth time, with only Germany (12) doing so more often.
Croatia, runners-up in 2018, have reached at least the last four of the competition on both previous occasions they've made it out of the group stages (1998 and 2018).
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Brazil – Neymar
Neymar has been involved in 15 goals in his last 11 appearances for Brazil in all competitions (eight goals, seven assists), with each of his last six goals for the national side coming from the penalty spot.
Last time out against South Korea, he became the first Brazil player on record (since 1966) to both score and provide an assist at three different World Cup tournaments.
Croatia – Luka Modric
Real Madrid star Luka Modric was not on the pitch as Croatia progressed past Japan on penalties in the last 16, but if Zlatko Dalic's team are to beat Brazil, the 37-year-old will surely be crucial.
He will go up against former Madrid club-mate Casemiro, and will need the assistance of Marcelo Brozovic and Mateo Kovacic, but if Modric can wield his influence, Croatia have a chance.
PREDICTION
Croatia have lost four of their five World Cup games against South American sides, with the exception being a 3-0 win over Argentina in 2018. Two of those four defeats have been against Brazil – 1-0 in 2006 and 3-1 in 2014.
Despite getting to the final in Russia, Croatia have been handed only an 11.5 per chance of victory by Opta's model, which has Brazil as the favourites with 68.2 per cent.
The draw is at 20.3 per cent.
Nasser Al Khater, the chief executive of Qatar 2022, said "death is a natural part of life" when he was questioned over reports of a migrant worker dying during the World Cup.
The Athletic reported on Wednesday that a Filipino man said to be in his early 40s died while working at the base of Saudi Arabia during the group stage.
According to the report, the incident is being investigated by the Qatari government.
Asked by the BBC for a comment on the reports, Al Khater extraordinarily said "death is a natural part of life" as he questioned why the interviewer had chosen to ask him about the incident.
He said: "We're in the middle of a World Cup and we have a successful World Cup, and this is something you want to talk about right now?
"I mean, death is a natural part of life, whether it's at work or in your sleep.
"Of course, a worker died, our condolences go to his family, however this is strange this is something you want to focus on as your first question."
The Qatar World Cup has been dominated by off-field issues, such as the host nation's questionable human rights and its treatment of migrant workers.
On Thursday, FIFA secretary general Fatma Samoura was asked by Reuters for a comment on the incident.
"We've already elaborated... about what we are doing in Qatar," she said.
"We are talking about things we have already discussed for months and months, time and time again."
At the time of publication, FIFA had not responded to Stats Perform's request for comment.
Cristiano Ronaldo declared Portugal are "too close to be broken by outside forces" in response to reports he threatened to leave the World Cup.
Portuguese outlet Record claimed on Thursday that Ronaldo threatened to leave his country's camp in Qatar after being told he would not start the last-16 tie with Switzerland.
That came on the back of head coach Fernando Santos criticising the captain's reaction to being substituted in the 2-1 loss to South Korea in the final group game.
However, the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) was quick to deny that Ronaldo, who came on as a substitute in Tuesday's 6-1 win over Switzerland, made any sort of threat.
And free agent Ronaldo took to Twitter shortly after vowing to continue giving his all in Portugal's bid to win a first World Cup.
"A group too close to be broken by outside forces," the forward posted alongside an image of his team-mates celebrating a goal against Switzerland.
"A nation too brave to let itself be frightened by any adversary. A team in the truest sense of the word, which will fight for the dream until the end! Believe with us! Strength, Portugal!"
The FPF earlier stated: "News released this Thursday reports that Ronaldo threatened to leave the national team during a conversation with Fernando Santos.
"The FPF clarifies that at no time did the captain of the Selecao, Ronaldo, threaten to leave the national team during the stay in Qatar.
"Ronaldo builds up a unique track record every day at the service of the national team and the country, which must be respected and which attests to the unquestionable degree of commitment to the national team.
"Incidentally, the degree of dedication of the player most capped by Portugal was again demonstrated – if necessary – in the victory against Switzerland."
Ronaldo's replacement, Benfica youngster Goncalo Ramos, scored a hat-trick in the thumping win against Switzerland to set up a quarter-final with Morocco on Saturday.
Santos is expected to stick with Ramos against Spain's conquerors Morocco, meaning a place on the bench once again for Ronaldo.
Ronaldo, who did not take part in full training on Wednesday, is both Portugal's most-capped player (195) and all-time leading goalscorer (118).
Louis van Gaal is not expecting a classic World Cup encounter between the Netherlands and Argentina on Friday due to the way "football has evolved".
The quarter-final at Lusail Stadium will be the sixth finals meeting between the two sides.
Those previous clashes include a dominant Netherlands win in 1974, a controversial 1978 final and Dennis Bergkamp's memorable winner at this stage in 1998.
Most recently, however, Van Gaal's Netherlands and Argentina played out a goalless draw in the semi-finals eight years ago, with La Albiceleste advancing on penalties.
Speaking at a pre-match news conference on Thursday, Van Gaal appeared to suggest a similarly tight affair was likely this time.
Explaining his "new vision", the Oranje coach had "a very attacking DNA" at Ajax in the 1990s but learnt at Barcelona "you can't always pursue that goal".
"It is much more difficult to play as offensively as Ajax used to play," Van Gaal added as he again faced criticism for the Netherlands' style of play. "If you fail to see that, it is very difficult to understand this is the way things go.
"When, in 2014, I started developing the more defensive system, people criticised me. Now, half the world is playing that kind of football. Football has evolved in that direction."
Asked how this latest episode in the Netherlands-Argentina rivalry might compare, the coach said: "I've just provided you with a wonderful answer to your question: football is no longer being played as in 1988 or 1974 or whatever.
"Then it was an open game, which it no longer is. You can have all sorts of opinions about that, but this is simply the way football has evolved.
"It is always possible to have decisive moments that you remember years afterwards, like Bergkamp's goal, so undoubtedly we will continue to remember this forever."
Memphis Depay, appearing alongside Van Gaal, is of a similar view, saying: "The game is going to be decided in moments.
"I believe we can catch a moment and go through. We obviously want to play a good game, but there's also going to be a tactical game, I think."
Van Gaal is unlikely to shift away from that "defensive system" now as the Netherlands prepare for a step up in quality.
"Argentina in my view are a top country with top football players in their squad," Van Gaal said. "The tournament actually is starting tomorrow for real for us.
"Of course, I don't want to downplay the importance of other countries we've been able to beat, but Argentina and possibly Brazil in the next round are quite different from the countries we've played in the groups and in the last 16."
Zlatko Dalic has no issue with Brazil's players dancing to celebrate a goal, though he would not want to see his Croatia squad do the same.
Brazil's celebrations during their 4-1 rout of South Korea have drawn criticism from some quarters.
Coach Tite has had to explain no disrespect was intended when he joined in with Richarlison's 'pigeon' dance after the striker netted a sublime third goal in the round of 16 match on Monday, though he also said Brazil will not stop dancing in celebration.
Croatia meet Brazil in the first quarter-final on Friday, and Dalic would prefer his players not to celebrate in such a manner.
"[Brazil] have their own way that they celebrate," Dalic said in a press conference.
"They celebrate how they know, they are so festive, so in unity, demonstrating their character and tradition.
"It's their right. Is that a disrespect towards the opponent? I cannot say.
"I would not like to see my players celebrate like that. But it's a different culture, they like to dance and it's nice."
While Dalic would rather come up against Brazil later in the competition, he believes taking on the five-time world champions is the pinnacle of international football.
"There is no better moment than playing against Brazil. Anyone could only dream of such a game," he said.
"We know what Brazil means in the football world but we do not have a lot to lose. We must fight them, must give our best.
"Croatia is one of the eight best in the world, that’s a great success, and we want to do more, that would be spectacular."
Dalic's sentiment was echoed by captain Luka Modric, who said: "They have great players. Top-notch players, playing in the best leagues and clubs and I enjoy playing against them, enjoy watching them and we have a chance to face a great team like Brazil.
"It's pure pleasure watching them. This is all that one can wish for – to play against them."
Four-and-a-half years on from reaching the final in Russia, Dalic says Croatia must recognise they are in a rebuilding process - regardless of the result against Brazil.
"This is a new team, we have 18 new players from the previous World Cup," Dalic explained. "We cannot draw comparisons.
"In 2018 we had a team playing together for 10 years in a row, playing in the best leagues and clubs. This is not the situation with our current team. We need time to mature.
"Our new team is yet to prove itself, the World Cup is a great opportunity to prove that."
Brazil head coach Tite insists the Selecao will continue dancing during goal celebrations because it is part of their "culture" as he dismissed the suggestion they are showing disrespect.
Croatia await Brazil in the World Cup quarter-finals after Tite's side beat South Korea 4-1, a victory that saw them exhibit some of the best football on display at Qatar 2022.
Brazil players celebrated each goal by dancing, and Tite even joined in for the celebration after Richarlison made it 3-0.
The coach mimicked Richarlison's trademark pigeon dance after the Tottenham forward came over to the Brazil dugout.
Some pundits criticised Brazil for their celebrations, suggesting they were showing disregard for their opponents, but this is not an opinion Tite will accept.
For him, such criticism essentially reflects ignorance of Brazil and its culture.
"This is not my team, this is the Brazil team and I have the responsibility of being head coach," Tite told reporters in Thursday's pre-match press conference.
"I am very sorry, but I won't make comments about people who do not know Brazilian football history, Brazilian culture, the way each one of us is.
"So, to those I leave that noise aside. I want my connection to be to my job, to people I relate to, to those who relate to my work, who know how much I respect and know my history.
"Those are the ones I give my heart and attention to. I am very discrete. I will continue to be so, because I respect the culture and the way I am, and this national team I play with.
"Having said this in terms of education we will definitely be identifying with [young people] and lots of other kids who will dance because that's our culture when we score, and it's not being disrespectful to anyone.
"That's how we do things, that's us in terms of culture, but we also help the education of these kids in school and we will continue doing things in our manner."
He added: "Once again, the Brazilian football identity is not me, it started a long time ago with desperate communities training boys who could produce good football. Even with all the risks it entails.
"I know we face criticism but that's the football I believe in, even if we face challenges and criticisms for not winning the World Cup, we keep moving forwards. That's what we believe in."
The topic of Brazil's dancing and celebrations was frequently brought up during Tite's briefing, with it seemingly the main takeaway for many after the win over South Korea.
While Tite was clearly frustrated by the perception of Brazil being disrespectful, he delved deeper into the issue as he claimed his involvement in the Richarlison celebration showed how engaged he is with young people.
"I think it's a connection I have with younger generation," he continued. "I am 61 and I work with players who are 21, 22 years old. They could be my grandkids.
"I have a connection with them, all those who truly know me. If I have to choose between those who know me and those who don't know me, I choose those who I do know, of course.
"And if I have to dance to connect with them, we will continue dancing. I also use a metaphor; when we paint a painting, the entire painting is the athletes. They are the ones who are portrayed.
"We are just participants; we just contribute to the painting. The players themselves are the painting."
Luis Enrique has left his position as head coach of Spain following his side's surprise World Cup last-16 defeat to Morocco, the Royal Football Federation (RFEF) has confirmed.
Spain were eliminated on penalties after Tuesday's contest at Education City Stadium finished goalless after extra-time.
Former Barcelona boss Luis Enrique's contract was due to expire at the end of the tournament in Qatar, and it was confirmed on Thursday he will not be staying on.
"The RFEF would like to thank Luis Enrique and his entire coaching staff at the helm of the absolute national team in recent years," the statement read.
"The sports management of the RFEF has transferred to the president a report in which it is determined that a new project should start for the Spanish soccer team.
"The aim is to continue with the growth achieved in recent years thanks to the work carried out by Luis Enrique and their collaborators.
"Both the president, Luis Rubiales, and the sports director, Jose Francisco Molina, have transmitted the decision to the coach.
"The RFEF energetically wishes Luis Enrique and his team the best of luck in their future professional projects.
"The coach earns the love and admiration of his collaborators in the national team and of the entire Federation, which will always be his home."
Luis Enrique had been in charge of Spain since 2018, bar a four-month period in 2019 when stepping aside due to the illness and subsequent death of his young daughter.
He led La Roja to the semi-finals of Euro 2020 last year, where they lost on penalties to Italy, and to the 2020-21 Nations League final, where they were beaten by France.
Spain's loss to Morocco was their third straight tournament exit on penalties, having also suffered defeat by that method against hosts Russia in the 2018 World Cup last 16.
Luis Enrique's side started their Qatar 2022 campaign in style with a thumping 7-0 win over Costa Rica, which they followed up with a creditable 1-1 draw against Germany.
However, a 2-1 loss to Japan saw them finish second in Group E and they were unable to overcome a Morocco side 15 places below them in the latest FIFA rankings.
Spain's failure to score a single penalty in Tuesday's shoot-out made them just the second team to do so in World Cup history, after Switzerland against Ukraine in 2006.
Asked about his future after that match, in which Spain recorded just one shot on target despite registering 1,019 passes, Luis Enrique said: "I can't tell you.
"Your colleagues already asked me and I don't know because I don't know this decision.
"Now is not the time for me to talk about my future. My contract is going to end, but I'm happy with the national team, with the federation, the president.
"I could always carry on but I need to think and have peace of mind about what's the best for me and my national team."
Spain's next match is against Norway on March 25 in their opening Euro 2024 qualifier.
Cristiano Ronaldo provided Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti with no problems during their time together at Santiago Bernabeu, the head coach has insisted.
The 37-year-old is a free agent following his dramatic release from Manchester United ahead of the World Cup, which came after a seismic interview with Piers Morgan where he slammed the club's owners and manager Erik ten Hag.
Having fallen out of favour at Old Trafford, Ronaldo found himself struggling for selection once again on the international stage after being dropped by Portugal for their 6-1 last-16 triumph over Switzerland.
The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) have insisted Ronaldo did not threaten to leave Portugal's World Cup camp due to a disagreement with coach Fernando Santos in the wake of being named as a substitute.
However, Ancelotti has made it clear that he never experienced any challenges during the pair's time together in the Spanish capital.
"I had him for two years, zero problems. In fact, he solved them for me," Ancelotti told Corriere Dello Sport.
"Can someone who scores at least one goal per game be considered a problem?
"Cristiano trains very well, he is attentive to detail, for me it was all too easy to manage him. He's an exceptional player.
"With me, he will have played a hundred games and scored more than a hundred goals, one who scores 50 every year is someone who does good for the team."
Ancelotti was asked whether he considers this tournament to be the 'last dance' for Ronaldo, though he is not sure that assessment is correct.
"I don't know - he probably still feels 20-years-old because he is fine, from his body he has the answer he seeks," added Ancelotti.
"He has always treated the physique in an almost paroxysmal way.
"But the competition has become tough, for Portugal even someone like [Rafael] Leao starts from the bench."
Back at club level, Ancelotti is looking to knock Barcelona off their perch at the top of LaLiga and has positive news regarding Karim Benzema, who was ruled out of the World Cup with France.
"He's coming back on Saturday, we will put it right," he said on the forward.
Luis Enrique has left his position as head coach of Spain following his side's surprise World Cup last-16 defeat to Morocco, the Royal Football Federation (RFEF) has confirmed.
Spain were eliminated on penalties after Tuesday's contest at Education City Stadium finished goalless after extra-time.
Former Barcelona boss Luis Enrique's contract was due to expire at the end of the tournament in Qatar, and it was confirmed on Thursday he will not be staying on.
"The RFEF would like to thank Luis Enrique and his entire coaching staff at the helm of the absolute national team in recent years," the statement read.
"The sports management of the RFEF has transferred to the president a report in which it is determined that a new project should start for the Spanish soccer team.
"The aim is to continue with the growth achieved in recent years thanks to the work carried out by Luis Enrique and their collaborators.
"Both the president, Luis Rubiales, and the sports director, Jose Francisco Molina, have transmitted the decision to the coach.
"The RFEF energetically wishes Luis Enrique and his team the best of luck in their future professional projects.
"The coach earns the love and admiration of his collaborators in the national team and of the entire Federation, which will always be his home."
Luis Enrique had been in charge of Spain since 2018, bar a four-month period in 2019 when stepping aside due to the illness and subsequent death of his young daughter.
He led La Roja to the semi-finals of Euro 2020 last year, where they lost on penalties to Italy, and to the 2020-21 Nations League final, where they were beaten by France.
Spain's loss to Morocco was their third straight tournament exit on penalties, having also suffered defeat by that method against hosts Russia in the 2018 World Cup last 16.
Luis Enrique's side started their Qatar 2022 campaign in style with a thumping 7-0 win over Costa Rica, which they followed up with a creditable 1-1 draw against Germany.
However, a 2-1 loss to Japan saw them finish second in Group E and they were unable to overcome a Morocco side 15 places below them in the latest FIFA rankings.
Spain's failure to score a single penalty in Tuesday's shoot-out made them just the second team to do so in World Cup history, after Switzerland against Ukraine in 2006.
Asked about his future after that match, in which Spain recorded just one shot on target despite registering 1,019 passes, Luis Enrique said: "I can't tell you.
"Your colleagues already asked me and I don't know because I don't know this decision.
"Now is not the time for me to talk about my future. My contract is going to end, but I'm happy with the national team, with the federation, the president.
"I could always carry on but I need to think and have peace of mind about what's the best for me and my national team."
Spain's next match is against Norway on March 25 in their opening Euro 2024 qualifier.
Cristiano Ronaldo did not threaten to leave Portugal's World Cup camp due to a disagreement with coach Fernando Santos.
That is according to the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF), after reports emerged that Ronaldo had said he would abandon the squad following Santos' decision to drop him to the bench for the round of 16 game against Switzerland.
Portugal went on to win 6-1 on Tuesday, with Ronaldo coming on as a substitute and having a goal disallowed for offside.
In a statement released on Thursday, the FPF insisted there was no issue between the 37-year-old and Santos.
"News released this Thursday reports that Ronaldo threatened to leave the national team during a conversation with Fernando Santos," the statement read.
"The FPF clarifies that at no time did the captain of the Selecao, Ronaldo, threaten to leave the national team during the stay in Qatar.
"Ronaldo builds up a unique track record every day at the service of the national team and the country, which must be respected and which attests to the unquestionable degree of commitment to the national team.
"Incidentally, the degree of dedication of the player most capped by Portugal was again demonstrated – if necessary – in the victory against Switzerland."
Ronaldo's replacement against Switzerland, Goncalo Ramos, scored a hat-trick, and with Portugal having performed so well without their skipper in the starting line-up, it seems unlikely Santos will draft the former Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus forward back in for Saturday's quarter-final against Morocco.
Raheem Sterling will rejoin England's World Cup squad on Friday ahead of the quarter-final against France after a whistle-stop trip home.
The Chelsea forward travelled to be with his family after an apparent burglary at their house that saw a number of valuable items stolen.
The 28-year-old was not involved in England's last-16 win against Senegal on Sunday, with manager Gareth Southgate saying Sterling was heading home.
An investigation has been launched by Surrey Police after the raid was reported on Saturday.
The force said there had been "no threat of violence... as the items were discovered stolen retrospectively".
The Football Association said in a statement on Thursday: "Raheem Sterling will return to England's World Cup base in Qatar.
"The Chelsea forward temporarily left to attend to a family matter but is now expected to rejoin the squad in Al Wakrah on Friday ahead of the quarter-final with France."
It may mean his return comes too late for Sterling to stand any chance of starting Saturday's game against the defending champions, given he has missed several key training sessions.
Sterling, who turned 28 on Thursday, has scored 20 goals in 81 senior appearances for England. He has one goal so far at this World Cup, netted in the opening 6-2 win against Iran.
Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappe would be "completely compatible" as a strike partnership and Mauricio Pochettino would love to see it happen, he revealed ahead of England's World Cup clash with France.
Pochettino has coached both players, as boss of Tottenham and Paris Saint-Germain, and would love to work with Kane again one day, should the England captain seek to leave Spurs.
Argentinian Pochettino will be a neutral when England and France go head-to-head at Al Bayt Stadium on Saturday, but his experience of coaching the two chief goal threats on each side means he has a vested interest.
He says both Kane and Mbappe "genuinely love the game", unlike some players he has come across.
"They love to talk about football, they love to talk about tactics, they have brains that really understand football. And this is why I think it would be so good to see them playing together. They would be completely compatible," Pochettino said.
He predicted an "amazing" connection, but stressed: "Maybe it will never happen; when I was at PSG, I knew Tottenham would never want to sell Harry."
Pochettino is not working as a coach in this instant, but he is regularly linked with top jobs when vacancies arise, and he said that "maybe one day in the future, if I am at a different club, and if Harry has decided to leave Tottenham, maybe I would try to bring Harry with me".
He credits Kane as having "saved my career" with a free-kick winner for Tottenham at Aston Villa in November 2014, and recalled nurturing the talent of "an old-fashioned number nine" to become the multi-faceted striker the England skipper is now.
Pochettino told The Athletic he and his coaching staff helped Kane "to run, helped him to press, and to move into different areas, using different spaces on the pitch.
"So he was a player who could play in the box or outside it, because his capacity to understand the game is amazing. He senses what the team needs, and when it’s under pressure he can drop into midfield, to help the team to progress the ball up the pitch or to provide assists.
"And if Harry drops into those positions in the World Cup quarter-final on Saturday, it will be difficult for France to stop."
Pochettino says that "constantly" dipping into midfield duties can also be a problem for Kane, given it blunts his frontline threat, and urged him to prioritise his work inside the penalty area.
Mbappe is the World Cup's leading scorer with five goals at Qatar 2022, and the 23-year-old has been in revelatory form, bringing his peak PSG game to the international stage.
Although Mbappe might rub some up the wrong way with his showmanship and imperious personality, Pochettino says it is "impossible not to" have a big ego when a footballer is given such acclaim, and he stressed the former Monaco player is "arrogant in the right, in the best way"
Offering high praise, Pochettino likened Mbappe to the great Brazilian Ronaldo, top scorer at the 2002 World Cup for the triumphant Selecao.
"It's in that capacity to accelerate, the technique, to dribble past opponents and score," Pochettino said.
Lionel Messi is "human" and "can miss" penalties, according to the Netherlands goalkeeper Andries Noppert ahead of his team's clash with Argentina in the World Cup quarter-finals on Friday.
In his fifth World Cup, Messi has scored three times in Qatar to help Argentina to the final eight of the tournament, taking his tally to 94 international goals.
Messi has converted 21 of his 26 penalties in his Argentina career, with one of those failures coming in the 2-0 victory over Poland in La Albiceleste's last group match in Qatar, though he did score from 12 yards in the shock opening 2-1 defeat to Saudi Arabia.
With Spain and Japan dumped out by penalty shoot-outs in the round of 16, Noppert is ready to take on the challenge if Friday's game goes the distance and Messi takes a spot-kick.
"He's the same like us. He's a human," Noppert told reporters on Wednesday. "It's about the moment.
"He can also miss, and we see it in the beginning of this tournament."
Noppert's route to becoming the Netherlands' number one goalkeeper at a World Cup has been an unconventional one, having been released from second-tier Dutch side Dordrecht just two years ago.
He considered retiring from football altogether, though was eventually signed by Eredivisie side Go Ahead Eagles in early 2021. Noppert found success there, before joining Heerenveen in May of this year.
His form was enough to earn him a call-up to the Netherlands' squad for Qatar, and Noppert became just the second Oranje player to make his national team debut at a World Cup in their opening 2-0 victory over Senegal.
With such a meteoric rise, Noppert spoke of his pride ahead of the biggest game of his career, while crediting coach Louis van Gaal for the role he played in the 28-year-old's inclusion.
"When you are a little boy you dream of being at a World Cup," Noppert added. "When you see my career, you put that dream away. But I kept fighting for it.
"There is only one national coach who could have brought me here and that is our national coach [Van Gaal].
"I am proud to be here and I have to keep working hard. That is the most important thing."
Michel Salgado believes there is a future for Luis Enrique's youthful Spain squad but says they must adapt after a shock World Cup exit.
La Roja were stunned on penalties following a goalless draw with Morocco in the last-16 on Tuesday, to curtail a tournament they had been among the favourites for.
It came after finishing second in their group behind Japan following an unexpected loss to the Samurai Blue and likely marks the end of the road for several senior players.
But with one of the younger squads at Qatar 2022, headlined by talents such as Gavi, Pedri and Ansu Fati, former Real Madrid and Spain defender Salgado believes the possibilities are still bright for the national team.
"If we want to win again, we have to make a clean slate, and we have to start working with the new," he told Stats Perform. "I think it's a team that can give much more in the next World Cup.
"It is a team with a lot of talent, there is no doubt about that. I believe that what we cannot be right now is fatalists. On the contrary, I think we have to be positive.
"We are not going to change our identity. Spain is a country that is measured by the football of possession and control of the game. What we do have [to do is] adapt to modern times.
"I think it's time to analyse how we can be more effective with what we have and look for that group that can be back to win the World Cup."
Salgado accepted the frustrations of Spain's ignominious exit, but says it is unfair to compare their achievements to those of the side that dominated world football over a decade ago.
"Obviously, for the fans, it is a disappointment," he added. "I have to see it from a different angle. I think it is a young team, a team at a time of total change.
"The pressure, I think that's the first thing we have to erase. We have to make a clean slate and start getting the best out of the players we have now."
SportsMax is the Caribbean sports channel of choice, committed to providing sporting content of the highest quality to the Caribbean, delivered by a team of highly innovative, passionate and qualified professionals.
(876) 619-7629
digitalmedia@sportsmax.tv
