The 2022 Qatar World Cup hit the half-way mark last night after Brazil narrowly defeated Switzerland in Group H. Following six consecutive days of four group games, the prestigious tournament scheduling sees a major change from today.
All 32 nations have played two games and have their final group game this week. Starting today, Group A and Group B round off their group campaign ahead of the first day of the knockout round on Saturday. However, unlike the previous week where we had games at 10am, 1pm, 4pm and 7pm, the remaining group fixtures are at different times.
Group A's final games will both take place at 3pm and England's group follows the double header with two games at 7pm. The timing difference comes to ensure both games take place at the same time.
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The timing of the game also adds an extra bit of excitement with places in the top two to play for. For example, the Netherlands and Ecuador are joint-leaders at the top of Group A on four points. Senegal remain in the picture on three points and can secure a spot in the knockout stages with victory over Ecuador.
The timing also speeds up the group stage process after nearly two weeks of action. Saturday is the first day of knockout football which will see Group A winners face the runners-up of Group B and the Group C winners take on Group D's runners-up.
The round of 16 lasts four days before the World Cup takes a break for the first time with two days. We then have the final eight on Friday, December 9 and Saturday, December 10 followed by the semi-finals (December 13 and 14) and the final (December 18).
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