World Cup enters critical phase for Royal Blues

Thing are about to get serious for Schalke players at the World Cup in Russia. While Amine Harit and Leon Goretzka need nothing less than a win in their quest for a spot in the last 16, Marko Pjaca and Breel Embolo will be hoping to build on their positive starts to the tournament. schalke.04.de looks ahead to the upcoming matches.

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19.06.18, 12:45

Amine Harit and Morocco face a tricky opponent in their next when they face European champions Portugal on Wednesday (20.6). A defeat against Cristiano Ronaldo & Co. would almost certainly mean elimination from the tournament; their opponents having drawn 3-3 against Spain in a spectacular opening fixture last week. But as that game proved, Portugal’s form and chances rely heavily on how their superstar forward performance. Kick-off at the Luzhniki Stadium is 14:00 CEST.

The only Royal Blue win to date at the World Cup came when Marko Pjaca’s Croatia beat Nigeria 2-0 in their opening fixture. Currently top of Group D, a win for the Croats in their next game would ensure qualification to the knockout stages, but standing in their way are 2014 finalists Argentina – who were held to a 1-1 draw by Iceland. Kick-off at 20:00 CEST.

Serbia and Switzerland meet on Friday (22.6) at 20:00 CEST – with both teams looking to build on the momentum of their opening fixtures. Breel Embolo and his Swiss colleagues held tournament favourites to a surprise 1-1 draw, while Serbia enjoyed a comfortable 1-0 victory over Costa Rica to set them up with a chance of reaching the knockout phase for the first time in 20 years.

Finally, the Germany national team will be hoping to make amends for their shock opening defeat when they face Sweden on Saturday (23.6). Following a disappointing loss against Mexico, personnel changes may well be on the agenda for Joachim Löw; perhaps presenting a chance for Leon Goretzka to make his World Cup debut. One thing is for sure: should Die Mannschaft fail to beat Sweden, they face the same fate that befell previous World Champions Italy and Spain – eliminated at the group stage. The Swedes may not have impressed in their opener against South Korea; however, they still managed to grind out a 1-0 win from the penalty spot. Kick-off on Saturday is 20:00 CEST.

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