MATT BARLOW’S WORLD CUP DIARY:  Richarlison’s emotional exchange with Ronaldo goes back to 2002

The quarterfinal lineup for the World Cup is complete, as the tournament is in the midst of a two-day break ahead of the final eight.

Portugal, Morocco, the Netherlands, Argentina, France, England, Croatia and Brazil remain in Qatar as we move towards the business end of the tournament.

It’s been a World Cup full of intrigue both on and off the pitch, and here Sportsmail’s MATT BARLOW shares the latest installment of his World Cup diary.

The Qatar World Cup is currently in the middle of a two-day break before the quarterfinals.

Richarlison’s exchange with Ronaldo dates back to 2002

Richarlison’s emotional exchange with Ronaldo after Brazil’s win over Switzerland prompted the Spurs striker’s father to reveal how the connection began during the 2002 World Cup.

“That’s why Ronaldo is his inspiration,” said Antonio Carlos de Andrade. He was about five years old at the time and it was just the two of us. I went down to the street and watched the games in a little bar there with him.

I would go out for a while, go play soccer with the street kids, come back and watch. I think he has these memories of Ronaldo, who was the top scorer, and he is very inspired.”

Richarlison’s emotional exchange with Ronaldo dates back to the 2002 World Cup

Hazard hangs up his international boots

Eden Hazard has ended his international career.

“Today a page is turned, thank you for your love,” said Hazard, 31, announcing his retirement after 126 caps and 33 goals. He made his Belgian debut at age 17 in 2008 and his departure is yet another scenario in the demise of his Golden Generation.

Eden Hazard when he announced his retirement from Belgium service after 126 games and 33 goals

The queen of the jungle, Scott, is joining ITV

Fresh off her jungle hit I’m a Celebrity, Jill Scott will be flying in search of more dubious culinary delights in Qatar’s FIFA media cafes, joining the ITV squad for England v France, where she’ll be alongside the field with Laura Woods and Eni Aluko.

ITV dropped its scheduled news bulletin on Tuesday to follow up on Morocco’s penalty shootout victory over Spain and then went straight to its live coverage of Portugal against Switzerland. They were rewarded with a peak audience of eight million.

I’m A Celebrity winner Jill Scott will join ITV’s coverage of England’s match against France.

Noppert admits he had given up on the World Cup dream

Dutch goalkeeper Andries Noppert, one of the good stories of this World Cup, admits that even he had given up his childhood dream when he was without a club two years ago. “When you’re a little kid, you dream of the World Cup,” Noppert said. ‘But when you see my career, I put the dream aside. I thought it was not possible.

“You have to keep pushing, that’s the most important thing.”

Dutch goalkeeper Andries Noppert was without a club just two years ago

Germany stays true to Flick

Germany coach Hansi Flick will remain in his post despite his team’s dismal performance at the World Cup.

Flick was widely criticized after overseeing Germany’s second successive group stage elimination at a World Cup, but the former Bayern Munich manager has avoided the axe.

“We are all convinced that Euro 2024 in our own country represents a great opportunity for football in Germany,” the German FA said in a statement. We have full confidence in Hansi Flick.

Oliver of the Premier League delivered the quarter-final tie

English referee Michael Oliver received the quarterfinal tie between Croatia and Brazil on Friday.