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Seven Barcelona stars still dreaming of World Cup glory

Will any of them lift the trophy in Russia?

Uruguay v Portugal: Round of 16 - 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images

There are just eight teams left at the World Cup but seven Barcelona stars remain as the competition heads into the quarter-finals.

Here’s a look at which players remain and who they will face for a place in the semi-finals.

Uruguay vs France

France v Argentina: Round of 16 - 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images

The first quarter-final kicks off on Friday as Uruguay play France in Nizhny Novgorod in a match which will see Luis Suarez come up against Samuel Umtiti.

France come into the game fresh from dumping out Argentina in a 4-3 thriller, while Uruguay beat Portugal 2-1.

Suarez has two goals and an assist in four games so far and will carry the team’s hopes in attack particularly if Edinson Cavani misses out through injury.

Umtiti will feature for France in defence, and there’s also a chance we’ll get to see Ousmane Dembele although he’s struggled to make an impact at the World Cup so far.

Belgium v Brazil

Serbia v Brazil: Group E - 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia

Friday also sees Brazil take on Belgium with Philippe Coutinho and Paulinho likely to be involved for the Selecao and Thomas Vermaelen for the Red Devils.

Brazil remain the favourites to win the World Cup, and Coutinho has been one of the best players in the tournament so far.

Belgium also have a star-studded squad but they came perilously close to an exit against Japan in the last 16 and secured a comeback win with virtually the last kick of the game.

Russia v Croatia

Croatia v Denmark: Round of 16 - 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images

And the final Barcelona star left in the tournament is none other than Ivan Rakitic who faces tournament hosts Russia wih Croatia on Saturday.

Zlatko Dalic’s side cruised through the group stage but found it tough going in the last 16 and needed penalties to see off Denmark.

Rakitic slotted home the winning spot-kick for his side, and he’ll be hoping for more heroics on Saturday.

Which Barcelona star has the best chance of winning the World Cup? Let us know your thoughts and predictions in the comments below!

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