Jeremy Doku and Belgium will face Rodri and Spain in the World Cup quarter-finals after both Manchester City players reached the last eight.
Belgium booked their place with a 4-1 win over hosts USA in Seattle, while Spain beat Portugal 1-0 through Mikel Merino’s late winner.
Manchester City’s official website confirmed Belgium will now face Rodri’s Spain in Los Angeles at 20:00 UK time on Friday.
Doku came off the bench against the USA as Belgium closed out the tie, with Romelu Lukaku scoring in added time. Rodri, meanwhile, remains central to a Spain side who have grown into the knockout stage.
Read Man City has already covered how Rodri handed City a fitness boost before Spain’s Portugal tie, while Doku’s Belgium workload has also given Enzo Maresca a squad-management issue.
City Interest Guaranteed In Los Angeles
For City, the quarter-final guarantees another player in the World Cup semi-final.
It also creates a direct club-versus-club subplot inside one of the biggest games of the tournament. Rodri gives Spain control, rhythm and defensive balance. Doku gives Belgium pace, width and the ability to attack tired legs.
The City angle is not only about pride. Maresca will also be watching minutes, recovery and how deep his key players go before pre-season.
City’s World Cup group has already affected summer planning. Read Man City previously reported that players involved at the tournament are expected to receive extra time off.
Doku against Rodri gives City supporters a clear reason to watch. For Maresca, it is another reminder that his first summer is being shaped by football he cannot control.
