Knockout Phase
Round of 16
Day 14
Netherlands v USA (Khalifa International Stadium)
Holland played well but USA had no luck, Memphis Depay was their strongest player and him coming back into the side will strengthen the dutch for their next matches. USA could have made a comeback following their first goal but Holland scored again, taking the game away from the Americans. Holland still haven't lost in the tournament. USA will regroup for the next World Cup as hosts in 2026.
Final Score: Netherlands 3 – 1 USA
Day 14
Argentina v Australia (Ahmad bin Ali Stadium)
Argentina knocked the ball about well and Australia tried hard to win this game. The Australians could have knicked a draw, but Argentina were too good with Messi orchestrating and Alvarez dangerous. One of the teams to beat, Holland next in the quarter finals will be a great game. Solid defensively, the question is how many goals are Argentina gonna score?
Final Score: Argentina 2 – 1 Australia
Day 15
France v Poland (Al Thumama Stadium)
France blew the Poles away. Poland performed well but you can never rule out France scoring. Giroud played well, he has played a lot against English teams and knows how they work. England should be worried about this French team. Mbappe can turn a game around and Deschamps, who played for Chelsea knows about the English game. Lots to talk about and ways of going at England.
Final Score: France 3 – 1 Poland
Day 15
England v Senegal (Al Bayt Stadium)
More or less a walk over, Senegal started well but faded as England were too good and out passed them despite never being on song. Kane may be back on track and start scoring. Bellingham looks the part, wins the ball, gets forward, crosses, shoots. Now it will get tighter. In defence, Maguire and Stones don’t look to go together as a defensive pairing and will not be 100 percent dependable against Mbappe and Giroud.
Final Score: England 3 – 0 Senegal
Day 16
Japan v Croatia (Al Janoub Stadium)
Boring game but can't fault the Japanese for their effort, they tried hard. Croatia have been like outsiders throughout the tournament. Japan were terrible at penalties and were beaten easily at the shoot out. Despite the age of Modric, the team is not too old. Perisic scored and Modric was always around in what was the best performance from this experienced team. Modric being substituted before the penalties was surprising. The Croats are unlikely to win against Brazil.
Final Score: Japan 1 – 1 Croatia (Japan 1 – 3 Croatia on penalties)
Day 16
Brazil v South Korea (Stadium 974)
Brazil were so good they are taking the mickey. The best Brazil team seen for a long time. They should blow away Croatia, with Richarlison ruthless in front of goal and Neymar a player who can turn a game.
Final Score: Brazil 4 – 1 South Korea
Day 17
Morocco v Spain (Education City Stadium)
Morocco were impressive in the matches prior to this game. Spain never turned up and Morocco played defensively, stifling the Spanish. Terrible match, Morocco got through when Spain failed to convert any of their spot kicks. Morocco one of the three teams that haven't lost a game.
Final Score: Morocco 0 – 0 Spain (Morocco 3 – 0 Spain on penalties)
Day 17
FIFA World Cup Round of 16
Portugal v Switzerland (Lusail Iconic Stadium)
Outstanding performance from Portugal, better even than Brazil. Ronaldo is a great player to have coming on as a substitute late in the game. Portugal did everything right, passed the ball, scored six. Goncalo Ramos could keep scoring and Bruno Fernandes is always there abouts, wins tackles and gets forward.
Final Score: Portugal 6 – 1 Switzerland
