Week four at the World Cup
Ten players from Manchester United remain at the World Cup after the group stages. We will have a look back at how the remaining got on in the first knock-out round: Who starred, who must do better and who is still waiting on the bench.
Brazil v Japan
Brazil were aiming to avoid being one of the heavyweights to get knocked out. They did not have it all their own way against an organised and spirited Japanese side. The Asian side led at half-way, and limited the five-time winners to only a few clear opportunities. It took the intervention of former red, Casemiro, to draw them level. It still looked as if they were destined for extra-time until Brazil struck in the very last minute.
Matheus Cunha had a quieter game than his two previous in terms of scoring. He still managed to have three efforts on goal with one being saved. He also had a high percentage in terms of passing and tackling. He was subbed off in the second-half. It was a surprise to not see Ederson brought on given the struggles in their midfield. They now have a massive game against Norway in the last-16.
Morocco v Netherlands
The semi-Finalists from 2022 have made it to the last 16 yet again. They did so in impressive fashion knocking out perennial outsiders Netherlands. Having gone behind with less than twenty minutes to go, they appeared to be making an early exit. Not so. As the Dutch sat further and further back, the North Africans equalised in injury time before eventually coming out on top in a penalty shoot-out.
It was an excellent match over all for Noussair Mazraoui. It was his cross that provided the leveller in an all action display. His tackling and passing rates were high as Morocco dominated possession and pushed the Europeans back constantly. He has really stepped up his form in this tournament so far. They will now fancy their chances against the co-hosts Canada.
Ivory Coast v Norway
The West African side had created history with their progression to the knock-out round. They were looking to spring another surprise by eliminating one of the dark horses from the competition. They came mightily close. It was a game in which neither sides really brought their form in the first half. Norway led at the break and the Ivorian’s were heading out.
It took the introduction of Amad Diallo to provide the spark the game needed. He immediately got into the action with some dangerous balls into the box to test the Norwegian defense. He was in the right place at the right time to clear off the line to keep them in the game. And he drew them level with an excellent run and shot. Norway did go back in front with a few minutes to go before Diallo had another chance. His long-range free-kick was tipped over unfortunately. He will be aiming to rest up before returning to pre-season.
England v DR Congo
England have flattered to deceive in this competition and came mightily close to an embarrassing exit here. Yet again they looked nervous and disjointed at the back, ponderous in midfield and erratic in attack. DR Congo went behind early on and performed heroically for most of the game. It took the intervention of Harry Kane to eventually win the game in the final twenty minutes.
Marcus Rashford started the game and played for an hour. He had a shot cleared off the line and saw another just past the post. He did not impact enough on the game other than that however. Kobbie is still waiting for his first opportunity. It is a surprise given how dysfunctional England have been. They now have a major task against co-hosts Mexico at the Azteca Stadium.
Belgium v Senegal
Belgium are just about hanging on in this tournament having been given a major fright by Senegal. They looked to be heading out to the African side as they trailed two nil with a few minutes to go. Belgium appeared to be a side who looked very much their age at that point. A two goal return from set pieces rescued them out of nowhere.
Penalties were looming until they were awarded a penalty in the final minute. The incident looked extremely soft, but Youri Tielemans won the game. They will have to raise their performance level drastically in order to beat the US in the last 16. Senne Lammens is still yet to see any action, but he must be the man they look to after this tournament.
Portugal v Croatia
It was perhaps the battle of the 40 year olds as Cristiano Ronaldo faced up against Luca Modric. The pre-tournament favourites dominated proceedings for most of the first-half but could not find a breakthrough. Croatia went in front after the break, and it appeared that they were about to have another strong World Cup placing. Ronaldo landed a penalty to equalise before a late winner from Ramos.
Bruno Fernandes was subbed off just before the penalty when it appeared Ronaldo was to go off first. He saw one effort saved and another just off target. He also had strong passing stats to boot. If Ronaldo is to start again, they must consider how to get the best out of him. Instead of just trying to pass to him constantly. Diogo Dalot started on the bench but did not play.
Argentina v Cape Verde
The holders are just about still in the competition after their toughest challenge so far. The World Cup debutantes twice drew level and looked certain to cause the mother of all shocks. An own goal with nine minutes left ultimately settled the contest but Argentina still have to endure some nervous moments before the final whistle. For many, it was the game of the tournament so far.
Lisandro Martinez played a major role in that win. His raking pass from defense perfectly found the run of Lionel Messi to put them ahead in the first half. He was caught out for the equaliser which went through his legs as he attempted to block it. He did put them back in front with a well-placed volley at the back-post in extra-time before the second leveller. He also had a high passing stat. He will be hoping to continue his form against Egypt in the next round.
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