Week five at the World Cup
Nine players from Manchester United remain at the World Cup as we enter the last 16. We will have a look back at how the remaining got on in the second knock-out round: Who starred, who must do better and who is on their way home.
Morocco v Canada
It is the end of the road for the co-hosts as Morocco eased their way into the Quarter-Finals. Canada had been the better of the two sides in the first half but were unable to find the necessary breakthrough. The AFCON winners went in front early in the second period and they never looked back. The Canadians tried desperately to get level, but were hit on the break twice more.
It was a solid display by Noussair Mazraoui yet again. He played the full game and was a dependable figure when they were under pressure. He did not have much presence in the attacking side, but he did not need to. His passing and tackling stats were impressive again in keeping the side ticking over. It will make for an interesting encounter against France next.
Brazil v Norway
Brazil have become another of the pre-tournament giants to make an early exit. They will look back with a certain amount of regret and frustration after the loss to Norway. They contrived to miss a penalty when the game was scoreless and saw the Norwegian goalkeeper pull off a number of outstanding saves. Meanwhile, Erling Haaland needed just two chances to score the double to send the Scandinavians through.
Matheus Cunha had been the primary attacking source for the Brazilians along with Vinicius Jnr up to that point. The Manchester United forward was taken down in the box for the penalty that was missed. He also proved to be a constant nuisance whenever he got on the ball. He can be proud of his work despite the defeat. Ederson did not play but is expected to complete his medical soon to sign for us.
England v Mexico
England have flattered to deceive in this competition, but produced a strong performance in the heat of the Azteca Stadium. They turned the game on its head with a Jude Bellingham double before the break. The co-hosts did get back into the game and England were then reduced to ten players. A Harry Kane penalty helped regain control. Mexico did get back one but England held firm despite constant pressure.
Neither Marcus Rashford nor Kobbie Mainoo featured at all. Both will be hoping to at least see some minutes in the last-eight against Norway.
Portugal v Spain
It was a battle of the Iberian rivals for a space in the quarter-finals. Spain had beaten Portugal at this stage when winning back in 2010. They were on top for most of the first half and forced several saves. Portugal did manage to hit the post though. They started to gain a measure of control in the second period but Cristiano Ronaldo still looked behind the pace. It appeared to be heading to extra time when Spain popped up with a last minute winner.
It proved to be a frustrating game for Bruno Fernandes. He had the best opportunity in the second half at 0-0 when he hit the side netting. He also created two chances in the game and had a decent passing record. Diogo Dalot came on for the final 20 minutes. He did not have much in the attacking sense but did win all his tackles and had a strong passing rate. Both players will now return to Old Trafford ahead of pre-season.
Belgium v USA
It is the end of the road for the last remaining co-hosts as they were comfortably beaten by Belgium. Having drawn level after half an hour, mistakes at the back allowed the Belgians gain a firm control of the game. A last minute goal from Romalu Lukaku sealed the contest. It was a disappointing end to the tournament especially in the light of the controversy caused by Donald Trump.
Senne Lammens is still yet to see any action, but he must be the man they look to after this tournament. Thibaut Courtois was caught flat-footed by the deflected equaliser and is likely to be one of many to step aside after the competition ends.
Argentina v Egypt
The holders are just about still in the competition after a monumental comeback against the North Africans. They trailed two nil deep into the second half and looked to be making an early exit. This also included a missed penalty by Lionel Messi in the first half. But the champions are made of stronger stuff. They clawed one back with ten minutes to go before Messi scored his 21st World Cup goal with a brilliant volley. It was end to end as the game reached its climax. A breakaway led to the winner to send Argentina through in injury time.
Lisandro Martinez did not have his best game unfortunately. He was out-jumped at the back post to allow the Egyptians take the lead. He also lost the run of the scorer of the second goal. He did win a number of important challenges when they were chasing the game. He also had a strong passing accuracy. He will be hoping for better in the quarter final against Switzerland.
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