Week six at the World Cup
Five 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 France
Morocco have become the last African side to exit the World Cup as they were defeated by France. Kylian Mbappe was the star of the show as he scored and set set up another in the second half. He could even afford a missed penalty along the way. It has moved him top of the scoring charts for the tournament so far. Morocco were limited in their opportunities and were hanging on for much of the game. They are unfortunately unable to replicate their feats from Qatar.
It was a disappointment for Noussair Mazraoui. He was selected in at centre-back to try and combat the pace of the French attack. He was guilty of making the challenge that conceded the early penalty. He, along with his fellow defenders, were left chasing shadows at times. He can be proud of his effort overall though.
Belgium v Spain
It looks to be the end of an era for the Belgians as they exited the World Cup. Many of their veteran players from the so-called ‘golden generation’ are likely to be featuring at their last tournament. They drew level with Spain just before half-time after conceding on the half hour. They appeared to be on route for extra-time and penalties only for the Spanish to pop up with another late winner. They were unable to respond in the time remaining.
Senne Lammens will be haunted by his first World Cup experience unfortunately. Thibaut Courtois was forced to come off with an injury affording him a rare opportunity. His first major piece of action saw him spill a shot from distance allowing a tap in for the winner. Hopefully he will be reminded of the fine work he did last season and can put it behind him.
England v Norway
England are just about still in the tournament after coming from behind to defeat Norway. In a game where many of their players flattered to deceive, a double from Jude Bellingham saw them through to the last four. Norway had gone in front and spurned a two on one in the first half. They also had an effort off the bar and a goal disallowed. The winner was also a fumble from the keeper.
Neither Marcus Rashford nor Kobbie Mainoo featured at all. The latter is all the stranger given how much the starting midfield struggled. It gets to the point where United fans will be regretting him being called up at all. It will be a big step up in the Semi-Final against Argentina.
Argentina v Switzerland
The holders were taken all the way by a spirited Swiss team, but still managed to prevail. Having gone in front early in the game, they might have expected an easy passage. Switzerland grew into the game and deservedly drew level in the second half. They were dealt a blow with a red card for simulation shortly after. Argentina found their second wind and scored twice in extra-time to ensure their progression. Lionel Messi did not score but provided an assist.
Lisandro Martinez played the full 120 minutes as they again they had their mettle tested. His tackling record was not his usual high standards but his passing was tidy and accurate. He also had a shot saved with another one off target. It will be a highly intriguing encounter with England coming up. He will have to be at his best to shackle the English attack.
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