World Cup: A look at the knockout stage
With the group stage of the tournament drawing to a close there is plenty to look forward to in the next round as teams battle it out for a place in the quarter-finals…
Netherlands vs USA
The first knockout game of the tournament will see Holland take on America as two of the remaining unbeaten teams go head-to-head. The Netherlands were unimpressive in a group where they were heavy favourites to progress from. They drew against Ecuador and gave uninspiring performances against Senegal and Qatar, which left few expecting them to go far in the knockout stages. The USA, however, were a surprise package in Group B as they held England to a goalless draw, performed well against Wales and got a much-needed win over Iran in their final group game. Many considered USA as the best footballing team in the group, but they struggled to be clinical in the final third. It will be a close encounter between both teams, but with America’s Christian Pulisic a doubt to start the match, it looks like Netherland’s game to lose.
England vs Senegal
England will be confident they can make it to the quarter-finals and be one step closer to bringing it home. The Three Lions had a steady run in the group stages as Southgate’s men played brilliantly in their opener against Iran and put three past Wales in a comfortable victory. This will be their toughest game of the tournament yet as Senegal are not going to go down easily. The African side won two games in their group, only suffering defeat to Holland. The side is led by Chelsea duo Koulibaly and Mendy, while also having many other players at top European clubs, such as, Everton’s Idrissa Gueye. England are the favourites to progress from the match as the squad they possess will look to perform well and gain a place in the last eight.
Argentina vs Australia
Argentina made it out of their group, despite their shock loss to Saudi Arabia in their first match of the tournament. Messi’s men won the remaining two games against Mexico and Poland comfortably and they will hope that they can keep the performances to that standard. Australia find themselves in the knockout stages of a World Cup for the first time since 2006 after a dramatic last-game upset against Denmark. The Socceroos finished second in their group behind holders’ France. This game sets up an underdog story for the ages as one of the tournament’s favourites faces a team that many predicted to finish last in their group. Argentina have produced better performances as the tournament progressed and will hope that continues, in what looks to be Messi’s last chance at World Cup glory. As for Australia, they have had a great run, but this may be one step too far.