With four teams remaining in the tournament, the World Cup is entering its final stages. After a highly exciting set of quarter-final matches, let’s look back at who stood out from this round of fixtures.

Here are some of the best players from the quarter-finals:

Josip Juranovic

It was an outstanding performance from the Celtic right back as his native Croatia defeated Brazil on penalties. Despite, being quiet in the previous fixtures, it was like watching the Croat perform in an Ange Postecoglou side that has been unstoppable in the Premiership thus far.

He was against Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior, a player he struggled to cope with in the Champions League earlier this season. However, the Brazilian winger was nowhere near the level to get past Juranovic as he was subbed off for a poor performance.

Argentina awaits Croatia in the semi-final for what will be a very tense affair. With a performance like that, Juranovic will gain a lot of confidence going into this game as he tries to help his side reach a second successive final.

The Celtic right back impressed in his nation’s quarter-final win (Image: Getty)

Lionel Messi

There’s no surprise that the Argentina captain was one of the best performers in the quarter-finals. He has got the whole nation on his back as ‘Messi and Co.’ went through to the next round after beating the Netherlands on penalties.

In his charge for that prized World Cup medal, the PSG forward was yet again scintillating for his nation as a lovely bit of skill helped assist Nahuel Molina for Argentina’s first goal, alongside a goal from the penalty spot.

With a tough game against Croatia in the semi-final, Messi will be hoping that he can replicate the form that he has shown for his country. The Argentine is one step closer to achieving the one trophy that has avoided him throughout his whole career.

Messi is another step closer to getting his hands on the World Cup trophy (Image: Getty)

Antoine Griezmann

All the talk has been on Olivier Giroud and Kylian Mbappe during the tournament, but one player has gone under the radar for his performances. Antoine Griezmann was instrumental for France as he contributed to his nation's victory against England on Saturday night.

Due to his age and France’s adaptability for other players, Griezmann has been moved to a deeper role than he usually plays. However, this has not stopped the Atletico Madrid player from playing his football as he assisted both goals in their 2-1 win over the Three Lions.

Les Bleus will come up against Morocco, with the latter becoming the first African side to reach the semi-finals. It won’t be an easy game for France as their opponents have only conceded one goal in the World Cup so far. This will become a lot more comfortable for France if Griezmann displays yet another brilliant performance as the current holders try to reach the final and reclaim their title.

Qatar 2022: Best performers from the quarter-finals