Qatar World Cup: Last 16 Review
Portugal 6-1 Switzerland
Portugal started the match with captain Cristiano Ronaldo on the bench. He was replaced by Benfica’s Goncalo Ramos in the first game of a major tournament where Ronaldo didn’t start since 2008. This was sure to lead to media scrutiny if the Portugal side didn’t perform well, however, Ronaldo’s countrymen thrived in his absence to book their place in the quarter-finals for the first time in 16 years.
Ramos produced the first hat trick of the tournament with a stunning display in his first ever World Cup start and many will feel that he deserves to keep his place in the next round. A stunning attacking display also saw 39-year-old Pepe become just the second oldest to ever score at a World Cup with a thumping header past Switzerland ‘keeper Sommer.
A consolation goal from Akanji got Switzerland on the scoresheet, but they never looked like coming back into the game. Portugal were nowhere near favourites to take the trophy home before this game, but after a statement win in their first knockout match, other teams will not want to play them in this form.
Morocco 0-0 Spain (Morocco win 3-0 on penalties)
Spain were undoubtedly the favourites to progress from this match after putting on some great displays in the group stages. Morocco would have taken some confidence into the match as well with the African side defeating a struggling Belgium team in their final group game to progress.
The 120-minute stalemate saw Spain with the large bulk of possession, but they couldn’t convert it into chances. Spain completed over 900 successful passes throughout the game with Rodri becoming the first player to complete over 600 in a single World Cup tournament. Spain only made one shot on target in the whole match – the lowest ever of a Spain side in a World Cup match.
Luis Enrique set up with an unusual line-up, there was no out-and-out striker in the side despite Alvaro Morata being in fine form. The side also consisted of eight midfield players in classic Spain fashion. The shootout saw Spain miss three spot kicks, while Morocco scored three to book their place in the quarters. Morocco will have the weight of an entire continent on their shoulders as they are the last African side left in the tournament, this result should give them the confidence to make the semi-finals.
Brazil 4-1 South Korea
South Korea were a surprise package in the knockouts and to come up against an in-form Brazil side was one of the toughest tasks imaginable. Neymar and Vinicius Jr showed just how good they are with free-flowing attacking football. Neymar was a doubt for the match as he suffered an ankle injury in the opening win over Serbia, but his spot-kick brings him one step closer to matching the record set by leading goal scorer Pele. Tottenham Hotspur striker Richarlison scored his third of the tournament to put his side four up at the break.
Korea added a consolation goal in the second half, but the game was over before it had really started. This performance emphasies just how good a side Brazil are, especially with Neymar back in the team. They will be strong favourites to progress past Croatia and into the semi-finals where they will face either Holland or Argentina. The way this tournament has shaped up, Brazil have had a favourable run of games and this could make them the team to beat. It would take something big to prevent the South American side from winning the World Cup for a record sixth time.