The World Cup – A review of the knockouts

Portugal 6-1 Switzerland

Portugal started the match with the captain and main man Cristiano Ronaldo on the bench. He was replaced by Goncalo Ramos of Benfica in what was the first game at 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. Ronaldo’s countrymen thrived in his absence by producing one of the performances of the tournament and Portugal booked their place in the quarter-finals for the first time in 16 years. Ramos produced the first hattrick of the tournament with a stunning display of finishing in his first ever world cup start, many will feel that he deserves to keep his place in the starting 11 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. At least 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 like 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. They went into the match in good form after putting on some great displays in the group stages. Morocco would have taken some confidence into the match as well; the African side beat a struggling Belgium team in their final group game to progress into the Knockouts. 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 on record 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 from four 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 give it their all to make the semi-finals.

Brazil 4-1 South Korea

In a match where only one team was given a chance, it played out that exact way. 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. The game saw one of the favourites for the tournament put on a show, Superstars such as 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, his return was marked by a penalty goal and puts him one behind leading goal scorer Pele for Brazil. Spurs striker Richarlison scored his third of the tournament and put his side 4 up before the break. Korea added a consolation goal in the second half, but the game was over before it had really started. This performance emphasises 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 would 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 6th time.